Gundog Training Forum

Our bitch is coming up to nine months old but hasn't put on any weight for three months now. I'm not worried about this but I thought it was worth checking with more experienced owners (I've emailed the breeder Cleulow Springers too). She's very healthy, active and has no issues with food either going in or coming out and is on Millies Wolfheart having previously been on Skinners Puppy until perhaps a month ago. She's not had her first season yet.

These are the stats:

03/07 10kg
13/07 11kg
03/08 13kg
21/09 14kg
31/10 14kg
06/11 14kg

I've weighed her on our bathroom scales but the figures shouldn't be far out, and she measures around 48-50cm at the shoulders. As I say nothing seems to be wrong but I'd just expect her to be growing and gaining weight more quickly. Her legs are long so maybe she'll fill out at some point; as I understand it Spaniels often grow upwards first and then add weight in their second year. I only have experience with an adult ESS.

This is the best photo I could take!

Looks like an active, fit young springer to me. And she has put on weight since July. You don’t want her putting on fat. If you’re at all worried about her you should have her vet checked.

Naj

One year up, one year out - wouldn't worry about it unless she is unwell

She looks a perfect weight to me and has gained 4kg from July which sounds about right. She may fill out a bit, but working type spaniels don't tend to until they start to slow down. 14kg for a 9 month old bitch sounds about right. My adult male is 17.5kg. His sisters are around 14.5kg as adults. Some of his bitch pups are smaller still.
Working type spaniels do vary a lot so don't worry too much about figures, look at her and feel her for condition regularly.

Thanks for the replies, they've helped put my mind at rest.