This is a very interesting thread! My vet says Buffy is the perfect weight -- not overweight or underweight. She's 12 inches tall and 13 pounds. (I've gotten comments before that she's too skinny, so I did ask the vet specifically at her checkup. Got to love my family. 
)
I would probably quit an agility class before making her lose weight for it. We're not that serious about it.
I don't know if any of you read the Wall Street Journal article about obese pets. It's really interesting and enlightening. I'm not sure if this link will work for people who do not subscribe though - let me know!
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704476604576158372088195308.html?mg=com-wsj
I do think it's easier for Shelties to become overweight than other dogs, because they have so much fluff and some are chow hounds who are not very active. Also, some people get Shelties without acknowledging they are active dogs who need exercise. Sometimes, Shelties never get out of the house because they are so shy - and their owners are the same way. (I have seen a few Shelties who are overweight, but I would never say anything to their owners.)
Buffy happens to be naturally very active and not a couch potato at all... and she rarely finishes her breakfast or dinner. So I know I'm not starving her, even though she gives me the "poor me" look when her food isn't spiced up with treats, salmon oil, or Parmesan cheese.
By the way, if anyone wants their picky eater Sheltie to eat more kibble, Parmesan cheese with salmon oil is the key. I would also recommend mixing the food with treats and hand-feeding for a Sheltie with an "attitude."
) I would probably quit an agility class before making her lose weight for it. We're not that serious about it.
I don't know if any of you read the Wall Street Journal article about obese pets. It's really interesting and enlightening. I'm not sure if this link will work for people who do not subscribe though - let me know!
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704476604576158372088195308.html?mg=com-wsj
I do think it's easier for Shelties to become overweight than other dogs, because they have so much fluff and some are chow hounds who are not very active. Also, some people get Shelties without acknowledging they are active dogs who need exercise. Sometimes, Shelties never get out of the house because they are so shy - and their owners are the same way. (I have seen a few Shelties who are overweight, but I would never say anything to their owners.)
Buffy happens to be naturally very active and not a couch potato at all... and she rarely finishes her breakfast or dinner. So I know I'm not starving her, even though she gives me the "poor me" look when her food isn't spiced up with treats, salmon oil, or Parmesan cheese.
By the way, if anyone wants their picky eater Sheltie to eat more kibble, Parmesan cheese with salmon oil is the key. I would also recommend mixing the food with treats and hand-feeding for a Sheltie with an "attitude."
Last edited:
). Last year we did meet ups at the park, but this year I don't know that is going to happen. Several of my friend's dogs have been hit one after another with random illnesses. One lost their toenail in a vehicle accident, one barely survived and is still recovering from an illness, and another one might have cancer.