AboutLabman Expertise housebreaking, chewing, feeding
Please do not send me questions on medical problems or AKC standards
Experience Through my volunteer work with a large dog guide school, I know a little about all the breeds they use including Goldens. I have extensive experience with the closely related Labs. The service dog schools have acquired a wealth of knowledge about raising well behaved, healthy dogs with long, active lives. They do not share it with the general public, but pass on the best of it to those like me that raise puppies for them. I am part of a group that has raised dogs for 6 different service dog schools. We meet monthly for training and share information.
Question I have a 7.5-month-old male golden. He is perfectly healthy, has a beautiful coat and is in excellent shape according to the “Rate Your Dog” Chart. My Golden is only 57 lbs though and the measurement from his shoulder blades to the floor is about 21 inches. However, according to most websites about Golden’s, the average males are 65-85lbs and are anywhere from 23-26 inches from shoulder to floor. Obviously, those websites said that there are others that fit outside the spectrum though. I have been told that at 7-8 months old that he is fairly full size, other than filling out a little bit in their chest and bulkiness. I am actually very content with the fact that he is a little smaller, but is this healthy and normal…and how much heavier and larger do you think he will get at this point? Thanks in advance, I love the advice you give!
Answer Thank you for your kind comments.
At 7 months his growth has greatly slowed, but he will continue to grow perhaps even into his second year. A couple of months from now, he won't look any bigger, but the scales and tape measure will show he has grown. If you continue to keep him lean, in his second year, his chest will widen with very little weight gain. It is more a change of shape.
