Is there any accurate predictor for adult size from a pup

[jessac]

My vet recommended triple the weight at three months or double the weight art four months to give a good estimate for their full size weight. She cautioned that some larger breed dogs tend to grow for longer periods so they could be larger than the prediction, but it's usually close.

If that's right, looks like you'll have a big dog!

[Liesje]

The foot thing is not accurate. Some GSDs have "splayed" feet that make them look big. I had a GSD that had pretty big feet because they were not very tight and she was 50lbs full grown. Also my mutt had big fuzzy puppy feet and he's 65lbs full grown.

[Rerun]

Originally Posted by wildo

Rerun- am I thinking of the correct dog? I think you're pretty familiar with Bruce's dogs, right? Whichever "Slovak" dog he had/has- that thing had ridiculously huge feet.

I don't know enough about the bloodlines and pedigree reading to say whether meggie is slovak breeding or czech, but she is definitely his biggest female. Very tall, moderately stocky and yes big feet to match. Ozzy is from Slovakia.


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[Guardyan]

Nope . . According to Willis' GSD:A Genetic History, heritability of wither height is approximately 65%. This is a polygenic trait that can be strongly influenced by environment. Caloric intake, amount of exercise, supplementation, and various other factors all contribute to a dog's eventual size. I personally believe it is very important to keep pups lean and fit. This will benefit them greatly in terms of joint health and longevity.

[Yoschi's_Pet_Human]

Originally Posted by Guardyan

Nope . . According to Willis' GSD:A Genetic History, heritability of wither height is approximately 65%. This is a polygenic trait that can be strongly influenced by environment. Caloric intake, amount of exercise, supplementation, and various other factors all contribute to a dog's eventual size. I personally believe it is very important to keep pups lean and fit. This will benefit them greatly in terms of joint health and longevity.

right now my dog is very fit,,, not overly lean but not overweight at all... we walk 16 miles a week and he gets a lot of chasing and wrestling time with our three other dogs. As for feet,, his are huge! LOL...