My 12 lb Doberman mix: Is he underweight or at a healthy weight?

He looks like a great weight actually. The shape of the bones in the spine in that area is what makes those bones extra prominent. There are very tall dorsal processes. Check out this link for more information about body condition score: http://www.thedrakecenter.com/services/pets/blog/fit-or-fat-your-pets-body-condition-score-bcs

Hello, and thanks for your question! From the photos, I do not think Ivan looks underweight. It is difficult for me to say for sure though without putting my hands on him. What you can do is run your hands along his rib cage. If you can feel his ribs with a bit of fat around them, then he is in good shape. This should feel similar to running your fingers along the back of your hand. If you cannot feel that bit of fat around his ribs, or if his ribs are clearly visible from a distance, then he may be underweight. I hope this helps, and that Ivan is otherwise happy and healthy!

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! The picture quality isn't great but Duke appears a bit think. I think I can see his hip bones. Please look at this ideal body condition chart and aim for a 4-5 body condition score. https://oregonvma.org/files/Purina-Dog-Condition-Chart.pdf I hope this helps!

Thanks for the question. The ideal weight for every dog is different, and unfortunately, obesity in pets is a big problem. We see so many overweight dogs that sometimes healthy dogs look too skinny! You should be able to lightly run your fingers across the body and feel Bubbs's ribs, but not be able to see them. He should have a waist when viewed from above, and his belly should be tucked up when viewed from the side. In your pictures I do not see any ribs, so he is definitely not underweight. I hope this helps.

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.

Congrats on the new puppy! It is ok that he is only 11 pounds as long as when you look at him he is an ideal weight. He may end up being more petite than other dobermans which is okay! For an ideal weight, he should have waist and you should be able to easily feel his ribs but you should not be able to see his ribs, top of spine or top of hip bones by just looking at him. For his size and energy he should be eating a total of 1.5-2 cups of food a day split into two to three meals per day. Also make sure he is on a puppy food to ensure he is getting the proper about of nutrients. I would definitely discuss his weight In more detail with your vet at his next appointment. Your vet will be able to tell you whether he is underweight of you are unsure. I hope this helps!

From the photos, he looks just fine. You should be able to feel his ribs. If you can see them, he is too thin. If you have shaved his coat for the summer to keep him cooler, please know that a dog's coat insulates against heat as well as cold, so there is no need to do it. The full coat also is some protection against mosquito and tick bites.