What's new
Mastiff Forum

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

  • Welcome back!

    We decided to spruce things up and fix some things under the hood. If you notice any issues, feel free to contact us as we're sure there are a few things here or there that we might have missed in our upgrade.

Heracles

Rabid

Member
I have a 3 year old English mastiff. He is 143 pounds and I am wanting to know if he is underweight?
 

TylerDurden

Well-Known Member
Hi Rabid,

I guess it depends on his overall condition, genetics, his height etc. By the number alone, I would not say that he is underweight. Again, hard to tell without knowing more about the other variables. Do you have a picture you would want to post (if you feel comfortable with that). A lot of users on here have amazing experience, and can provide more detailed information.
My English Mastiff is a little short of 2 1/2 years and about 225 lbs, which was somewhat expected based on the parents. Even at three, Heracles can and probably will still gain some weight.
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
Yes. Pictures with him standing from over the top so we can see his back, and from the side would be great. Body condition is more important than the number. Overweight dogs are far too common in the US. I don't know about other countries. Body condition is much more important than the weight on the scale. Here's a body condition chart. This goes for any breed. Bigger isn't better. Especially for out big guys, a little under is preferable, imo.

BCS-Canine.jpg
 

Sheila Braund

Well-Known Member
Yes. Pictures with him standing from over the top so we can see his back, and from the side would be great. Body condition is more important than the number. Overweight dogs are far too common in the US. I don't know about other countries. Body condition is much more important than the weight on the scale. Here's a body condition chart. This goes for any breed. Bigger isn't better. Especially for out big guys, a little under is preferable, imo.

View attachment 62375
Far too many dogs are over weight in Canada too
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
Where do you feel he stands on the body condition chart? I know it's hard to tell with a brindle in a picture, so your assessment is important. What does your vet think?

Personally I think he looks great from what I can tell from the picture. I don't see any spine or hips poking up, nor do I see lots of ribs. Thinner is most definitely better. Overweight mastiffs are the norm, imo, because that's what people are used to seeing.
 

Sheila Braund

Well-Known Member
FBC37D59-A3F0-4FA0-96C6-185421530212.jpeg
He looks like a handsome boy. I think he’s looking pretty good... my Bella is around 125 to 130lbs and my vet thinks Bella is at a perfect weight