Weight Question

johnbasl

New member
Hey all,

In email conversation with my breeder I told her Arya's weight. She was a bit concerned given the weight of her dogs (including those in Arya's litter), her experience, etc. I told her how much I was feeding Arya and she said it sounded appropriate and she said she'd take a look at her in a month or so (we are going to visit).

I'm pretty fastidious about Arya's weight and feeding. I can feel her ribs under a thin-to-medium layer of fat. Her stomach has a nice tuck. her hips are somewhat visible from above (but her thick coat makes it hard). Her spine is easily felt. And, she's fairly active for a newf. Her current weight is 135lbs.

A couple of vet visits ago, I was worried that Arya was on the high side of healthy. The vet tech thought she looked good and said not to let her gain much, but she didn't need to lose any.

On a more recent vet visit this week, I checked with the vet whom has been very good. She said she gives her a 3/5 which she says is where she should be.

So, I'm planning to continue with the current food level and monitoring her weight to hold it stable until we see our breeder (whom we trust quite a lot), but I wanted to check in here to see if other's have newfs with a similar weight profile that they judge to be healthy. I know that 135 is above average for a female of her age (she's almost 2) or any age really, but my assessment is that her weight is good. Do other more experienced owners think I should worry?

Thanks in advance.
 

ajcooksey

New member
I feel like it really depends on the build of the dog. Willow for example is on the shorter side for a newf and she needs to be kept in the 110lb range or else her ribs are not easily felt. I think it's more about how she feels than a number on a scale. Hearing a description and seeing the dog in person are two entirely different things and when your breeder sees her I'm sure they will be able to give you a better response.
 

dreamchaser456

New member
Takota had a 6 month check up yesterday and while he is still in an "ideal" weight range 3 of 5 my vet mentioned that he is a little too "round" for her liking. She would rather see them on the thin side of 3 and he isn't there right now. He weighted in at 145 at 2.5 years old. I'm very glad that she mentioned keeping him healthy and I had already cut his food down a bit as he had a little layer over his ribs but still has a nice waist and you can find his hips and spine. And before this appointment I honestly didn't know what he weighed for sure, just that there was a bit more to him than I usually have my gang carry. So even being in the ideal weight range can mean they need a little less weight. I'm sure your breeder will let you know for sure and that's the best info you can get.
 

Anthony99

New member
My girl is 8yrs old and 29inches from top of shoulder to floor. She is 135lbs but she is lean for her height.
 

johnbasl

New member
I still haven't been able to measure Arya, but I would not be surprised if she were on the tall side (and the long side). Thanks again for all the helpful replies.
 

Tricia2

New member
I know your breeder, John, and she has lines with considerable substance and bone. I wouldn't make any adjustments to your girl's feeding regime until you visit with your breeder since you and your vet concur that she doesn't appear overweight. One of your breeder's dogs sat on my foot and leaned on me at a show last fall. He was HUGE, not overweight, and just a big love of a guy. I knew right away where he was from...lovely dog but overall B.I.G.
 

johnbasl

New member
Thanks, Tricia. That makes me feel better. I'll keep her where she is until we get her to the Cape. Looking forward to seeing you too!
 
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