Average size for a pup

[caseyolee]

I was wondering what the average height (at the shoulder) and weight of a 14 week old female pit pup is. Mine was a rescue and she was very malnourished when I got her at 7 weeks old.

She's about 7-8 lbs and about 11 inches at the shoulder. She seems too small to me, but it's my first pitt, so maybe I'm wrong.

 

[Athe]

It's quite hard to say about a Pitbull as there is no real standard to go by. There are American Pitbull Terriers which can vary in weight and size, game bred are smaller than say someone who is purposely breeding for larger dogs not gamebred.
I would take the pup to a Vet and ask if the pup "looks" to be proper weight and size for the age. I'm surprised that the vet did not go over this with you on you initial first visit. I do assume where the pup was malnourished you took the poor little thing to a vet to have the pup looked over.

 

[caseyolee]

Yeah, I took her the next day. She only weighed 3.5 lbs at 7 weeks old.

She's healthy, she just seems so small....I hope the malnutrition didn't stunt her growth or anything like that.

 

[Athe]

You mention the pup is 11 inches at the shoulder? that seems quite tall for a 7-8 week old pup. Especially since a full grown American Stafforshire Terrier and most American Pitbull terrier's (unless gamebred) only get about 18-22 inches at the shoulder full grown
I havent measured the Newfoundland pups at 7 weeks, but, I'm know they are not that tall at 7-8 weeks.

If she seems healthy and has had a good clean bill of health from the Vet then be happy with your pup. Make sure you put the pup on a good food, Innova, Karma, EVO, Wellness, Eagle Pack, Canidae etc. and socialize the pup properly. Don't worry about the size the pup is going to be, just as long as it is healthy. The worst people for ruining the health of a dog is the ones who feed too much hoping they get a big muscular big boned dog when it grows up. Nothing could be further than the truth A pup is genetically coded for the size it will be when it grows into adulthood. Even a slightly malnourished pup will grow to proper size that it was genetically coded with.

 

[showpug]

I think the poster said that this pup is 14 weeks old and that she got it at 7-8 weeks?? Anyway, most pitbulls are not big dogs and they are a more lean muscular breed than a looser sloppier type. Puppies are generally healthier if they are kept lean and allowed to grow slowly. Like Athe said, they will reach whatever size they are genetically pre-programmed to grow to even if she is lean now etc. You can speed this up by over-feeding which can lead to a number of health problems. When you look at your puppy, you should be able to see a waist when you look down on her and you should be able to feel ribs EASILY and see the last two ribs when your pup moves around. I have a 13 week mastiff/wolfhound cross puppy who is almost 40lbs. right now , but he will be huge compared to a pitbull, so I think your pup is probably alright where it is. If you are really concerned, then I would just have your vet evaluate your pup's weight and condition.

 

[caseyolee]

Yeah, she is 14 weeks now. I can see a waist and her ribs a slight bit like you mentioned, so I guess she's about right

 

[juliefurry]

My 10 month old pitbull is the same way. The pits are suppose to be a slender breed, they shouldn't be really fat in the waist area. It is normal to see her waist a little bit. My pit you can't really see his ribs but if you run your hands across him you can feel them, my vet said that you should atleast be able to feel the ribs. He is at a good weight though. I think my guy was a little malnourished as well though when we got him because he wasn't an aggressive dog when it came to feeding (still isn't) and with the breeder feeding all the puppies at the same time he usually got the least of the food.