One GSD underweight, one almost over weight?
 

Hello,
I have 4 GSD's.. they are a family, Dad, Mom, brother and sister from different litters. I am a bit nervous to post anything for fear that I might get my head bit off b/c I bred my GSD's but at this point, its besides the point, everyone is fixed, its done and over with. I have a question about weight. I can't figure out how they are closely related and I have one that is almost over weight, I have to watch her b/c shes basically a hog, while I have another that is underweight... Its not b/c he gets less, he is pack leader so no one messes with his food. I just can't get him to gain weight, I feed Purina with a mix of home made food.. rice, sweet potatoes, carrots, some sort of meet, and beef broth. I let him eat until he is content, but he still doesn't gain weight. I did have him to the vet who told me that he is perfect weight for an agility dog, but he is really more of a couch potatoe, she suggested puppy food which didn't help. I worm them reguarly. I did some research and thought that maybe its Whip worms, which normal wormer doesn't take care of, but if it was whip worms, wouldn't all of my dogs have them, and therefore all be struggling with weight issues? Any other thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

If you want to rule whipworms you may want to get that test done. Otherwise, I think it is just like people - I got lucky and got the "thin" gene from my mother's side, my dad and his side of the family have to really watch their weight - it is easy for them to gain weight. So your dogs though related have different metabolisms as they way I see it. As long as your thin dog is healthy - I won't worry about the weight.