by Susan
(New Jersey)
We have a female rottie around 5 years old. She’s energetic and playful but my main concern is her weight. Many have question to me as to why she is so small because most Rottweilers are looked at as wide and heavy.
At her last check up she was at 73 lbs but the vet says she’s healthy and blood work is normal but I’m still not understanding why she isn’t gaining or appearing to fill out. She has been on Eukanuba since birth and I feed her 2 cups twice a day which is devoured in less than 5 minutes.
What can I do to put more weight on her and fill her out?
Hi Susan
The eventual weight and height of an adult dog is determined almost entirely by genetics. That is, the weight and height of her parents, grandparents and to some extent more distant relatives is what goes into her DNA and what decides her height, weight, coat color, pigment, ear set, eye color and on and on. General health and diet also play a role in skeletal structure, muscle development and ratio of fat, but it’s fairly minimal usually.
At 5 years old your Rottie is fully grown and as she’s in good health, she is probably the right weight for her bone size and framework. Of course if she looks very thin (ie her ribs and hip bones are very prominent) then there could be an underlying health issue but I would imagine your own vet would have noticed this.
So, I’m assuming that she’s not skinny, just not as ‘big’ as most people expect a Rottweiler to be…. and she is a bit below the ideal weight for an adult female which is given by the ADRK as around 92lbs.
However, Rottweilers were not bred to be extra-large or giant dogs and size isn’t the most important part of the dog as a whole, unless she is a show dog in which case that would be more relevant. Her health and happiness is much more important.
If you feel that her present diet isn’t keeping her in optimal shape there are many excellent dog foods on the market that you could look at. All of the ranges shown on my Best Puppy Food page are premium foods which also have adult formulas. Eukanuba used to be considered one of the best foods, but since some changes in the company there formulas are thought to be less reliable and not as superior as they once were.
But, regardless of that, if the food does suit her and her coat is shiny, her eyes clear, her stools regular and formed and she seems happy and energetic, then I personally don’t think it’s necessary to change her diet.
I wouldn’t be too concerned about other people’s remarks. Honestly, most people know very little about this breed and myths and misconceptions abound. As long as your girl is happy and healthy, it doesn’t matter if she’s not the biggest Rottie around. Her temperament and personality are what makes her so special not her size.
There are also health issues associated with carrying extra weight, including bone and joint problems, heart disease, diabetes and more. It’s healthier to keep her slender. Dogs who have been ‘altered’ (spayed or neutered) tend to put on weight, but that is not muscle and it’s not going to make a dog bigger… just fatter! Not all dogs do this, but if they do you then have your work cut out to keep that weight in check for health reasons.
I hope this puts your mind at rest some and that it helps you to enjoy your Rottie for who she is, without worrying about her size. Best of luck.
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