Another question about weight.

[Bella and Gabe]

Every Newf I've had, weight has always been an issue...the issue being they tended to be on the heavier side.

Well, my dear sweet Noah is the opposite. Noah is 15 months old and is as skinny as a rail. A few weeks ago we were in the States and I had my three pups at the kennel. When I saw the photos of my pups on the kennel's website it really hit home how thin Noah is.

I'm wondering if hormones has anything to do with it? Noah is not neutered, he has a super good appetite, appears to be healthy, has a shiny coat, but look how skinny he is! I'm almost embarrassed for you to see him!

Should I give him Satin Balls and try to bulk him up or is it better to err on the lean side. I'm wondering too if once he's altered if he'll put on weight.

He has a wonderful personality, gets along well with Gabe and Paige, eats well, is never sick and has a shiney coat (when he hasn't been playing in the mud.) But looking at this photo, don't you think he looks thin?

Am I worrying too much or not enough.

Help!

Please note that this photo was taken a day they were playing in the MUD (!!!) and fields so he normally isn't so filthy.

 

[Capri]

I wouldn't be too worried. He looks to be in a good weight, not too thin. You should be able to feel his ribs well, but they shouldn't be poking out from the sides. It is especially important to keep them lean while they're still growing.

 

[Bella and Gabe]

I wouldn't be too worried. He looks to be in a good weight, not too thin. You should be able to feel his ribs well, but they shouldn't be poking out from the sides. It is especially important to keep them lean while they're still growing.

Thanks! He is so different, weight wise, than any other Newfs I've had. Yes, I can easily feel his ribs and spine too, but his coat (when he isn't so filthy as in this photo) is glossy and lovely, and he's happy and eats well. He's just so skinny compared to my Landseers. And the two female black Newfs I've had in the past were both on the PLUS side...not fat but certainly not skinny.

He is young and lanky for sure. I just have always been so worried about my pups being too heavy and Noah is the first one that I've had the opposite concern.

 

[Capri]

That's great. If he has a good coat and he's active and healthy otherwise, I wouldn't worry about the weight. He does look like a normal lanky teenager. Plus, if he stays lean as he grows, he'll stay thin much easier as an adult too .

 

[ozzysma]

my ozzy is very long lanky and can get very skinny, even when free fed! he is not food motivated! he has been neutered and it never made a difference. i just feed him as much as he will eat. i found that switching to orijen made a difference with him. great ingredients and high on the calorie count.

 

[Leonard and his bud Snuffles]

You know, Snuffles old owner was disappointed because Snuffles wasn't a 150 pound dog at 1 and a half. His old owner fell in love with the breed size. I still think he wanted a trophie to show and not the love and companionship a dog can bring. To this day I am sorry and HAPPY to say that is why he gave up Snuffles. I think Snuffles first vet appointment with me at 2 years 3 months, he was about 110 pounds. At 7, he is around 145 give or take, and still not considered heavy at all. He just filled out slowly. If all else is OK with Noah, I don't think I would worry. They told me Snuffles' dad grew till he was at least 5 too.

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

What type of kibble are you feeding him? He looks like a growing teenager, and is fine. You may want to try a food with more calories. If he is happy and healthy, then no reason to worry. He will fill out as he matures.

 

[TerriW]

I had a 120 pound Newf, a 150 pound Newf, and a 200 pound Newf. All males. They are what they are (assuming you are feeding well, which I'm sure you are).

If you want to entice him to eat more, take Pete Maniate's advice and add salmon to the meal. Ben literally licks the bowl.

 

[wrknnwf]

If you are worried, talk to your vet. I'm sure it's better to be on the lean side as long as bones aren't protruding. And he's young. They tend to start bulking up around 3 years, give or take, and reach their prime around 5 years. Just be patient. His thinness now will probably be better for him in the long run.