There is no correct weight for a breed, only a correct weight for your dog. What we use instead is a hands-on assessment you can do at home in about thirty seconds.
The check
Ribs: run your hands along the side of the chest. You should feel the ribs easily, with a thin covering over them, rather like the back of your hand.
From above: there should be a visible waist behind the ribs.
From the side: the belly should tuck up towards the back legs rather than running straight.
If you have to press to find ribs, there’s no waist from above, and the underline runs flat, your dog is carrying more than it should. This is the case for roughly half the dogs we see.
Why it matters more than it sounds
Excess weight measurably shortens life and makes almost everything else worse: joints, breathing, heat tolerance, anaesthetic risk, and the ability to recover from surgery. It is also, unlike most things, entirely reversible.
Why the bag is misleading
Feeding guides are averages for an average, active, unneutered animal. Most pets are not that. Treats are the other half of the problem, and they add up faster than anyone expects: a small biscuit to a terrier is not a small biscuit.
What our weight clinic does
Free nurse-led appointments where we set a target, work out how much food that actually means in grams, and weigh regularly so you can see it working. No judgement, no lectures. Most dogs reach target within four to six months.
Not sure whether this needs a visit?
Call us on (555) 018-4400 and describe what you’ve noticed. Our nurses triage these calls all day and there’s no charge for asking. If it’s outside our hours and you’re worried, call [emergency hospital name] on [number].
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. Nothing here replaces examining your specific animal.
Related service
Wellness exams