[tully]

Well, I will continue to disagree respectivly of course. I have owned dogs my whole life and would know if my dog is over weight. I think my vet would know also. There will always be generalities. In general means just that. It is a generalization. Isn't that what is great about America? We don't have to agree!

[Curbside Prophet]

Originally Posted by tully

Well, I will continue to disagree respectivly of course. I have owned dogs my whole life and would know if my dog is over weight. I think my vet would know also. There will always be generalities. In general means just that. It is a generalization. Isn't that what is great about America? We don't have to agree!

Please don't misunderstand me, I trust you and your vet's opinion of your dog's weight. I'm merely trying to point out that according to the standard, you dog would be considered heavy. Heavy does not equal over weight or fat. It just means that a working male labrador should be within 65-80 pounds to be best suited for the jobs they do as hunting dogs. That's all, I'm sure your dog is handsome regardless, and I think we all can agree to that.

[DogAdvocat]

A dog can be "oversized" without being "overweight." Oversized is when a breeder consistently breeds dogs larger than the standard. They might be doing this unintentionally or on purpose. They might even be using it as a selling feature. I had a dog whose standard called for approx. 15 pounds and yet he was 30 pounds without an ounce of excess fat on him. That was an oversized dog, but not fat.

[nrhareiner]

Also in the AKC standard for labs is one of the tightest. It only allows for a 1/2" either way anything more then that is grounds for a DQ of that dog. Some breeds are more generous in this area.

Heidi

[tully]

Thanks Dog Advocate didn't think to explain it that way . I am not into showing dogs so I really don't know what the standard is. I am just a humble doggie owner .
I am 46 so I just don't take things so seriously anymore. I love my pups and do my best. I am a huge advocate of alternative medicine and top quality dog food! I also believe we should be educated owners not waiting for the vet or someone else telling us what is what. I am outside the fringe baby Always have been and don't expect that to change at this late date. What do u expect I am an Aquarian? Never inside the box
I love Labs and Goldendoodles and mutts. I really haven't owned any other breed. I am sure though the Standard poodle rocks as do all of them!