Canine recommended breed weight ranges are not a good predictor of an ideal body condition score

Smith, E. G.; Davis, K.; Sulsh, L.; Harvey, S. C. and Fowler, K. E. (2018). Canine recommended breed weight ranges are not a good predictor of an ideal body condition score. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 102(4) pp. 1088–1090.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.12919

Abstract

Breed-specific ideal bodyweight range information is widely used by dog owners and breeders as a guideline to ensure animals are within a healthy weight range. Body Condition Scoring, a method used by veterinarians to assess an animal's overall shape with regard to weight is considered to be an excellent method to determine an animal's overall body condition; these values, however, do not always correspond to published weight ranges. Here, the weight, neuter status, age and a nine-point Body Condition Score of a population of 140 purebred dogs were recorded and subsequently analysed to determine whether bodyweight was an effective predictor for Body Condition Scores. This comparison indicated that published recommended, breed-specific body weight ranges are not a good predictor for an ideal BCS and as such, guidelines for owners and breeders need to be systematically reviewed.