German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America

Kitsa · Posted: 10/17/03, 3:40 pm Post subject: Growth Rate

I'm curious, what is the average rate of growth for GWP puppies? I have heard that they tend to be on the thin side throughout puppyhood and I want to be sure that he's growing fine.

cmmilach · Posted: 10/17/03, 4:37 pm Post subject: Growth Rate

Hi,

It is true, most wires are skinny as puppies & it takes them awhile to fill out. My 14 month old puppy is tall & thin. It is very hard to keep any weight on her. My male, who will be 9 this year, was thin up until he turned 7.

cheerio · Moderator Joined: 11 Mar 2003 Posts: 285 Location: Canada

It all depends of the line. But most GWP grow in height the first year, in weight the second and are not finish until their 3rd bday. In fact, most will not put on any weight up until 18 month to 2 years. So if you have a leggy skiny teenage dog, don't worry, it is normal as long as he eats well and he is full of energy.

maverickdvm · Member Joined: 12 Aug 2003 Posts: 25 Location: Michigan

I was so excited yesterday at 15 months my male finally broke 50 pounds. He has been a boney one all along plus eating is not his favorite thing to do. He is just starting to fill out. I am used to Labs, it was a hard transition.

ANGUS · Junior Joined: 13 Aug 2003 Posts: 32 Location: BC Canada

My boy is 16 months and is very tall and long legged.
Good to hear that he is not the only one.He is 80lbs now,I can just imagine what he will look like when he is done.
I might have in get some shares in a dog food company.lol

Illona · Posted: 10/21/03, 7:50 pm Post subject:

That's some BIG pointer you've got, Angus! 80 lbs?? Wow!!

I got my girl at 7 mos, and she was underweight for the first 10 mos I had her. I had a couple vets try to convince me that she needed different food -- and when I did switch her food, she became very ill and stopped eating for a week! Not a good idea when she's already skinny!

Only now that I've been feeding her a raw diet am I FINALLY seeing the weight come on. In fact, the past couple weeks I've cut back on her intake because I could start feeling the fat come in just a little over her ribs. One week on a slightly more restricted diet, and she's back to looking awesome.

I know one other GWP - just under a year - and he's a long-legged skinny runt. Almost makes you laugh looking at him. I hear it's pretty typical that GWPs are slow to build.

Illona