Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi!

my boyfriend and i adopted a rottie pup about a month ago. we got him from a woman who rescues dogs in stockton and she acquired our puppy (along with his 2 sisters) from a backyard breeder who for whatever reason didn't want them. my boyfriend really wanted a rottie and i really wanted to rescue a dog so fortunately we found a compromise. anyway, my boyfriend's concern now is that:
1. we don't have a good idea of what his physicality will be as an adult because we didn't have a chance to look at his parents.
2. he may not be full rottie. he's got all the markings and stubborness to match but seems like he's a little on the slight side.

i'm a little concerned because now at about 11-12 weeks old he doesn't seem to be as big as other rotties we've seen. although he was the runt and no two dogs are alike i'd still like to know what the average growth rate of a rottie is, how much he should be eating and is it okay to feed him meat right now. our puppy is about 17lbs., we can still see and feel his backbone and ribs even though he eats like a pig.

any suggestions and insight would be greatly appreciated!
cheryl

Have you brought him to your vet yet? They will tell you if hes underfed or if what your doing seems right for him. Mine is 18 months and still filling out, just had her at the vet not long ago and she said her weight was perfect and to not change a thing. To me she still looks like Bambi with those long legs Good luck with him, its always nice to hear of someone getting a rescue dog.

thanks for the reply! and yes, we have been to the vet...he'll have his 4th set of shots this weekend! our vet has mentioned that ajax is a bit under weight, but like i mentioned before he eats like a pig. i guess he must have a very high metabolism.

Thought of this while talking to a friend earlier today who mentioned a 6 month old Borozi pup she saw last weekend who was small.

I reminded her that this pups Aunts & Uncles born here were on the smallish size at 6 months, and now they're within standard, if not huge Borzoi.

So, his growth rate may be a lot slower. A lot of people/breeders believe a dog who matures slower tends to be healthier and live longer.

Might also have him checked for worms.
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PHBorzoi

Mielikki's Hunt Borzoi
http://www.mielikkishunt.com

Treasure the past, don't mourn it.
A balanced dog has a title on both ends.