Appropriate Weight?

[kiwioz]

I've been concerned recently that Finn may be underweight and wanted to ask for some advice. He is a hairy fuzzbutt so its hard to tell just by looking, but he does generally have a lean/slender frame. I can feel his ribs easily, but they are not protruding. They seem to have a nice layer over them, which I would think was pretty spot on. However his spine seems to comparatively really stick out a lot. The vertebrae are very easy to feel, and his two sticky outy hip bones are fairly prominent. Being a mutt I can't refer to a breed standard, but he is around 11-12 kilos and approx 43-44cm at the shoulder (done with a 30cm ruler so not terribly accurate ) He is a cavalier x mini poodle - I am not sure what their build is typically like?

Any help/suggestions/advice greatly appreciated

[Guest Tess32]

I think if the hip bones are sticking out too much and the spine as well, I'd like a little more covering.

[kiwioz]

I think if the hip bones are sticking out too much and the spine as well, I'd like a little more covering.

Yeah that's what I was thinking. I've always gone primarily by ribs, but then his back started to remind me of our greyhound fosters and I got a little concerned!

[lucknow]

The pelvic bones protruding is not ideal.

Body condition score as used by a lot of vets is found at the address below.

http://www.purina.com/dogs/health/bodycondition.aspx

[kiwioz]

The pelvic bones protruding is not ideal.

Body condition score as used by a lot of vets is found at the address below.

http://www.purina.com/dogs/health/bodycondition.aspx

Thanks for the link lucknow. I'd guess he's around number 3, so we'll aim to bulk him up a little and keep an eye on those pelvic bones and vertebrae.

[suezija]

If you feel the back of your unclenched hand it will give you a good idea of what covering you should feel on the ribs of your dog.

I find that as good a rule as any.

[kiwioz]

Thanks suezija that's a good comparison to use