How would you answer someone who thinks your athletic dog is too thin?

Question

I keep my dog in slim, athletic condition to keep her healthy - I've read that dogs kept to a lean healthy weight live longer, develop arthritis later in life, and are less likely overall to have joint and other overweight-related health problems.

But so many people where I live have fat dogs that they often seem to be shocked by my 'skinny' dog (she's not skinny - she has a slim build and is a healthy lean weight). I don't want to get into lectures about overweight pets - that's for their vets to tell them. What's the best way to respond to such comments?

Answer 1

Just tell them that you prefer that your dog stay slim so that she will be less likely to develop joint problems, heart problems,diabetes and other health problems.Explain that just as slim people are healthier,so are slim dogs.

Answer 2

You can make the comparison of a runner and a wrestler. Explain that your dog is in working condition and if they took a look at the current body condition scoring and pictures (I think Purina is also making these available on their website), they might be surprised to find out that many dogs are overweight and at risk for related health problems.
You might actually generate some interest in your neighborhood to get more dogs into a better overall weight and condition. If you could print off the condition scoring chart, you could easily have it available to use as an example.

Answer 3

I agree with you...I have the same problem. I have never owned a fat dog. I feed my dogs an appropriate amount of food and exercise them. I used to jog with one of my dogs and he was also a show dog. I had to keep him in good shape and slim. I rarely feed my dogs people food unless it's a special treat (always healthy stuff like cooked chicken, beef or eggs for example) and they are on a good quality dog food. It always bothered me when people would tell me my dogs were too thin when the norm to them were over weight in my mind. My vet always told me my dogs were at a good weight too. I just think people are used to seeing dogs with a little more weight on them than they should have. I also think that people feel better about themselves as owners if their dog looks well fed.

I would always just say to people that my dogs are fine...the dogs they are used to seeing are over weight.

Answer 4

Just about any dog with the physical capabilities to do a task can be trained to do it. All dogs have the same basic set of instincts that remain from their wolf ancestors, but each breed has been bred for a separate purpose and the instincts needed for the job they are bred for have been enhanced or diminished as necessary. German Shepherds have not been bred for hunting, but as a herding breed, they retain the high prey drive. Furthermore, they are very intelligent and athletic. I'm sure, with patience and consistent training, you could train a German shepherd to hunt. It won't necessarily be as easy or come as naturally as it would for a breed such as a labrador or German shorthaired pointer, but I'm sure it could be done.

Answer 5

no, your dog is just fat...
just kidding.

tell them that a healthy weight for a dog - the vet accepted rule! - is that from above, the dog should have a 'waist' but no bones should be sticking out obviously. they're body is shaped like a 'pill' with no waist, then they're are overweight, but not so much that it will be unhealthy for them. tell them it is the vet recommended weight for your dog.

Answer 6

You know, I was just stressing over this the other day. I have one man in my apartment who insists on telling me I'm not feeding my dog enough. My dog is healthy (actually, the vet said he could stand to lose a bit...)

I just responded by telling him that he gets regular check ups and the vet is happy with his weight. He pushed the issue, talking to my dog "We have to tell her to feed you more." And I just continued...no, the vet would actually prefer I feed him less. He gets more than enough to eat. Then I walked off.

I have to admit I like Jennifer T's idea...I may even use that myself.

Answer 7

Get a card made up by your vet that says the dog has been examined and is in healthy weight. Then shove it in their nosy faces when they argue.

TONY_ I don't know. I certainly wasn't offended. Appeal it and tell them I said so.

Answer 8

My girl is very well built and slim for her breed. When I get a such comment on her, all I can "think" is : GFY!!
Best of Luck! Don't say it out loud.
Late Entry : Jennifer T : why did my "answer" get removed? :)

Answer 9

I walk with a woman whose Yellow Lab. is so fat he waddles when he walks and he's only 5 yrs. old - how sad is that? I think I would respond with ... yes, isn't it great, she's really healthy and active.

Answer 10

well, it's probably just as you suspect--people are so used to seeing fat dogs waddling around that in our mind that has become normal. Use it as an educational tool if people ask you.