You can judge whether a dog is too fat or too thin by its appearance, even without an ideal weight chart. These characteristics describe whether dogs are "emaciated", normal or "obese".

 

1. emaciated

In an emaciated dog you can see the ribs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones and bony protrusions from a distance. There is no recognisable body fat. Muscle mass has obviously regressed.

 

2. very thin

Ribs, lumbar vertebrae and pelvic bones are visible. There is no palpable body fat. Some bony prominences are recognisable. Minor loss of muscle mass.

 

3. thin

Ribs are easily palpable and no body fat is recognisable. The upper lumbar vertebrae are visible, pelvic bones protrude. Waist and abdomen are sunken.

 

4. underweight

The ribs are palpable with minimal body fat. The waist is clearly visible from above, the stomach is sunken.

 

5. ideal weight

The ribs can be felt but are not visible and are not covered by excess body fat. Waist is visible from above directly behind the ribs, the abdomen is firm and not bulging.

 

6. overweight

The ribs are covered by more body fat than necessary. Waist is recognisable but not pronounced. The stomach is firm.

 

7. heavy

The ribs can barely be felt under the body fat. There are clear fat deposits in the lumbar region. The waist is not present, the abdomen is slightly bulging.

 

8. obese

The ribs can no longer be felt under the body fat. There are pronounced fat deposits in the lumbar region and the tail. There is no waist and the belly is clearly bulging.