Concerned about weight

Cleo2014

Cleo2014

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Cleo is 8 months old now and 14 and a half inches tall but only weighs 14 pounds. Should I be concerned at this point or will she fill out later on?
 
Sheltie weights can really vary depending on the dog's build. My 15.5" dogs are perfect at 16lbs but overweight at 18. My little guy who is close to 14" is probably just right around 14 lbs. But I know some other dogs on this forum who are heavier boned and those weights I mentioned are far too light on them.
 
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My dog is more moderately boned. She's 16.5", so only an inch taller than Ashley's dogs. But she weighs around 25lbs. So she's almost 10 lbs heavier! She's not overweight at all. She would be skeletal at 16 lbs! She could stand to lose a pound or two to be in a good Flyball weight though. You have to go by the ribs. If you can't feel ribs, they need to lose weight. If it feels like the back of your hand, they're most likely a good weight. If you can practically see their ribs- too skinny! You can always ask your vet if you're concerned. Most performance dogs will be a little leaner than dogs who don't dog sports. Owners usually keep them that way.
 
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Spirit was very, very slender as a baby. Right now she is 12 inches and 12 pounds, but needs to lose a pound. Her ideal weight, according to the vet, is 11 pounds. Some shelties are just built much more lightly than others. I wouldn't worry about it.
 
They do start to bulk up as they get older, although some dogs will stay lean for longer. There was an experiment with labradors that found keeping a dog lean when they are young increased longevity. I'd suggest popping into your vet and asking them what they think - you prob won't need an appointment, the vet nurse can often have a look.
 
Honey was around 14 inches and about that weight when she was 8 months, she was also picky about food, so I started putting some wet in with the dry to get her to eat more, she didn't really gain weight until she was older. Now she's 14.5, and 24 pounds, but she's much more muscular.
 
Shelby is 16" and usually weighs 25-26 lib. The vet likes her at the weight. She says to keep her below 27lbs. I try to keep her at 26lbs because it just makes dosing her medication easier.
 
Thanks everyone for the information. I will look at this as she is fine. She may gain more weight later on, but she is very petite so she may not either. Time will tell. :smile2:
 
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