I have a now 15 month, solid black male. He is about 62lbs. We got him at 9 weeks, and have had him on an all natural diet his whole life, occassionally suplemented with kibble (Chicken Soup for the Puppy Lover).

He is a good dog, good drive, loves frisbee, very fast, great jumper, bite development nice, etc. My wife and kids adore him.

I am wondering about his size. (I really wanted a "full sized" male...80-85lbs or so is fine with me...wanted him to do some sled pulling this year, in Maine...as well as possibly get into competition.

I have been told that some Czech lines are notorious for slow maturation. After a long battle with the breeder, I got his AKC reg and pedigree.

Sire: Cak Pisecna Boure out of Gero Chmelovy Kvittek, Abbe Z Ansy (male side), with Gero's maternal side: Jenny Ze Zlataku, Ain Chmelovy Kvitek

Dam: Dara Z Chirina rodu from Jax Gymor and Brema Z Chirina Rodu, both going back to Chira Mirjean, Briz Z Le-Bu, Gency Gymor, Arys Z Travnickova Dvora, and Nora Ze Zlataku

I know nothing about Czech lines (few people seem to?!?)....and was wondering if it may be true about slow maturation.

With proper diet, what might our male top off at, if he is only 62lbs at 15 months? He is rail thin, constantly moving, jumping, etc...excellent physical condition; just small.

I appreciate opinions, thoughts, etc. thanks!

It will take some time for him to fill out. One of my males didn't look like an adult until he was 3.5yrs old...he'd finally filled out and was 78lbs. Keep in mind, 80-85lbs is not a "full sized male" but an upper middle to large male (the weight range for males is 66lbs to 88lbs, that's according to the standard, for females it's 48lbs to 70lbs). If he's 62lbs at 15mos, figure he's probably gain another 10lbs or so by full maturity...it also depends on how much you work him (work outs), muscle weighs more than fat. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I don't know about the competition sled pulling, but I am sure he would be able to pull you around just fine.

I had a dog from Ed back in 1991 that reached 78 lean lbs of muscle. He could pull me (200lbs) along with my kids or two other adults! He loved it and was a powerhouse.

Do you recognize (for comment) the bloodlines mentioned?

Thanks, that makes me feel a little better about my czech pups, littermates and just turned 8 months. The male is of normal size, probably about 75-80 lbs, I can't weigh him on my bathroom scales. But.... the little female is just now 40 lbs, and I can pick her up easily. To me she looks like a mal and is very fast and strong for her size. She can outrun all the other dogs.

They dont sleeeeep, I'm sooo tired Zzzzzzzzzzzz <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

anyone have any thoughts on the bloodlines?

just an update...been carefully viewing the DVD on building the bite for a new helper....so many little details...amazing how training has advanced since the first videos purchased here...I am grateful that Ed keeps updating...anyway, the bite of this little guy is really improving...targeting has come a long way. He is also fast, jumps high...great drive.

I have a medium sized muzzle and am basically just feeding him hot dog pieces from it, but it may not end up even fitting him!

Anyone else with a male this small? I am still crossing my fingers saying to myself, "he's just slow to maturation, he's just slow..." each night!

I don't know didley about blood lines. IMH and Uniformed opinion, I think a lighter wieght dog has the advantage of being more heat tolerant. An important consideration here in the South. Max, my 76lb 3yr old, can run further than I can peddle. Maggie, my 90Lb 4 yr old, flakes out in under 2 miles. Winter time she does much better. The sire and dam of "Erika" who comes from Czech lines weigh about 80 and 70

I wouldn't worry about the weight, just keep him in shape. My first Czech dog was only 72 lbs his entire working career. He only gained weight (about 10 lbs) after retiring. He was stupid strong and tough. I thought that once his chest deepend (he was 15 mos old when I got him) he would get bigger, but didnt. My current Czec dog is the same way. Dogs dont have to be tall and heavy to be powerfull. Give him a fair chance.

Howard

I'd also add that I don't think his weight is any big deal. Your dog sounds perfect other than being on the small side, I'd work him and enjoy him for what he is - and he'll gain a few pounds by age three, rest assured.

On the other hand, an extended wait for AKC papers is unacceptable, and that type of crap needs to end ( I didn't get papers on my male until he was 20 months old <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> ). Breeders and importers need to be held accountable for crap like this, and owners need to let people know who does this as a habit and avoid business with them.