A Rapid Method for Determining Normal Weights of Medium-to-Large Mongrel Dogs

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Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

4-1983

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Abstract

Increased emphasis on nutritional status of dogs is evidenced by the recent development of product lines designed to provide maximum canine nutrition without associated obesity. However, specific weight standards, such as those available for humans, have not been determined for dogs. Consequently, ideal weights for adult dogs are based largely on subjective evaluation. The lack of objective standards is unfortunate because it hinders owners, practitioners, and researchers in making sound judgments about the nutritional status of a dog. In the study reported here, correlations were made between weight and the easily determined parameters of length, circumference and height in a population of adult mongrel dogs. Statistical analyses of data provided information used in the compilation of a table of normalized weights for dogs within the range included in the study. The length, circumference, and weight of 63 (29 female, 34 male) unconditioned mongrel dogs were measured. Combined totals were used to plot regression lines for length:weight, circumference:weight, and height:weight. Correlation coefficients for the lines were 0.85, 0.76, and 0.41 respectively, and standard errors for the lines were 2.25, 3.20, and 3.95 respectively. Circumference, the best parameter for predicting weight, was selected and used to compile a table of normalized weights expressed in kilograms and pounds for convenient comparison.

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