Expert: Kaza - 7/12/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi,  I just purchased a shichon puppy.  Half bichon half shih tzu.

He was born 4/15/07  He is now 4 3/4 lbs.  Do you have any idea how many pounds he will get at full growth?

I have gotten many ranges.

ANSWER: Hello
it would depend on the parents, But judging from his size now , if on a tinned or kibble  diet with little exercise probably 12-16 lbs.
My advice would be get him onto a raw food diet asap this will help him maintain a good healthy weight , rather than become obese.
To look at our own size charts please log into my FREE site

www.eurobichons.com

cheers and best wishes

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The mom is a bichon and 10 pounds.  The dad is a shih tzu and is 11 pounds according to the reputable owner of the pet shop.  He is eating Pedigree Puppy.  Is that good?

Answer
Hi there I do think that he will be on average 12-16 lbs . I would take him off the kibble . If we look at how dogs have developed and evolved in recent years we can correlate the rise in obesity to their new diets . Dogs in general ahve exercised the same over the same period , yet their diet has been completly altered. raw food is a natural way to feed the dog. It stops gasses and fermentation in the gastointestinal area. Defecation is greatly improved and tearstains will be dramatically reduced as no colouring will be used at all. Fibre should be given via green vegetables, always given raw. Chicken wings allow the dog to chew correctly thus reducing teeth decay. Carrot batons , brocoli (in small amounts) kale, pumpkin are a great way to give fibre naturally.
The dog will eat less and his energy evels will be better.
Hope this helps you.