Weight gain for a show?

[nlavett]

Xasha turned 10 months yesterday and is due to show in the 9-12 month class the first weekend of May in Orlando at the IABCA. Now, I like to preface so as I can be as clear as possible. (I'm hoping after enough posts, I won't have to do this anymore, :-))

We did our homework, have a reputable COE breeder (who's been in business for almost 30 years) and have a wonderful relationship with her. I always like to get others input however when things come up that I am not educated on. Okay.....

The show before last was a sieger in Orlando. Xasha took VP-3! Yay! I did notice that she was smaller (width not heighth) than the other dogs in the class. I was reassured by my breeder that she was just fine. That unfortunately some people do breed for size and that they would try and title their dogs as quickly as possible before they fell apart.

Her next show was Easter weekend in Orlando. This was the first one we were unable to attend and she did not place. She was only 9 months at the time, so at the bottom of the class. No problem, can't win em all.

When I talked to my breeder about the upcoming show...she asked that I "put some weight on her." She said lots of carbs along with her kibble and supplements. Is this something that everyone does? And if it is, how is it done in a healthy manner. Again, my breeder has told me alot, just looking for other opinions.

Also, Xasha is close to 70 pounds and around 21 1/2" tall. She is walked 3 x's a day and we have 30-40 minutes every night training and then playing fetch, so she has ample excercise.

[nlavett]

Correction...Easter weekend was in North Carolina...

[spidey]

This is a common idea, and I have yet to hear a judge say that they like to see a fat dog (and I have asked a few). I am pretty convinced personally that people assume that because a fat dog gets put up, that it was put up BECAUSE it was fat, when in fact it may have been put up IN SPITE OF being fat, and this then becomes "fact" that you have to show a fat dog to win. Show your dog in lean, fit, muscular condition. A good judge will not mistake fat for substance, or allow fat to prevent them from assessing structure.

I would not put excess weight on a dog for this or any other reason.

[OnyxGold1]

My opinion I think she's probably a bit better off leaner as opposed to heavier for her developing hips.

Given the size that you say she is.....21 1/2"/ 70lbs she sounds as though she is a smaller bitch as minimum breed standard is 22" (at least here in Canada)....but don't worry she's still got time to grow!! She sounds as though she is a nice healthy weight given her age however she sounds as though she is a smaller bitch.

You know it would be tough to say about judges liking fat or big vs proportioned and fit. My young bitch just turned 9 months old and she just finished her Can Ch on her 9 month birthday......even tho she was up against MUCH larger bitches and much older bitches....she could outmove them all even though she's a lean 82lbs and standing 23 1/2". She doesn't have an ounce of extra fat on her but the judges were putting her up anyway so there is hope!!!!

Personally your girl sounds like a good weight given her size!!!

Heather Peters

[TrinaJ]

Some judges like big dogs some like the smaller dogs, it all depends on the judge you get.

I agree with Heather, dont put too much weight on her as she is still developing and you dont want to hinder the hip development.

Good luck with the show!

Trina

[nlavett]

All in all, I have decided not to alter our girl's diet. She looks beautiful to me. All lean muscle. She is very active with a high drive, so I believe she keeps everything burned off. I don't believe my breeder meant for us to put on alot of "fat". With Xasha's energy level, I don't know if you could, lol. Regardles, I thank you all for your input.

[targonrotts]

for a dog show, it is not worth it.
your pup is in the crucial growing stages. keep her fit and in good condition. it is not worth risking an injury or other problems just for a show.
some dogs are wider or bigger bone-that is genetics.
some are shown heavier on purpose. i have been guilty of that(after arguments with handlers and breeders). but in a pup or young dog, i wouldn't anymore.
a good judge should be able to find the best dog in the ring that day-not based on size only.