need opinions.. people are saying my doberman is fat

[shadowpaints]

this is odie today, we have fought and fought to keep weight on this boy, and now some people on a doberman forum is saying he is flabby, way to fat etc

i can feel his ribs easily, and see his ribs and spine when he is running...
i know he may have 1 or 2 lbs more but i think he is just right!

 

[dainerra]

I wouldn't worry about what people say judging from photos. If you can easily feel ribs and see them in motion, he is probably right.
Does he need to tone up a little? I can't get photos right now if you posted any. Its too difficult for people to judge from photos, even though they like to try. Even the angle of the photo or the lighting can change how heavy or thin a dog looks. You would need straight on side profile shots as well as standing over looking straight down.

Oh pictures finally loaded. Lol

He looks good. In the overhead shot, it looks like he is laying down. That makes him look a little "wider". I can't tell how his muscletone is, maybe he needs a little exercise to firm him up. Swimming is great for developing tone.

 

[EweSheep]

Personally I think he is fine! Not too fat nor too thin. If he hasn't exercise that much and he has not gained weight, I would nto worry about it. A show friend raises and bred beautiful Dobes and hers are much more thicker because they have not been exercised that much but not very obese. They were on a strict diet too.

 

[AinaWGSD]

I don't see any testicles in that first photo. If he isn't being shown in conformation or bred, then it doesn't matter if he is a little flabby or even ever so slightly on the heavy side of an ideal weight. What does your vet say about his weight? He may be carrying a little more weight than someone who is showing their dogs would want, but he is by no means overweight or obese. Ignore what those crazy people are telling you. I can guarantee you that for each person who thinks your dog is "fat" looking at those photos, there is at least one person who would tell you that you are starving your dog and he is too thin.

 

[speckledhen]

As someone who grew up with AKC Dobes (family bred and showed them), I personally don't think he's too fat. You don't want him any larger, I'd say, certainly, but he looks okay to me. He's a blue! I had a blue, got nice pups out of her. Though all of ours had cropped ears, I actually prefer them natural. He's a great looking dog!

 

[cafarmgirl]

Look's to be in excellent shape to me. If your chatting on a dog forum to a bunch of show people, yeah, they are going to nit pick you to death. I left a breed specific dog forum I used to belong to because of the level of insanity and the constant attacks on people's posts no matter the topic!

Your dog looks great!

 

[shadowpaints]

thanks all! i love him and got a bit upset at the doberman forum.as i was sooooo happy that he was finally what i think is a ideal weight, he weighs about 110lbs right now, and he will stay that. we rescued about 18 months ago, got him he weighed 75lbs, was hairles and had sores on his legs and feet.

we found out he has IBD (irritable bowel diesease) and that he has a sever allergy to corn. we have tried him on every food out there, Blue buffalo ( he lost weight) TOTW had the runs, exclusive, had the runs.. UGH its been a chore and last month i was ready to euthanise him, because he was SOOOOOO thin!!

switched him to Rachel Rays Nutrish just 6 and upped his food, no more runs, and has gained 30ish lbs! he could use more toneing, but its cold, and i have yet to find a coat big enough for him that is reasonably priced .

we love him, wouldnt trade him for anything. he is so goofy...

and yes he is neutered. no plans for showing... lol i dont have his papers, his old owner didnt want to give them to me

 

[pinkfoxfarm]

personally id say weight wise hes perfect...i can definatly see the need to tone...hes laking some of the muscle definaition, but given hes a rescue form obviosuly bad circumstances id say he looks darn good!
i woudnt be at all worried about his weight, id be focusing now in maintenence and building defintiion and stamina...i think the muscle tone would make him look STUNNING...(not that hes not a gorgeous boy as is...) ahh i d love the dobies!

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

I agree with everyone else. He's at a good weight and building some muscle down the road would be even better for him. You've done a great job with him -- I remember when you first got him, he looks wonderful ♥

 

[speckledhen]

My blue girl had serious hair loss issues-the blues are just prone to skin/hair problems, it seems. For all his history, you've obviously done a fabulous job with him!