Large Sheltie

[Cindy]

Gavin is 13, lame on one leg so limited walks, and we are 1.5-2 cups of food a day. He is ~18" and up at 36lbs (but not fat). i like him better at 34 lbs, under 32 and he is too skinny. I thought he would need less food as a senior and was surprised he didn't gain weight at his normal chow. His weight gain is due to less activity the past year and increased supplements (treat type, as he will refuse to eat food with too much powder mixed in even with water or bone broth), so I cutting back to closer to 1.5 cups a day...

 

[kazie]

I agree with Sharon, you should be able to feel the ribs, and also the bones around the chest.

There is a lot of variation in Shelties, not just in height but also in length, so an average is hard to determine. But have a look at this chart with heights and weights of some of the Shelties we've had on the board https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...DNrvWtvu-PUyUSt2Aa0/edit?hl=en&hl=en&au#gid=0 To get height you measure from ground to shoulder blade.

My Mr D, a very, very long Sheltie, was over 16 inches and hovered around 23.5-25.5lb for most of his life. A 45lb Sheltie would have to be Aussie Shepherd sized - which is entirely possible, Shelties can be way over sized.

Remember Shelties were bred by poor farmers who valued a dog who could scavenge for it's food. So we ended up with a breed that is a) extremely fuel efficient, and b) darn good at scavenging.

A few other suggestions. Dogs like routine - they like set meal times. You can add in extra meals as you don't have to feed just once or twice a day, but they should be set times. My dogs get half an egg before bed (to hide tablets) and love it. Giving ad hoc treats during the day will encourage looking for food outside meal times. Dogs actually love working for their food so think of using a treat dispenser or hiding the food (my dogs love this one) or scattering in yard. Sometimes scavenging is just boredom. You can make an easy dispenser by cutting holes in a water bottle they push around to get the kibble out.

Totally agree about food games. Luna is usually 27 pounds but this winter, which has been extremely harsh keeping us inside most of the time, she "ballooned" up to 30 pounds. I have to admit I "ballooned" a bit as well. We are used to long hikes several times a week whether through deep snow or on clear trails but the last four months this just hasn't been possible. In order to keep her entertained on days when we can't be outside, we play a "find it" game, where she is on a sit/stay command and then I hide a piece of her kibble somewhere in the house. I release her with "Find it" and she dashes around sniffing like crazy until she finds her prize. She's so proud when she finds it and runs back to me so we can do it again. Food games are awesome.

 

[Margi]

I put both boys in the spare bedroom (the waiting room!) while I hide 25 small pieces all around the house. You should see their faces as they slowly trudge into the room! Look like prisoners going to the gallows LOL. I open the door with Go find em! and they come barreling out like horses out of the gate