Healthy Weight Gain?

[RetiredProf]

I had "Gus" to the vet yesterday for his next series of puppy shots, and he weighed in at 12.5 pounds! This is up from 8 pounds three weeks ago. He is just 12 weeks old.

I expressed concern that he may be too heavy, but the vet said he is "perfect"--she can feel his ribs. She was surprised that I was so concerned. Guess I'm thinking that he supposed to top at around 25 pounds, and he's already half way there at 3 months.

Can anybody "weigh" in on this for me? I'm a new Sheltie owner so any insights/comments from you experienced folks would be appreciated.

 

[elaine2004]

Shelties vary in size and weight.

The vet gave you the exact way to tell if your Sheltie is getting too heavy. If you can feel his ribs without having to search and they are not prominent then he is fine. Remember they are an active breed and muscle weighs more than fat.

 

[davemize]

Fast grower

Gus is shooting up fast, but your vet called it right. Ribs should be easily felt and not prominent. Sounds like he may be a big boy when grown.

 

[BarbV]

They grow through spurts at this age and for the next couple of months.

12.5 pounds is a little heavy but as everyone has said, if you are feeling ribs and when looking down on the pup you don't see a round bulge, it should be fine. How tall is he? That's a factor as well, as well as bone mass! Some Shelties are just bigger boned.