Thanks for your reassurance. We've had a bit of a job getting cover on Shadow. He was very ribby when we got him at 14 weeks, but we had to be really careful increasing his food because he gets very loose if he eats too much. He also kept on having growth spurts where it seemed he put all the energy he was given into growing up, rather than out. I've just got him to the stage where his ribs aren't constantly visible and he is definitely getting broader across the chest. He has good muscle definition, especially in his rump. Willow is very slim and leggy in her build at the moment, but has better coverage over her ribs than Shadow ever has. I would like her to put on a bit more muscle, but that will come in time; being a bitch she'll take a while longer to develop it than her testosterone-filled brother
Well, if your 2 are too skinny then so is Molly. However, she has loads of energy and never seems to get ill so I figure she is just right (she comes from Field lines) I would be interested to learn what proportion of Labs are field and what proportion of Labs are show. My perception is that there are far more show Labs than field. Show Labs are just chunkier. And a hell of a lot of people over feed their Labs.
I used to see far more show lines Labs than field lines, but in recent years that seems to have changed. Where I live, I very rarely see a show type and when I visited Surrey in May, I probably saw about 50/50.
I think people think that Labs are chunky and overfeed them, so it becomes a self fulfilling prophesy. I would surmise that an overweight dog, like an overweight human, would be disinclined to exercise and thereby get even fatter and more inclined to lay about, thus getting a reputation for being "relaxed".
They look perfect to me - a very similar build to Mira. She is a lot taller than many labs we meet, but slim and athletic and people often think she is a pup (well, I hope that is the reason, and not her tendency to over-exuberance ) She is 24kg and vet is very happy with that. We also get the " ooh she's skinny for a lab" comments. "Yes, that's because we don't overfeed her"
Looking good to me. Rather on the leaner side then fat!! Charlie is 32 kilos, he is a tall muscular boy with long legs and not an ounce of fat on him, I struggle a bit to keep his weight on but that's something to do with the Pointer genes I suppose. Hattie is a steady 25 kilos and perfect. I ignore people if they say anything as it's usually owners with fat dogs that make the comments xx
BEAUTIFUL!!! What lovely pics. Your two are so lovely. I am no expert, but just chirping in to say how beautiful they are. My boy is from show lines and on the chunky side. He's also not neutered, so I presume this contributes to his more muscular look. I have been asked if he's crossed with a Boerboel. I don't know why, but I take offence to that! Not that I have anything against Boerboels, but he's a Lab, can't you see it?! I just say: I bought a purebred Lab but who knows what's in his genes (because actually, who does know except the breeders up the line...). People in the know think he's a handsome Lab. You are lucky you can keep your two so slim. I do struggle with my boy's weight and just two weeks ago a dog physio (we train our dogs in the same class) reprimanded me and said he needs to lose a few kilos. Again, felt SO bad -- feel so responsible for keeping him healthy. She made me feel her boy -- a Golden Retriever -- who felt positively skinny, all ribby under all his fluffy fur. Been feeding my boy less now. I think the general trend for dogs -- and humans -- is that being on the thinner side is better for health. Now, if only I could be as strict with my own food intake...
Gorgeous pictures Fiona....my Bella is a skinny minny too...but it's just the way she is built...She's in perfect body condition...she's just in a grey-hound stage! LOL
I think the general public are far too accustomed to seeing overweight Labradors and therefore assume that is normal and how they are supposed to look. Your two look just fine to me! As long as your vet is happy then I would ignore what other people say. Personally with Penny I pretty much ignore the numbers on the scale and go by what she looks like. Each time she sees the vet I get compliments on her being in good condition and that it's nice to see a slim Labrador!
