[Durk]

Hey everybody,

My name is Nick... my 5 month old basset's name is Hank. I've never had a basset, and I had a question that I was hoping the more experienced owners here could help me out with. When I got Hank from the breeder, he was obviously the biggest pup in the litter. So, naturally I thought he would be a bigger guy growing up.

Well, I just went to the vet last week and he is almost 5 months and already 40 pounds. The doc has concerns about his weight, but I am not sure I agree. He is not overfed (including NO people food), and I exercise him on a daily basis. He doesn't look fat, in fact he looks quite healthy. I just think he is a big guy and cutting his meals down to less than three times a day seems unhealthy for a growing puppy.

I was hoping anyone here could give their opinion of my situation and whether it might be a good idea to put him on a diet as suggested by the vet. I appreciate everyones help and look forward to talking quite a bit on here.

Here are some pictures of Hank:

 

[José]

Well I've got to say, Hank is adorable. I don't know which picture I like the best! The great dane is adorable... but then nothing can beat the basset pup belly up sleeping pose.

Your little guy looks perfect now. Maybe your vet doesn't understand bassets as well, they are pretty stocky dogs.

I can't remember when I cut José down from 3 meals a day, to 2, to eventually one. I think it was somewhere around 5 months he went from 3 to 2, so maybe you could try that. I wouldn't say he should lose any weight, I would just be careful since he is pretty sturdy now, that his waistline doesn't grow faster than his bones.

Lisa
José 2001-2007

 

[Durk]

Well I've got to say, Hank is adorable. I don't know which picture I like the best! The great dane is adorable... but then nothing can beat the basset pup belly up sleeping pose.

Your little guy looks perfect now. Maybe your vet doesn't understand bassets as well, they are pretty stocky dogs.

I can't remember when I cut José down from 3 meals a day, to 2, to eventually one. I think it was somewhere around 5 months he went from 3 to 2, so maybe you could try that. I wouldn't say he should lose any weight, I would just be careful since he is pretty sturdy now, that his waistline doesn't grow faster than his bones.

Lisa
José 2001-2007[/b]

Thanks for the reply! Yeah, I don't know what the vet is thinking... she said he should ideally be 30 pounds. I can't imagine him being 10 pounds lighter than he is right now. He's all bone, muscle, and of course lots of skin!

 

[AmyB]

Hank is one handsome guy!

 

[Beverly Anne]

What a great looking basset! Absolutely the cutest face. Welcome to the forum and I'd say that if you're feeding him the right amount of food and getting Hank to exercise a LOT then you should have no problem.

 

[clarejon]

hay Hank - you're a cute little guy! I love the belly picture!

i'd say 40lb is too heavy for a five month old. my two year old is 23kg which is guess is 47/48 lbs and she is much longer than Hank and she is on a diet to get down to 21kg by the vet.

you know you say you are feeding him the right amount. how do you know that? are you going by food packaging lable? this could be too much? my dog doesnt eat 1/3 of what the packet says and she's overweight acording to the vets anyway.

i'd still keep him on three meals a day (but possibly half the mount in each meal) until about 9/10 months then down to two. also are you still feeding him puppy food or have you switched to adult? puppy his what he should be on until one year old.

hope this helps

Clare

 

[faysie]

Oh that picture of him sleeping is PRICELESS!! That is one VERY relaxed Basset! :lol:

 

[murraysmom]

What a great puppy!!!! I can't wait to see more pictures! :lol: !

 

[Soundtrack]

Really, what is the "correct" weight for a basset at any given age will depend on his build, his bloodlines, his muscle tone (muscle weighs more than fat), and his growth rate. There is a LOT of variation in the size of adult bassets, from under 40 pounds up to 100 or more.

If you got him from a good breeder, I would consult with them as to what is normal for their pups. A good breeder will often be more knowlegable about basset-specific issues than a vet will.

When my Kermit was six months old, he was already 50 pounds. He finished out at around 65-70.

 

[shallhb]

I can't judge his weight in a picture--I'd second the suggestion to talk to the breeder. But! Oh, is he cute!!!

 

[Aruuuu]

Miriam's suggestion to talk to the breeder is right on. The breeder will know his or her line, and what the best weight for your pup is. I think a lot of vets are inexperienced with bassets, which is why one needs to sometimes take their well-intentioned advice with some caution......

 

[2hounds]

No suggestions or comments on weight, just want to say that Hank is a real cutie. That face is to die for!

~Heather

 

[FredMom]

You have a beautiful hound. I'd suggest checking the ingredients in the food and monitor the amount of food you are giving to him. 40lbs at 5 months is a bit extra. Fred is 44lbs and will be 1year and 1month on the 31st of this month. You know the basset hound breed are known for having weight issues, which could cause diabetes along back and leg problems later in life. If the Vet said that your boy is overweight, ask him/her to suggest a weight control food that will help slim him down. Also, like previously suggested, talk to the breeder and ask about the parents eating habits. I had to do the same about Fred, because he was a finiky eater at first and I found out that both of his parents are the same way.

Hope this helps and good luck. Give him a tummy rub for me! :lol:

 

[Rubydoo]

Hank is beautiful! By all means, ask the breeder. And do not go by what the package of food states; they usually say to give more food than a dog needs.

Please continue to send more pictures.

Janice and little Ruby

 

[4bs'smom]

Hank is a gorgeous basset. As someone else stated, I think a basset's weight has a lot to do with their genetics. I have one basset, Belle topping out at 65 lbs and another basset Bonnie topping out at 45. So, it just depends on the basset. In order to keep Hank in shape, I would probably take him down to two meals a day. Congratulations on getting a beautiful basset, looks like you are going to have a lot of fun filled years ahead!

 

[DogBiteGrrr]

I don't have advice since I'm a new basset owner who's an adult, but I still wanted to let you know your pup is sooo cute!

 

[Vision]

I would call the position in that last picture "dead man." lol

 

[kaq1230]

First off, Hank is absolutely gorgeous!!!! My biggest boy Rosco who now tops the scales at 78 lbs at 18months was in the 50lb range when he was 5 months or so. My vet advised me that if Rosco had a waist and that I could feel his ribs by laying my hand flat against his side, then that is a sign of a "correct" weight, actually seeing the ribs equals underweight, and the inability to feel the ribs or see a waist equals overweight. Mr. Lemmy weighs in at 55lbs at 4 years old, and Stewie weighs in at about 48lbs at 1 year, all are "correct" weight, but due to different body shapes etc, their weights are varied.

Also, Rosco and co. have all been on a 2 per day feeding schedule, and they all are fine, healthy weights, ears, shiny coats etc. Although, I am a sucker and the boys get as many treats that they can manipulate out of me, also they are walked for a minimum of an hour per day with the Basset 500 thrown in for good measure before naps...

Karen
manipulated by Rosco, Lemmy and Stewie

 

[shakerag]

Hank is beautiful! just do whatever he wants and everything will be allright.
don

 

[Louise]

OMG! I can't help you with the weight problem (he seems fine to me) but wow is he gorgeous! You are so lucky.
I'm in love!

Lou