Weight

[Laurelin]

So we went in to the vet today to get a heartworm test and refill our heartguard. Mia weighed in today at only 6.1lbs and Summer weighed in at 7.5 lbs. So that would mean that Mia is down a full pound and Summer is down a half a pound since they were weighed there in the spring. I'm kind of wondering if the scale was off one of the two trips.

I really have a hard time judging these two dogs weights though. Recently a trainer told me Summer was fat and needed to lose weight after picking her up. My vet always compliments me on her weight and condition and did again today. Then again all the other dogs in the waiting room were obese. My trainer told me Mia was fine, last spring my vet told me Mia was pushing it and while he wouldn't call her fat he thought she should lose a little. Which she has and he thought she was good today. I think she could lose some more.

I put my hands on Summer and she has very very little padding at all on her ribs. You can also feel her spine easily. She has a nice waist and very well defined tuck up. Mia has quite a bit more covering over the ribs but still has a clear waist and tuck. I'm not 100% happy with Mia's weight (and she gains at the drop of a hat) but until I was told Summer was fat, I was pretty happy with her condition.

Anyways, I am so confused at how two knowledgeable people would tell me the opposite thing. Would you just go with your gut if you think Summer is fine?

 

[Laurelin]

Just to give you an idea (and I know it's hard to tell via pictures)

weight by Summer_Papillon, on Flickr

 

[JacksonsMom]

I personally think Summer looks great! Obviously, it's not the same as real life, but to me... she looks really healthy, and athletic.

I would go with your gut. One time my grandma picked up Jackson last year and said "oh you're getting fat!" and I was like horrified, like no he's not! No, wait IS he?!? And nope, he still weighed the same, and looked great to me, but he IS "heavy" when you pick him up. More solid, I guess. But he's in fantastic condition (I owe it mostly to swimming) and I decided not to worry about it.

My good friends two yorkies are 4.5lbs and 6lbs and it's amazing the difference in the 6lber... she's just... solid. And there's a big difference between holding the two of them.

 

[Laurelin]

Summer is a lot more solid of a dog than Mia, which I think is what might be throwing them off. Her bone is a little heavier and she's just a bit bigger all around. Mia feels like a peanut comparatively even though I know Mia could lose a few more ounces.

I wouldn't have put too much stock into it except I do respect the person's opinion quite a bit. Then again my agility trainer has picked both mien up and not mentioned anything.

 

[Southpaw]

I think the issue is that people just have a certain body condition they like. Some want leaner, some would rather see a little padding. And I judge Lucy differently from Juno. On Lucy I just want to feel ribs... on Juno I want to feel them, be able to see the last 1 or 2, a nice tuck up and waist... but most importantly on her I judge her muscles.

If you're happy withSummer your fine. You'll never get people to agree! Lol

 

[misfitz]

Sienna gains weight quickly, too, and like your Paps, she's so fluffy it's hard to see details, LOL. What I've noticed with her is energy level - when she's getting a little on the "fluffy" side, she's much less food-motivated and less energetic. It's not a huge difference, but I can tell.

Just something else to think about, that you'd be able to judge a lot better than people who don't spend as much time with your dogs.

 

[BostonBanker]

I think you go with your gut. There isn't an "exact" right weight for any dog. There's going to be some variation where they will be good either way. Obviously it won't be a huge range with such small dogs, but it is there. Meg can be anywhere from 34 - 37lbs and look good to me. You know what a fit, healthy dog looks like. Get your dogs where you like them, and they will be good, I'm sure.