Ok I have a problem one way or another. My dogs are kept thin due to a lot of running (playing), training and hips. Everytime I turn around "someone" is telling me that I need to add more wieght. Is it just me or are Americans used to seeing fat dogs? .

You can see the last two ribs on my 22 month old and my 3 6 months olds. (yes they have been wormed and eat 6 cups a day) So should I increase food or should I tell these people to shut up! Thanks Barbara

Barbara,
Is your vet giving you a hard time or just regular folks who really have no clue. At any case are you happy with the way your dogs look, are they happy and healthy? Yes MOST American dogs are over weight and that is what people are more used to seeing if you ask me, I keep my dog thin as well although he is more of a pup than yours, that should not matter, if your vet is not giving you a hard time, your dogs appear to be healthy and happy forget what others say. After all they are your dogs and your responsibility in the end. It is like walking your dog with a stick in your hands, some folks look at you like you lost your mind, but then again that ONE time you have to defend your dog from another aggressive dog will be well worth all the looks and talk from others. If you are happy with your dogs and the vet is not telling you that they are WAY under weight, I say who cares what others thing.
My Two Cents :-)

My vet and I have a really good bond going so, he/they all know that I don't keep them heavy. As far as other people go they are used to see those "100" pound+ dogs which I keep mine to stanards. As far as food goes I feed fresh veggies, lean meat with puppy kibble (that is the 6 cups - no corn or by products). I have very active/drivey dogs, I feel that they are healthy hell, they go to the vet for check ups more then I go to the DRs. They are a lean 68 -73lb pup at 6 months old. I just get tried of hearing it everytime I turn around.

What are the classic signs of HD? I honestly don't know. Is it something you can see in the way they walk?

Sorry to say, but look at most of America- most are overweight, with overweight kids, some realize the problem and some do not. Most also translate those habits to their pets. I have seen more obese animals than those at a lean, healthy weight. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

When it comes to people saying your dog is underweight, either smile, say "sure he is" in that tone of voice that conveys "you're ignorant but I'm pandering to you anyway," or say "actually he isn't; most people just don't know a fat dog when it barks in their face," or just walk away. If you're feeling kind, explain to them that each additional pound adds potential problems of overheating, decreases activity, and could lead to costly health problems later on. Maybe some will learn, and maybe others will continue to pester at which point it's time to stop talking to the wall.

I am even surprised by how many vets seem to think a dog is underweight when it's actually at a good, athletic weight that keeps the dog at its best condition. Science has proved time and again that those who are slightly underweight are healthier than those even slightly overweight. People will have advice on every single detail regarding pets which is why it's so important to do research on your own to determine what holds water and what holds hot air.

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What are the classic signs of HD? I honestly don't know. Is it something you can see in the way they walk?

I can say this from my personal experience. I have had dogs show no signs what so ever of HD. Very active healthy looked to be prefect until we OFA and find out they were Mild or worse. One way I was told by a breeder and vet was have the dog lay on it's side and rotate the hip if it pops there is a problem. Some will show signs like sitting side saddle (lazy sit) or play for short amount of time before laying down. bunny hopping when running, hard getting up or down are classic signs "IF" they are showing any. The only true way is to x-ray.

as to explaining to people about wieght I have tried that, I have tried being nice , mean, and everyother thing it is a waste of my time and good air I give up. Thanks everyone I am glad to see that there are others who see it the same way.

Although I will say this more of the show people said they were under wieght vs the working I find that interesting

Well , I had a new trainer come over and she looked at the dogs said my male was good but my female was lacking . Also since we are taking up tracking she said that she will need to extra food for energy. So since I have posted I have added four pounds to her. I don't wan to add too much too soon.

As far as the puppies go again she said put some wieght on them since we are starting them in tracking too.

as far as energy goes she was surprised on how active they were. they do have some muscle but more tone then bulk I compare them to runners then wieght lifters.

I had Rottwielers growing up and I understand what you are saying about everyone wants them heavy even had a guy show me a male that was 180LBS!!!! poor thing his stomach was almost touching the floor. And when I declined on a pup he asked why. I hate to break peoples bubbles but every now and then they need an eye opener and told him , his dog was not big, not even fat but Duckin fat and he should be ashamed of what he did to this poor dog. I heard a couple months later the dog died (I was not surprised), I still see it in the German Shepherds every one (mostly pet owners) wants a 100lb + dog. I don't get it