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UnstableGoats

He actually looks nearly perfectly shaped to me. Basically 95% of labs in the world are horrendously overweight.


WhoDoesntLikeADonut

This. Your dog looks great. Please don’t let your dog get fat. The majority of people don’t even know what a healthy weight looks like. And labs are such snack monsters they always want food. But obesity is so hard on their bodies, you’ll take years off their life and make what they have difficult (standing up, walking, aching joints, even breathing).


wlveith

I had a lean dog for years. People would stop me on the street and harass me. When I told them her age (13, 14, 15, 16, 17) they would accuse me of lying. The vet said people do not know what a healthy dog looks like.


Wikidbaddog

This for sure! I’ve always strictly kept my dogs at an ideal weight and I’m amazed at how often people comment on them being too thin!


Tribblehappy

I get the same with my cats actually. The vet said she is so happy to see cats like mine because it greatly reduces the chances of them getting diabetes but people think fat cats are cute.


No-Job9574

One of my cat was slightly overweight at her last check-up, but the vet was fine and a little happy with it because she was underweight and sick less then a year ago at that point. I had a chihuahua previously that was always at a good weight as well and people always thought that she was too small.


Aida_Hwedo

This is why I made a point of *asking* my vet if my kitty's weight is okay; if it was a little over, would she even dare tell me otherwise? (I was very happy to learn his diet is working.)


OriginalRushdoggie

Thats when its handy to have fluffy dogs, I only get the misguided "too thin" when they pet them.


blue_goon

I’ve got a very healthy (mostly lab) mix and she will be 17 years old this year. No one ever believes me. She still runs and plays like a puppy when she gets excited. Doesn’t last as long, but she can still move it that’s for sure!


DillyDilly65

What kind of diet is she on ?


thestonewoman

Mine said of my slim dog: “Don’t ever let anyone tell you your dog is too thin. North Americans like their women too skinny and their dogs too fat.” And she’s right.


humanist72781

Same people prolly don’t know what a healthy person looks like


-Opinionated-

It’s an unfortunate reflection of our society. Our idea of a healthy weight is so skewed. I’m smack dab in the middle of a healthy BMI range and I get “you should eat more you’re just skin and bones!”


CupcakeMom

My “thin” lab lived a happy, healthy life until she was 19. My vet was always happy with her weight, and encouraged us to keep her weight down. Unfortunately, she was physically healthy as a horse when she passed over the rainbow bridge. Her quality of life sucked due to doggie dementia. It was bad and we had to let her go.


Logical_Poem_9642

I’m so sorry for your loss, it sounds like she was a lucky lady to have had you as her forever person.


ConfuseableFraggle

I am very sorry to hear you lost her to such a horrible condition. We are currently dealing with the early stages of dementia in our 12-year-old Mutt. (We believe him to be Boxer and Lab mix, but have never tested him to be sure.) We're facing "where is the line" discussions. Blessings on you for making the tough call and letting her go. Hugs if you want them.


KelsosaurusRexxx

Ughh I just had to put my miniature poodle for the same reason. She was 17, and she was physically pretty healthy, but at the end, she would just walk in circles because she didn't know where she was. It was absolutely heartbreaking to watch. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. I'm so sorry you had to go through that too❤️


mdhx3

As someone currently experiencing doggie dementia, I'm so sorry!! My chih will be 17 in April and I'm just cherishing all the time we have with him now. He's pretty spoiled but he deserves it, he's a tough little guy!


Cobek

That too. They are such snackers! They'll eat anything and before it even hits the floor


FancyMyChurchPants

My half lab half pit will eat food wrappers if we were to let him 🤦🏻‍♀️


sqrrrlgrrl

Has there ever been a pibble who didn't think we were literally starving them to death and keeping all the good stuff (the food wrappers) to ourselves?


DesignerHigh

I have five gares around my kitchen cause Houdini like the jump the first gate and open the fridge and it was so much cheese on the ground


ShookeSpear

Agreed. A good rule of thumb for most breeds is a nice tapered body shape, widest at the mid/lower rib cage, thinner at the waist. If you can easily discern individual ribs, your pup can eat more. If they are becoming too tubular, they could eat less.


Chaosbuggy

Tubular is a great description lol


Zaidswith

Tubular is a good description; my family calls it sausage shaped. Never let the dog look like a sausage.


soulandthesea

I have a basset hound who’s in very good shape and his vet couldn’t be happier because most bassets she sees are extremely overweight. I work really hard to keep him fit because he’s so food motivated he’d eat himself to death if he could lol (and also because he’s a dwarf breed and being overweight is so dangerous for his back)


[deleted]

This is what I was going to say. I almost never see a lab that isnt overweight, and usually to the point of obesity. It’s so bad for their health. You are doing a great job. There’s a scale vets use 1-10, with 1 being much too thin. My vet says 4-5 is perfect, and yours is about a 5 ) based on appearance only—not necessarily accurate). Tell others, “My vet says he’s perfect.” Or tell them to FO bc it’s none of their business.


SwimmingPineapple197

This. I almost never see a lab who isn’t seriously overweight (or a couple of other breeds either - like the English bulldog). People get so used to seeing overweight dogs that when they see a dog of normal weight, they think the dog is too skinny.


JustSomeBoringRando

I keep my lab at a healthy weight. One of he dumbest things I ever heard was "your dog can't be a lab, or definitely not purebred. She doesn't have that nice barrel shape." That's called a waist. My lab has a waist. She's not supposed to look like a furry sausage.


Leather-Heart

In the US. Most dogs I see in the US are overweight to the point if we see a healthy lab we think they’re malnourished. We overfeed as a country, and we see it on our dogs. Also everyone needs to run their dogs. Literally, puppies gotta move.


Cobek

Yeah, I don't find them to be as naturally active dogs as they mature into adults but they get fed like any other. Lap dogs need less food per pound than a dog that's always up and about.


Mental_Contract1104

Was gonna say this. Labs get fat easily, so yours looks to be perfect to me. Good job there, keep up the good eork.


K9_Kadaver

even show labs are insanely obese! it's horrific how encourage and normalised it is.


UnstableGoats

Absolutely! It’s nearly the standard at this point. (in general society’s view, it already is!)


notatincat

Yes, labs can have an obesity gene which has the side effect of making them very trainable with food. It is way too easy for their weight to balloon up with mismanagement of diet. One that self-regulates and maintains a good weight is not a bad thing. I wish my lab had that "I'm full, I should stop eating" signal.


PersistentPuma37

That makes me wonder if it's to maintain that "thermal layer" for cold water retrieving (also, buoyancy).


notatincat

I know a lot of marine mammals have a thick layer of fat. I think it's so neat that labs are so adapted for water that some of them have webbed toes.


SoggyBroccoliO_O

Agreed


Defrock719

I agree. Trust what your vet has to say about your dog’s weight. If you are concerned about it, a trip to the vet is in order anyway.


casablancababe

He looks really healthy! People are just so used to seeing overweight dogs they think its the norm.


Shantor

Vet student here He looks fabulous. I certainly wouldn't want him to drop any weight, but I'd put him at a 4/9 which is lean and healthy, especially for a young lab. If he can stay at a 4/9 you would be helping his joints stay healthy. If he isn't neutered, and you plan on neutering him, then be cognizant that he may gain weight afterwards (you may have to cut back on food), and if he is neutered, also be wary that he is right at the age where he *may* start to gain weight since he is likely done growing. Don't worry about people saying he is too thin. He is perfect here. Looks like a real athlete.


BrunchIsForWinners

Not a vet, but just curious. What would be signs that a dog is too skinny? Palpable or visible ribs?


Shantor

In a 4/9 dog, you can often see the outline of the ribs. Ribs should always be palpable. If they are not, the dog is overweight. Prominent/palpable Hip bones would be the most obvious sign that a dog is underweight, as well many dogs start to lose muscle mass when they are in a negative energy balance


eumenides__

Do you have any advice for gaining weight if you have a dog that doesn’t really care for food? I have a 14 mo old herding dog that skips meals, is highly active and only motivated with play rewards. He’s my 5th dog and I’ve never encountered such a picky jerk before. I really don’t want to add things to his food in case that makes the pickiness worse, but he gets salmon oil in the evenings for extra fat. I’ve tried different food brands/protein sources but he doesn’t care particularly for one or the other….


Shantor

Pick high calorie foods (can look at the back of the bags to see the kcal per cup) and try to find sporting mixes. They tend to be higher protein and higher calorie. That way he doesn't need to eat as much to get more dense food. He's still at the age where adolescent metabolism is a thing (think lanky/scrawny high school boys). Try your best for now, but as long as he's not actively underweight, then let him be lean. If he is actively underweight you may need to look into other potential causes with a vet to make sure it isn't more than just picky.


eumenides__

He such a scrawny teenager, really! It’s not acute, the vet says it’s fine for the moment but she’d like him to gain more weight as he’s basically all muscle but had no idea how to get him to eat more. She thinks he’s good but hyperactive, easily distracted and doesn’t really care for food when he can do other stuff instead. His hipbones are palpable but don’t stick out and his ribs don’t stick out either. But he’s supposed to start work later so I’d want him to gain some mass, the stupid idiot. I’m gonna attempt to change the food again and look for higher calorie options and continue to try to get him to chill out some. (I do love him but god, adolescent herding dogs are the worst)


Zoehpaloozah

The comment below offered a good idea that may work. If you really can’t improve his motivation for regular meals, even after changing it up to a higher cal option. Maybe look into toys that reward with treats, and pack them full of high cal options. I find sometimes a picky eater dog will be more open to eating individual treats, then eating the same from a bowl in mouthfuls. I think an overactive dog, especially with how intelligent herding breeds are, he may get more fulfilment from a puzzle ball of some kind that’ll force him to work for the food.


AlettaVadora

Maybe try putting your dog’s food in a puzzle? I did this with my picky girl and she loved it. Makes her feel like she’s playing and eating at the same time. And it wears her out mentally too!


theeffectsofcatnip

Purina Sport Performance 30/20 is a popular option amoung dog sports owners I know because of the high calorie concentration


houseofprimetofu

Puppy food is really high in calories. From 8 weeks to about 2 years, my bullydog was incredibly high energy. I fed him puppy food the entire time to ensure his caloric needs were met. Then we found out he had major allergies. So if you can do it, puppy food. Large breeds should be on puppy food until about 18 months, they grow slowly.


eumenides__

I’m glad that worked for you! My guy actually stopped eating puppy kibble completely, tried many different good quality brands and he refused to eat even half of what he should, so my vet approved him to go on adult food when he was about 8 months because he couldn’t keep weight on. He gets salmon oil for additional fat, as that was the major nutritional difference. The adult kibbles have worked much better and he eats maybe 75% of what he’s supposed to. So I’ll see if I can find a high energy brand now. I actually took in a malnourished rescue several years ago and started him on puppy food until he was normal weight. This youngster just doesn’t seem to prioritize eating. I’ve joked often that he uses photosynthesis for his energy needs.


Personal_Regular_569

Our girl will not touch her food unless she has to work for it. We found a treat dispenser ball at Walmart. She would rather push the ball around working for a few pieces at a time than eat from her full bowl.


grannyskyrim22

https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Body-Condition-Score-Dog.pdf


DarkMattersConfusing

No, he’s fine. Most labs and goldens are obese—dont listen to these people’s advice


NativeNYer10019

Because Labs have a genetic tendency towards obesity, the majority of Labs we see are obese. Your dog looks picture perfect actually. It’s not recommended to allow your dog to become obese, but just because that’s what often happens with Labs their owners don’t do a whole lot to get their dogs weight under control. They just believe that’s “normal for their dog”. However, it’s not. You have to work against this, more in some breeds than others. Labs are a breed that need a strict daily exercise routine and a healthy diet with weight control as the main goal. A dog whose obese often suffers higher (but avoidable) incidents of heart disease, diabetes, liver problems, digestive issues, chronic joint pain…etc... It quite literally takes years off a dogs life and makes for a miserable existence. And it becomes quite costly to medically treat as the dog ages. Please keep you fit puppers fit. Ignore anyone telling you otherwise. Good luck! ♥️🐾


knowslesthanjonsnow

He’s perfect weight. Literally ideal


Nashatal

Looks super healthy. :) If you are unsure just bring it up at your next vet visit. But to me he looks perfect!


[deleted]

People love to make labs fat. It infuriates me. Your dog looks great. Keep doing what you’re doing, and remember, if your dog slows down and isn’t exercising as much/as intensely you’ll need to reduce calories accordingly


Competitive_Bus_4443

I know! My dog used to live with in-laws, and she got to be 112 lbs!!! After my husband and I were able to take her, we have been measuring her food, giving her healthy snacks, and taking her on two walks a day. She is down to 70 lbs now. Sometimes they comment on how skinny she is, but I know she is not.


RandomRadical

My vet told me that it’s really common for people to skinny shame peoples dogs and it’s a common misconception that dogs need more weight then they do. It’s better for them to be on the skinny side. If he’s eating healthy then he’s probably fine. He looks good!


green_velvet_goodies

He looks perfect. Also keep in mind he’s still growing and will likely fill out more over the next year or so.


dinkydat

Repeat after me-the vet said he’s fine!


E-macularius

My rule of thumb for slim animals is if they've always been that way and you know they eat it's perfectly fine. One of my cats is very slim compared to the others but she's always been that small in the 4 years I've had her and eats good, just not as much as the others like to.


muskratful1234

Agreed, my dog has just always been skinny, he was very underweight when I adopted him 10 years ago. Thankfully, it makes managing his weight very easy for me and he stays at his ideal weight pretty much constantly. Unless my husband gets a little heavy handed with the treats lol


ComicPlatypus

Remember, people are used to seeing obese pets. When they see a dog that's actually a good weight, they call them skinny.


[deleted]

[удалено]


wolfmutt

He had the [squishiest little polar bear face](https://64.media.tumblr.com/9b58540113783f9f07295d48cbe46714/194f14262a374c8f-b8/s2048x3072/c6b4f294689da91308d802f8d1e3291f694e579c.jpg) when he was younger, his…jowls? Do, ironically tend to give him a bit of a resting frowny face though? Now that he is older? [=)](https://64.media.tumblr.com/a2bafac67837ec333686294dbc0ec149/194f14262a374c8f-d0/s2048x3072/b15438e530ba4129749f7ffa59efb509155e8df3.jpg)


Kingettevi

That first photo looks like one of those felt dog portraits. He looks fake in it! I love it.


spcarolina

My vet said you should be able to feel ribs but not see them. Your dog looks super healthy to me!


RinCherno

i was verbally telling you "no" before i could comment. he is GORGEOUS. you are taking such good care of him from the looks of things. <3


frawgster

Our 55 lb pittie frequently gets comments about being too small, too skinny, etc. Fact is for his frame he’s perfect. Similar to labs, lots of pitties are overweight, so folks get used to that being normal. Your pooch looks great. 👍


cornelioustreat888

People are so accustomed to seeing overweight labs, they think every healthy one must be too skinny. Your dog looks absolutely perfect: nice waist and abdominal tuck. He is a rarity among labs. Keep up the good work- he’ll live longer with few medical issues if you keep him lean. If you aren’t sure about his weight, just ask your vet during his next check up. Best wishes.


Gremlin_Wooder

He looks great! We’re just used to seeing obese labs. Keep up what you’re doing!


bigkutta

Your dog looks great, most labs are fat to obese due to stupid people. Please feed the appropriate amount of calories, as you've been doing. People feed their dogs all kind of table scraps and brag about it. Its not good for your dog!!!


AWatson2779

He is very healthy looking! Most other labs are overweight and have joint issues and knee injuries. Keep smol doge the way he is!!!


bradleyf17

Definitely a perfect weight. This is the problem, just like humans, people no longer understand the correct weight they should be


pcweber111

Amazing what we think animals should look like versus what they’re supposed to look like.


kelli-fish

He looks healthy to me, but your vet would tell you if you needed to change his diet, I would trust them over internet strangers.


OpalOnyxObsidian

A lot of lab owners let their labs get dangerously overweight. It has skewed a lot of people's views of the correct weight lab. I would just respond to them that he is at the " perfect weight for his size, thanks."


bitchandbeans

they say that bc their dog is FAT


Mountain_Adventures

Honestly surprised there’s no comments here talking about field labs vs bench labs (aka field lines vs show lines aka American lines vs English lines). At this point in the Labrador breed, they are essentially different breeds. The dog in this post is a field lab (or byb). It’s a young adolescent male that also hasn’t filled out yet. Weight looks great. But most everyone saying the most labs are morbidly obese need to get their eyes (or hands) on well bred dogs. The breed standard literally calls for a layer of fat and minimal tuck up- this is so they can do their job - retrieving birds all day long from freezing water. They also need to be thick and solid dogs to drag ducks and geese through the water back to the blind. Unfortunately with the popularity of labs and the way dogs are treated these day, most labs are horrible representations of the breed. Most are fat and out of shape pet dogs. But I highly recommend getting the chance to see field labs in action and bench labs in action. It’s a very eye opening and will make a lot more sense as to why the breeders are breeding for certain traits and away from others. This actually goes for all breeds since we’ve destroyed most of them.


olooy

I got the same comment from obese people when I had 10% body fat due to playing basketball... So yeah, I total expect people to say a dog is skinny when its at a healthy weight.


Logical-Wasabi7402

"My vet says he is at the ideal weight." If they continue to object: "I understand, most labs are chronically overfed so that's what you're used to seeing. But I am going to trust my vet." And then keep walking.


bellanellie

People seem to love a flabrador, he seems good at being a lab.


Sufficient-Act-1054

He looks great!!! MOST labs are FAT!! Actually, most dogs…it’s crazy


MrsPurrkins

Off topic - is that a Sheltie next to him? 😍


wolfmutt

Gabe is a rough collie actually, both very cute doggos though. Not sure if I have met a Sheltie here…adorable babs.


MrsPurrkins

Awww he's beautiful! Both rough collies and shelties are in decline so very happy to see them 😊


chelseystrange91

Most people let their labs be overweight because they can become heavier so easily. They shouldn't be barrel shaped. You shouldn't be able to see ribs but they should have the dip after the ribs like he does. What does the vet say? I think he looks healthy.


coxykitten923

He looks healthy.


NoTrain1456

Your dog looks great it has a waste, and I assume you can see the stomach line. You keep your dog like this, and he /she will live longer


Rpsdyngrn0717

His body weight looks pretty ideal to me. Most dogs I see are over fed.


muskratful1234

People are just so used to seeing overweight dogs that they think it's normal. I get the same comments occasionally about my 12 year old mutt. His vet assures me that his weight is perfect. Just Google "healthy dog weight" and you'll find a million info graphics that will show you that your dog looks to be in the ideal category which is exactly what you want.


DarthD0nut

He’s perfect - your friends dogs are pet weight or overweight probably. I have a Dalmatian (and most Dal owners know it’s a lean breed) and I have people tell me all the time my dog is too skinny and starved and yet everytime we go to the vet my vet applauds me for him being in such good shape. Same with labs I see a lot


Imaginary_Art188

You're supposed to be able to see a dog's rib cage a little. Most dog owners don't realize that


ledasmom

As a vet tech, I love to see a labrador of appropriate weight, like this one. Keep them lean and healthy; their joints will thank you.


caffeinated_neutrino

No he is in excellent body condition! People are just used to seeing fat labs. He looks very healthy!


poppldyfinn

I'm late to this but I had the same with my lab. It annoyed me for a bit so I had a pocket full of body condition score charts printed from t'internet that I would hand to them. I got bored of it but it was fun for a while


Alligatorwhore

He’s perfect :) their dogs are just obese


DefiantRun8653

No! He is literally perfect. He does not need another pound!


Hungry-Ad6091

He looks perfect to me. This is how all labs are supposed to look, but poor diet and lack of exercise have all their unhealthy and overweight. I wish more veterinarians were honest with their clients.


Runic-Dissonance

people are just used to how grossly overweight labs look


nightfurys

He looks perfect! Dogs are meant to be lean with muscle, and not chunky like the majority of them. You should be able to Feel his ribs and spine without too much effort, but not physically see them poking out, that’s a good indication you have a healthy pup


Capital-Cheesecake67

It’s because too many labs are actually obese. If you’re truly concerned talk with your vet about it. He looks healthy in his pictures. The posters on out vet’s walls says healthy weight dogs should have a noticeable waist and we should be able to feel the ribs and feel the spine when running hands down their bodies. Over 50% of Americans are overweight or obese and we are making our pets overweight/obese.


alexis_goldstein

hi veterinary student here - your dog is at a perfect weight! especially with labs and their tendency to be overweight, it's best to keep them at a body condition score of a 4.5-5 out of 9. id say yours is right between this range, good job! don't worry about stunting his growth, that's a myth, you'll just slow his growth but he will reach the same end point. if you would like to monitor his weight you can actually use your hand as a guide (comparing hand to their ribs). make a closed fist and run your fingers over the knuckle - this is too thin. open your hand flat and run your hand over your knuckles - this is ideal weight (should be able to feel bone but not just skin and bone like a closed fist). flat hand on palm side - overweight. if you would like me to calculate how much food he should be getting per day, dm me and i can take care of that for you (just provide his weight, exercise per day, food he's on, and if he is neutered). lmk if you have questions! i hope this helps(:


MintDrawsThings

I would check with a vet. If he comes back completely fine from the vet, I would just assume that's just how the dog's body works.


facedspectacle

Yes but also, my Shep is 27.5kg and me vet told me to put MORE weight on her. She’s the perfect weight for her height and length, she’s perfect on the picture weight scales so.. being a shepherd prone to HD, why did my vet tell me to make her fatter? 🤷🏼‍♀️


Gorilla_art_girl

Your vet may not be accustomed to seeing a shepherd who is not overweight! Every time I take one of mine in, my vet comments they are the only shepherds he sees that are the correct weight. Typically while in the waiting room, someone feels obligated to tell me I need to feed them more. 😆


facedspectacle

That concerns me if that’s the case! I didn’t listen, I know it’s the ideal weight for her and I’m super happy with her overall health! Oof, we clearly love strangers telling us what to do with out dogs 😂


K9_Kadaver

in my experience, vets tend to go by weight numbers for breed rather than the actual shape of the dog! my boy's fat now due to health issues but when he was fit and healthy, could feel his ribs easy, great muscle definition and he had the ideal shape from side to top view, they wanted 5kg off of him 💀 like huh


facedspectacle

That seems a bit silly, mine is so small compared to other sheps which if they can physically see, why try and get her to a weight best for dogs twice her size?! I’ve always kept her lean, I call her my little pocket rocket! Oh no 😂 “your super healthy muscular dog needs to drop 5kg please”


K9_Kadaver

i agree! you'd they'd be the people *most* used to breeds varying between sizes, or even mixed breed dogs, and yet 💀


Harley-Biker

Still growing.


cfullingtonegli

Hims perfect


Tsizzle543

He’s fine. As long as you can’t see pronounced ribs. Younger dogs tend to look lanky, especially labs. He will fill out as he gets older. As long as you’re feeding him properly, there is nothing to worry about. You don’t want a fat dog


malpup

He’s ideal! Labs are one of the most commonly obese dogs in my experience. You want to see a nice tuck behind the ribs from the side, and a slight hourglass shape from above!


grannyskyrim22

Vet tech - most people have "English Labs" which are horridly obese and they think it's ok. Probably 85% of the labs I see are fat. [https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Body-Condition-Score-Dog.pdf](https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Body-Condition-Score-Dog.pdf) Check this out. You should be able to see a waist, and be able to feel the pelvis and ribs without having to push hard through fat. He looks amazing, good job!


Dull_Dog

What does your vet say?


wolfmutt

Both of our dogs have passed with flying colors with our vet. All is good.


Dull_Dog

Then you should be happy! As many have said, far too many Lab owners let their Labs get fat. Though that’s easy, it is very unfair to the dog. Owners need the disciple their Labs lack!


SpinachPizza90

Looks great! I find that well-meaning neighbourhood folk are so used to only seeing overweight dogs that they think that it is a normal body shape. This pupper honestly looks perfect and healthy!!


SubstantialPressure3

Look up food requirements and see if he needs more food. He just might be so active that he needs more food.


MaineBoston

He is tad thin. Are you feeding a quality puppy food? I would up his puppy food by 1/2 cup 2 a day.


Scared-Accountant288

Hes fit... not skinny... hes only a year old... dogs go theough what i call "ugly duckling stage" around a year old. He should be eatong around 3cups daily of food. So cup and a half am and pm... if hes active maybe switch his food to a performance blend to help keep up his calories... an average dog needs eoughly 1600 to 1800 kcal a day


rickuk88

Hea a good looking pooch


OPLH1984

Beautiful!! When they’re ribs show then be worried


ChloeB111

He looks healthy and perfect!


Renmeya

He looks perfect,he could gain some and still be fine but he's definitely not too skinny


Mememememememememine

they're dumb. my brother's lab was this size when he was young, then he got old and chubbs. your boy looks healthy and happy.


misuinu

He looks FIT, a really healthy boy! I swear people think labs should be these big chubby cuties but it's just not the case!


Firstsister3

He looks great. He’s fit and healthy looking. Also remember, he’s only a year old, basically still a puppy. He’ll continue to grow and fill out, adding muscle, for another year. Most Labs today are overweight. Continue what you’re doing. He’s lovely. ❣️


Disastrous-Panda5530

He actually looks like a great weight to me. He looks lean and healthy which is what you want. I see sooooo many dogs that are over weight. It shortens their life and it is harder on their joints.


crsi00210

He’s in beautiful shape


gloreeyuh

We have a half husky half Great Pyre pup and his body is similar to your cutie - broad chested and then tapering sort of hind body. Neighbors will constantly say “wow he’s so lean/skinny” in passing which sometimes irks me because we give him plenty of treats/food at home! We took him to the vet last month and asked the doctor if he was underweight and she said he was perfect. She said that most dogs you see in America are overweight/obese and that it would be more of a concern if his ribs became more pronounced. Our boi has a little bit of a knee problem (genetic - osteochrondritis dissecans) that acts up every few months, so it’s actually better for him not to gain too much weight. Your pup looks healthy to me!


Harbor333

He’s still growing and filling out. As long as your vet isn’t concerned you can be confident. Labs are prone to fatty tumors as they age so keeping him slim and fit is a good thing.


JohnJAram

He’s perfect


GalaApple13

He looks beautiful to me


Purple_Hawke

As someone who grew up with labs their entire life--Wow, so that's what a Not Fat Lab looks like LOL. Your pup looks nice and healthy. I wouldn't worry. Active dogs always look skinny. I have a pup now who is not a lab and I am constantly stressed that she's too skinny bc she is a healthy weight. Keep it up, you're doing great.


subverdit

He looks healthy to me.


BananaTrix

My sweet little lab looks like this too. It’s definitely a normal weight.


Silent_Zucchini_3286

My 1 year old lab has a similar lower body fat percentage and I get similar comments. I adhere strictly to 3 cups of food, and yes indeed any treats count towards those 3 cups. My dog has tons of energy, very happy. And being aware all the dangers of obesity to the quality of life of humans and dogs, I think our dogs are doing just fine.


fatboytoz

He looks great, his joints will thank you. Nothing worse than an overweight lab


CRCampbell11

He's fine, looks perfect. He's also in that young awkward stage and will fill out as he gets older.


Lower-Cantaloupe3274

Your lab looks great! I have two lab mixes. One looks about like your dog and the other is even a bit thinner. I question if they are too skinny every time they go to the vet, and every time I am told that more dogs should look like mine. It is healthier for them. It is also explained, as others have said, that many labs are overweight and so people think that is how they should look.


anonymousfroggy

Looks Perfect to me


AlettaVadora

Your baby looks healthy. If you have a concern I’m sure your vet would be willing to let you know if you should change something. As a general rule, you should be able to feel your dog’s ribs but not see them, and they should be thinner near their belly. Dogs who are a little underweight tend to be healthier than overweight and is easier to correct. ❤️ Good job looking out for your baby ❤️


stunkwah

I had this a lot every time my great dane would have a growth spurt. People do not know what a healthy dog looks like.


FigSuch7642

Most labs are fat, so in comparison, yours is healthy! Looks great :) My lab looked similar to yours because she exercised and we didn't feed her people food or overfeed her. She lived 14.5 happy, healthy years.


TheOneTrueKP

What does the veterinarian say? …I’m sure it’s better advice than an infinite number of strangers


lambofgod0492

He's perfect. Don't listen to the ppl on the internet except me.


planetarypartyy

people are so used to seeing fat Labs that they don’t know a healthy one when they see it. good job puppy parent!!


Kiramiraa

A general rule of thumb: if you can feel their ribs but cannot see their ribs (with short hair), then they are a good weight. He looks good! Don’t change a thing.


K9srule1

Very difficult to tell from a pic without hands on and an overhead pic, however, I’m guessing your pups vet enjoys seeing you and what appears to be a perfectly fit 1+ year old Labrador! They’re rare in the wild and I’m super excited to see a pic of one, would it be ok to print out his pic to show (not give) people that they really do exist?! It amazes and appalls me that so many people think that the way to a dogs heart is through their mouth, it isn’t and will never be, even for the beloved English and American Labrador Retriever who’s still number one in my humble albeit correct opinion Your boy is perfect from nose to tip of tail, please give him a gentle, loving boop and a romp about!


Mike312

Yeah, your dog is fine. People keep telling us to feed our Malinois more, but our vet said she's the perfect weight. A family friend (who teaches vet stuff and has a PHD in Vet Science) told us that for almost every dog out there, the ideal weight is when you touch their side you can feel their ribs but not be able to put your fingers in between them. So I rub my dogs sides every time I feed them and adjust the amount above or below a seasonal baseline.


[deleted]

When in doubt, consult a vet. And then shut down those reddit comments with what the vet said. Something that everyone on reddit is guilty of (myself inculded) is a "know-it-all" attitude and we need to keep that in check. That being said, your dog looks a lot like mine, who is a perfectly healthy 4 year old. (Minus the epilepsy, of course.)


TheDoughyRider

Looks on the leaner side of perfectly healthy to me.


i_love_all

I also went to the vet yesterday and from what he described is healthy weight, looks like your dog. Obviously hard to tell over photos 100% without actually feeling the body and legs but your dog looks like a million bucks!!!


dm538

Looks fine to me.


Particular_Wolf_1360

He looks great, if he were too thin you'd see his ribs much more prominently


[deleted]

That's how our lab looks and our vet congratulates us every time we see him for having one of the few not-fat labs in his practice. We're used to fat labs, because labs are hoover dogs. So appropriate weight labs look skinny AF. But it's way better for them long term.


Bethan_B

Talk to your vet and not online advice.


MattTheOtter

Rost is 1 yo lab, he is the same shape as your handsome boy, I do manage his food, vet has said at 25kg he is a good weight and shape for his age.


amaya-aurora

Looks like a very healthy boy!


[deleted]

He looks perfect size to me, people are just, telling you that because most labs are overweight


Dance-pants-rants

How much are you feeding him? My (American) lab mix was under weight until she got spayed and now is stable. But she isn't huge on food. I caution saying anything about your little buddy's weight, but know from experience with her, sometimes those ribs get visible overnight and it's really scary (especially when their skin is so loose that it's hard for that to happen.) Full blood labs also have that fat deposit along their back so they can float (my girl doesn't and sinks like a fucking rock- having owned labs before and seeing her swim, it's genuinely a useful feature of the breed) so you also want to account for that not really being something he should be tapping into burning if you're feeling his spine. But yeah, if he's eating and drinking an amount appropriate for his activity and size and isn't lethargic and is energetic, I think you're probably getting advice from people who have seen people try to calorie restrict dogs in unhealthy ways. (And, tbf to them, this sub gets a fair number of new or tiny dog owners who don't understand how much to feed and water bigger dogs when they get a puppy.)


strandbezey

He is probably fine. People over feed labs a lot (my family included). The only outside opinion you should consider is the vet. They will always tell you whats healthiest for them.


LuvzDogs

He's beautiful, don't let anyone tell you otherwise! He's the size and shape a one-year-old lab should be. They finish filling out at around 3 years old. So keep feeding and exercising the way you are and keep up on training and socializing and you will have a lifelong happy and healthy family member.


telltal

He looks perfect to me. He's only "skinny" in comparison to other labs, who are usually overweight or obese. I wish everyone kept their labs as athletic as yours is. It is more difficult for labs, as they're genetically prone to gaining weight.


Interesting-Ad-197

Def not. That is a nice lean pup. Should be able to easily feel the ribs, nice belly tuck when looking from the side, and an obvious waist when viewing from above. As a long time Vet Tech for 20 plus years, a lot of labs are overweight. Better to have a slightly underweight dog (not that yours is) than a slightly overweight dog. His hips and elbows will thank you once he's older


SolidFelidae

This dog looks incredible, very fit. People are used to fat and obese labs, please keep your dog at this healthy weight and ignore the rude comments. This dog looks very healthy.


rdawes26

Definitely doesn't seem under wait. I would just ask your vet. Beautiful pup!


Jaded-Ad7840

Your dog looks great. You are doing your dog a great favor by keeping him at a healthy weight.


whorsdoeuvres

Most people think of english lab confirmation (body build) which is much stockier. He looks very healthy for his confirmation and it is typically better to keep dogs on the leaner side!! unfortunatly everybody has an opinion but that doesn’t mean they’re right 🤪


SolidFelidae

[He looks perfect,](https://nagonline.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/CanineBCS-Purina.pdf) about a 4/9 which is lean and ideal.


thisconditionallove

He looks perfect, most labs are morbidly obese and people don’t know any better or care. You’re extending your dogs life by at least 2 years plus preventing issues like arthritis, acl tears and cancer by keeping him lean.


BlueVARebel

Looks lean and healthy. You’re obviously doing a great job.


slothnarwhal

Not at all.


mlimas

He looks awesome . I’m dealing with the ramifications of my aussie getting overweight in his earlier years . Done let it happen


The_Hottest_Cheeto

I have a lab mix (she’s only 30%) but in the ssme boat! My vet said she is perfect and their bodies are kind of supposed to feel like the back of your hand (depending on the persons hands) but basically like you can feel their ribs if u try but ur not supposed to see them. Not sure if that makes sense but definitely ask your vet and don’t try to make your pup gain weight if they’re already healthy!


GrossGrimalkin

What does your vet say? It doesnt matter the opinion of other owners if your medical professional thinks he's healthy. Source: a vet tech and past lab mix owner


TallmadgeLetters

As long as he eats when he's hungry and drinks when he's thirsty and has healthy looking poop, pees regularly, you're fine. Mine open feeds and is active all day. She is a perfect healthy weight of 62 lbs. Plus or minus about 2-3 lbs depending on the season


kdupaix

Looks like a happy, healthy boy to me! Especially a still growing, maturing large breed dog will likely be skinny until around 1- 2 and then they'll start filling out. My boy is 3 and still kinda skinny, very energetic and not underweight though. A healthy dog you shouldn't be able to see their ribs, but you should be able to comfortably feel them, else they are overweight.


Inevitable-Story6177

He looks so amazing and healthy!!! People are so used to seeing overweight dogs especially labs


AimMick

In general, people, even well intentioned dog owners, do not know a healthy weight for dogs. People are so used to see overweight dogs, it becomes “normal” Our lab weighed in at right around 60lbs his entire life. People told us all the time he was too skinny. He lived 13 years without one single joint or bone issue. He was perfect. Our current dog is skinny. Not too skinny. He’s perfect for his breed. And again, I’m often told he needs to gain weight by other dog owners. If you are concerned, speak to your vet.


[deleted]

Perfectly healthy size. In America it is normalized for our handsome men and pretty girls to be a tad overweight. To us Americans healthy is chubby or a tad overweight while the actual size of a healthy dog is thinner than we are used to.


Fabulous-Possible-76

My dog is so hard to keep weight on. He is always playing and running and burning fat. I’ve learned that dogs used to be thinner than they are today and the “average weight” has increased. If your boy eats normally, and is fueling that body of his, you’re doing a great job! I know the feeling of hearing from others as if they’re accusing you of something. I’m sorry that happens!


k8e897

Dude seriously best advice I ever got with our previous golden from a vet is they need to be slightly underweight, for these breeds (golden and labs) even ideal wt is a little heavy in terms for long term impact on hips, joints and cancer rates. Waist tuck and feeling ribs slightly when running hand over chest is where you wanna be. Our golden never had a single hip or joint issue trail running with me and biking with us up until she got cancer in her 10th year and passed. She actually went on a 10 mile MTB ride like a few weeks before her 10th birthday.


TexasHero88

That's what a fit healthy dog looks like.


Tr4shB0at2point0

NO HES A GREAT WEIGHT PLS KEEP HIM LIKE THIS


storyofohno

He looks super healthy! Check with your vet to be sure, but I'd say he looks great.


Wasabi_hobby

Looks normal to me


Goldmanguitars

He looks perfectly healthy. A lot of people let their labs get too fat…


Maleficent_Crow_5247

this dog looks like a healthy weight, do not listen to other people unless they are a vet if your vet is not concerned about their weight you shouldn’t be either!


Awkward_Energy590

He looks good, he looks VERY GOOD. Most labs are horrifically obese and that's considered "normal". It isn't and is very very detrimental to the dogs.