Quote:
Originally Posted by Mrs.K
That can't possibly be healthy...  |
I honestly do not think so. If the dog has the sound structure and frame there's nothing unhealthy about her. She has great structure and is absolutely healthy. As were 13 other GSDs we've had. One of the most amazing ones I've had was 135 lbs, and only went to the vet once a year for check ups. Absolutely fit to the end. Another male was 140 lbs also passed peacefully was quite often thought to be 6-7 yo when he was crossing 12. That's how sound and healthy he was. A small framed dog overweight is unhealthy. A large framed animal, whose genes condition large frame, is not unhealthy. Remember, bad hips and the likes can affect smaller dogs just the same. If it's in the animal's genes it doesn't matter the animal's size.
Here's my sister now with her Maltese dogs, 8 lbs a piece, perfectly fit, with hip dys. and rupture of cruciate ligaments left and right.
It is not the size that will cause a dog to develop hip problems. Bad breeding will.
I really am not trying to stir up things here but there are positive things in a GSD's genome as well as negative and because somebody selects for sound frame and/or coat doesn't mean that the breeding will be poor healthwise.
Cheers,
Ana