I never said the dog in the photo was overweight, but if a dog was at the breed standard he would not be "pudgy." Reasonable is not the correct standard or way to judge weight on a dog. That is purely subjective, and we need to be objective when analyzing our dogs, in weight, shape, temperament and working abilities. Many folks are not objective nor are they "reasonable when it comes to their own dogs. I suppose people and vets need to see more fit and in shape dogs to be able to judge reasonably. I admit, I have a serious advantage as I am around and work athletic dogs everyday. So, when I see a "heavy", pudgy, or overweight dog it is immediately apparent. I judge condition of the dogs I work every day and will often tell handlers there dog needs to lose a pound or two or is simply fat. I have a critical eye and look at my dogs and others dogs objectively. Keeping and maintaining a dog at the correct weight is something that I believe is very important.
You also do not need to be a "handler", trainer or dog show judge to learn how to tell if a dog is overweight, even by a pound or two. It was explained by several people in the other thread quite thoroughly.
Oversized GSD's do not go by different rules for being in shape, lean or overweight. Because a GSD is 26, 28 or 30" inches at the shoulder does not make it ok to be 5, 10, 20 or 30 lbs overweight. Pudgy is not good on any sized GSD in my way of thinking, even more so on an oversized dog.
I will apologize in advance if I have offended anyone. This post is meant in a general way and a general response to keeping a dog a few or more pounds overweight. I know for some this is like calling your kid ugly, sorry! I am not criticizing anyones dog, again the dog in the photo is a gorgeous dog. I will direct my comments to the kind, loving owners of GSD's and other breeds who think it is ok to have big, fat dogs. I'm sure your dogs are awesome, no offense to the heavy dogs in the world. :wink2: But, to the owners of heavy dogs, put them on a proper diet, get them some exercise and have fun with them. Stop all the milk bones and get out and walk them. Throwing a toy to a dog, praising a dog will be more appreciated than handing it cookies. Weight is not a measure of a dog's worth, ability, make it any better, or how much it loves you.