Hi Our 6 month old yellow lab Simba (boy) is now almost the same height as our full grown 5 year old choc lab Minstrel(girl). When Silva is standing you can see his ribs quite clearly. I just thought he is going through a lanky stage but today a fellow Labrador owner expressed concern to my adult son that she thinks Simba is way too thin! Simba is on royal canin junior and is now on the maximum amount of food they recommend. He is fed quite a lot more than our adult lab. He doesn't get upset tummies and is very happy and content - if a bit on the lazy side. He adores minstrel1 and they play well together. He is not yet neutered as our vet recommends this at 1 year old and at 8 months at the earliest. He also gets training treats. I don't think I should be concerned about his weight but would be grateful for the opinions of others. Simba's parents are both from show dog backgrounds.
Hi @Simba2017, I think a few photos will help? From your avatar Simba seems to be younger in the photo. Our Harley (just like me) has never gone through a lanky phase so I can't advise but I know photos will help for others to tell and assist. Is he dewormed regularly?
Hi, my Merlin has also just turned 6 months, and is taller than our older dog, Poppy. When he stands or moves you can also see his ribs clearly. My vet tells us it is far, far better for puppies of this age to be slender, as carrying extra weight puts added pressure on their joints. She told us not to take any notice of anyone who suggests he is too thin! Sounds like Simba is very similar. I must say that at our puppy class, Merlin is the tallest and most slender of all the labs...
We were given the same advise by our vet and he was happy with Harley all along. Her potential for pudginess, however, was prominent
Thank you for that. I keep trying to attach a recent photo but my photo is getting rejected as it says it's too big. Yes I thought the same as you and that Simba will fill out in time.
Hi there, you have to use s hosting service like Flickr or Imgur to post photos. There's more info in the technical section. My boy, Shadow, was a scrawny thing growing up. I'd get his ribs covered then he'd suddenly have a growth spurt. He didn't settle down until about 18 months and even now (3 years) is prone to skinniness if I'm not careful. I'd rather that than being overweight, for sure. As Karen says, being slim is far better for their joints. Don't feel you have to be locked to the amounts the bag states; if you think your boy would do better with a bit more food, then be guided by his condition rather than the label. Or, you can add the occasion calorie-dense nutritious treat to his meal, like a tin of sardines. As for neutering, this is personal choice based on your lifestyle, but I would encourage you to look at the latest research to decide if and why you want to do it. Some vets have a blanket policy for recommending it, but the research shows it's not as black and white as some like to make out. In any event, neutering at a year is still very early and I personally wouldn't consider this until my dog was fully developed, so more like 18 months to two years. Shadow is three years and entire, and we never have any problems with this, even with our neighbour who lets his bitch roam when she's in season!
My boy, who's not a lab, was also pretty skinny when I got him at 7 months, but even increasing his food he didn't put on much weight - I think just he just ran around more if I fed him more! I think when he was about 2 years old he finally started to put on a layer around his ribs. I wouldn't worry - but if you are concerned you can always check with your vet!
