What's the ideal weight for my 4-year-old spayed Rat Terrier?

Hi, thanks for using Petcoach! Fierce is beautiful! based on your pictures she looks like a healthy puppy! The weight of dog is based on it's bone structure. Not all dogs within the same breed will weigh exactly the same. Just like people. Fierce has a lot of growing still to do. She may be a more petite Rotweiller, which is perfectly fine. We want her to be a good body condition, over feeding her could lead to obesity which is a health issue. You want her to just be healthy! I've attached a body condition chart to help you figure out if she is an ideal body condition score. https://oregonvma.org/files/Purina-Dog-Condition-Chart.pdf I hope this eases your mind!

What a cutie! It's hard to tell from the picture, but she looks like she's at an ideal weight. Rather than tell you an exact number she should weigh, I think it's beneficial to explain what to look for to know that her body condition is ideal. At an ideal weight, you should be able to run your fingers over her sides and feel the indents between the ribs without pushing in. If you see her ribs, she is too thin. Looking down on her when she's standing, she should have a little indent in her waist. Monitor both of these things to make sure she maintains an ideal weight.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! He is adorable! It has been proven that dogs live a longer life when they are lean. I would get him to lose weight to 12 lbs. Cut out the chicken, beef, bread and keep the treats to bare minimum. And try to increase exercise. If he doesn’t lose weight change to a prescription weight loss diet and consider checking his thyroid. Good luck!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The weight of a pomeranian can range anywhere from 4 to 8 pounds, depending on the size of your pom. I recommend consulting with your veterinarian to have them determine Bobo's Body Condition Score (BCS) and see if he is at an adequate weight for his body size. You can look up a Body Condition Score chart online. Your dog should ideally be a 4 or a 5 on the 1-9 scale. I hope this is helpful!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There is no easy answer to that question, as a dog's appropriate weight is not just based on their breed but their individual body size. If your dog's ribs are visible or very easily felt, then it may be that she needs to put on a little weight. If her ribs are underneath a small layer of fat, she has a good appetite and is otherwise feeling well, she most likely is doing fine. If you are concerned, I would have her weight and body condition checked by her regular veterinarian to ensure that she doesn't have intestinal parasites or anything else that could be contributing to her appearing small. Good luck!

Rat Terriers in general have a very long life span - 15-18 years when in good health. They are very smart and active little dogs. Given their high energy level they love to be exercised daily and most people keep them on leash only as they tend to bolt and run away at the sight of anything they can chase. They are one of the many small breeds that get dental disease early on in life so daily teeth brushing would be of benefit. They also are prone to heart disease as they get older, so at least annual veterinary exams is recommended. They are loyal, loving, and protective of their territory. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There is no need to do that for now at all even if she is spayed as she is growing now. You said it best. It is more important to look at their body and determine if they are gaining or losing weight. That is the best way to know how they are doing with the food intake. Best of luck!