The dog should have a defined waist and tuck. When viewed from the side (1), there should have a clear abdominal tuck (this can be a little harder to identify in male dogs due to the position of the genitals). When viewed from above (2), a defined hour-glass like waist behind the ribs should be seen. Ribs should be palpable with minimal fat covering- they should feel similar to the tops of your knuckles when your hand is flat. The degree to which the spine and pelvic bones are visible or felt depends on the conformation of the breed and the individual dog. Body condition should all be assessed when the dog is standing on a flat surface, as certain positions and movement during exercise naturally accentuate the presence of the ribs or spine.
Excess weight puts strain on the dog's joints and spine, causing chronic inflammation. Obesity in dogs is correlated with greater incidences of joint issues and IVDD, among other disorders. |