Skinny GSDs for Sale - Page 2

Not when it's possibly a genetic condition that is predomonant in the GSD and can eventually KILL the dog, as well as cause huge expenses to the owner to properly treat the animal, which too many don't put that much effort into it.  I implore you guys to google EPI, SIBO, and IBD to see what is happening to our shepherds due to not properly using selective breeding.  As I said before, my dog suffers from 2 of those conditions due to his breeding and I have spent thousands upon thousands of dollars in both regular vet and emergency vet fees before finally finding a vet who did his schooling at Texas A&M University and also worked there as staff.  TAMU is one of two schools in the country that specialize in these GI issues in the GSD.  If we just keep going on and "get used to seeing dogs like this", then these hereditary GI issues are only going to get worse.

Other than the ad SS posted, I have really not noticed animals that strike me as underweight. Can you post a couple other links to what you consider underweight.

I have never met a knowledgeable breeder GSD who did not advocate keeping the dog on the slim side until the frame matures. This will very often look underweight to the public.

Also a young (teen age) dog out of coat will many times exhibit an extreme tuck up in the loin area. This can make the dog look very thin, but is usually just a stage the dog goes through to maturity.

Best,

Rik

Just because a dog is thin doesn't mean it has GI issues. And you did say that "maybe the ads should be screened", so Moons was apt in his statement. It sucks to see a dog in poor condition, whether that be thin, fat, dull coat, or looking like they never saw a brush or nail clippers a day in their life. It also sucks to see people breed outside the standard their unproven, untested dogs that are substandard at best.  Once censorship starts, it will spiral out of control.

You're preaching to the choir here, although many of us on this board butt heads regarding training and breeding, I think its safe to say most of us are very concientious of our dogs health and well being.

Steph, that is going to be one handsome man once you get the weight off of him!

I have two females that many would say are under weight.  These two are constantly on the move during the day.  I've had so many vet tests run and all their doc says is "these are amazing athletes in absolutly fit condition"  One is 62 pounds, the other 65 pounds, both eat the recommended diet of a 100 pound active dog.  NO health issues that would cause weight loss. 

As far as weight goes, you should be able to put your hands on the dog, slide them back to the rib cage and be able to feel ribs, NOT necessarily see ribs.  A lot less health problems with leaner dogs than overweight dogs;  a lifetime of  hip/health problems appear with fat dogs;  and by the way, it is VERY difficult to trim a dog down and extremely hard on the dogs if they have to go on a diet or whatever to loose that weight.  Very timely also.  Believe me, I have learned the hard way. Nanci

Funny...when I looked at the ad with the waaay too thin dog all I could see was the belly hanging down behind the dog.  Apparently someone was eating very well at that kennel even if it's not the dogs!  (I shouldn't be pointing fingers either )

I think some of you are taking what I said the wrong way.  No, there is not a problem with a healthy thin dog, one that gets alot of exercise.  But there is a problem with emaciated dogs.  I am not exactly quite sure how to add the threads on here.  I am not a great computer person which is why my boy is not shown next to my name on this board.  Haven't quite figured it out yet.  However, if you browse through this site, you will see truly emaciated looking dogs that you can see the ribs, hips and back.  That is not a healthy thin.  That is an emaciated skinny.