can his puppy be too heavy?

[vale]

I went to Puppy Classes yesterday with Blade and met this older guy who also owns a Rottweiler. His puppy is 3 and a half months. When I saw him (the puppy), I was amazed at how big he was. He's 3 weeks younger than Blade, he's got shorter legs, but he's much more chubby... In fact, I'd say he's almost fat. I tried to find pictures on Google Images of chubby - almost fat - Rottweiler puppies but I couldn't find any that showed a close enough resemblance.

I got to talk to the man and he asked me if Blade was having difficulties climbing up stairs. He then told me that his little boy still doesn't want to do so and that when he does, it seems to hurt him. He thinks it's something with his back legs.

So now I'm wondering - could his puppy be too big for his age? Can it really hurt him to climb up stairs because he's too heavy?

When you first look at the pup from a distance, you'd think he's not even 2 months old, because he looks as chubby (perhaps even more) as young puppies do. (This is probably the best way you can picture him...)

[moz205]

Sounds overweight to me which is probably hindering him from climbing stairs. I would also think he doesn't get exercised much. All of my dogs were balls of fire, running and sleeping were their favorite things to do at that age. Maybe the short legs are an effect from poor breeding or they just look that way because of the weight.

[vale]

He does seem overweight. I had never seen a puppy like this before. You're probably right, he might not get enough exercise, because he sure didn't look fit at all. He had a very large face though, so I thought maybe it was "normal" for the pup to look like this. The weight was all over his body. He really looked like a very young puppy. Nothing close to a 4 mo.

[vale]

Isn't bad for his back legs if it's really because he's too heavy? Can it not cause permanent damages?

[jrc87]

Perhaps you could encourage him to see a vet about "the back legs", and let the VET tell him his puppy's a lard butt. :)

[vale]

I suppose I should I was just curious... I didn't have the chance to see a lot of Rottweiler puppies so I don't really know what's "normal" or not regarding their weight. I'd be happy to browse the gallery if I could and find out by myself! ;)

[RottsNScotts]

A really easy measure of adult or puppy is to have them sit. ANYTHING that goes over the hips while sitting is fat.

[vale]

Thanks RottsNScotts ;) I'll make sure to make him sit next Tuesday :)

[Ayoka]

Originally Posted by jrc87

Perhaps you could encourage him to see a vet about "the back legs", and let the VET tell him his puppy's a lard butt. :)

I know LOTS of people with fat dogs who say...but the VET says he's in good shape. I wouldn't rely on a vet to say that.