Hello, Malik is amost 6 months old (on Sept.3rd) and I weighed him today at the vet, 62lbs. I recently viewed a chart linked in one of the forum posts and I remember for 6 months it mentioned 57.4 lbs. I know it can vary but this being my first GS and dog, I'd like to know if he's at a decent weight. Thanks ahead.

The chart you mention is a GENERAL guideline. Determining what your dog should weigh is SO subjective. You are better off doing a search, here, on how to check if your dog is too fat. Lots of posts on here that discuss how to determine using the ribs whether your dog is too fat or too thin - that's a more important determination that comparing him to a 'general' weight chart. Too many factors go into what make up a dogs weight and for the most part they are unique to that dog and its genetics. Having said that, if he's NOT overweight I would say he's at a decent weight - decent to what? I don't know. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

That makes sense, I understand there is room for real variation here. I would say overall, he's not fat at all, I can feel his ribs under my hands when I pet him, but they don't show otherwise (unless he's soaked). So I'll look for those posts to doublecheck. Thanks, Tom.

I keep my pups as thin as possible (that is healthy of course) until they are about a year old.

They are going to be whatever weight they are going to be, I personally just prefer too thin to too fat!

A good rule of thumb for me is I like to see the last 2 ribs in a certain light.

 Quote:

......I recently viewed a chart linked in one of the forum posts and I remember for 6 months it mentioned 57.4 lbs. .....

The chart Ann Henderson supplied at
http://www.nwk9.com/weight_height.htm
gives height at withers, too --- not just weight. Both have to be considered if you want to compare your dog with a generalized chart.

Like Sammy, I like seeing the last two ribs --- not well-defined, but a hint of the outline. The site VetInfo4Dogs says this:

QUOTE: Every dog is different. The best way to judge what your dog should weigh is to estimate if his weight is appropriate for him. Start just by looking at him from the side. You should be able to see the outline of his last 2 to 3 ribs while he is growing but you shouldn't see more than 5 or 6 ribs. If don't see any ribs at all, the next step is to lightly stroke from front to back over his ribcage and feel for the ribs. If you can feel them with a light touch, he isn't too overweight but it would still be better to cut back a little on his food. When he is an adult, this would be an acceptable weight. If you can see most of his ribs, you need to feed him a little more. Judging his weight this way ensures that it is right for him and not just right for the average member of his breed. END