St. Bernard Not Showing Growth

[rishijv13]

Hi!
My 14 months St. Bernard is not showing much of a growth past 5 months. He is 29 inches at shoulders and is stuck.

Is it final or it is temporary. i am feeding him on Royal Canin Junior for Gaint Breed. Is the food Okay.

Till what age does St. Bernard keep growing?

regards,
Jay Vardhan Rishi

[kjd]

Hi, Jay,

How big were his parents?

If I were worried about my dog's growth, the first thing I'd do is take him to his vet. You seem to be concerned only about his height, so I assume he is not overly thin.

I don't know exactly when a dog stops growing in height, but 29 inches is pretty big for a St. Bernard -- take a look at American Kennel Club - Saint Bernard for the AKC breed standard.

kjd

[rishijv13]

Hi!
Thanx for reply.
I am in India. In my last visit of KCI Dogshow held in India. I happen to see lot of St.Bernard Dogs. Averagly they were 30 to 33 inches in hieghts also quite bulky.
My Vet always insist on having a light weight St. Bernard as he says that it will be easier for hi to handle his weight as he groes older.
I wish to see my dog growing less bulky but good in hieght.
I try feeding him as much as possible good food for him.
in his intiall months till 1 months he was growing rapidly but now i see his growth quite slow.
So what more can I do for him to grow as wanted?
regards,

[kjd]

Namaste, Jay!

I'm afraid that his height depends upon his genes. By underfeeding him, you can stunt his growth, but I know of no way to make him grow taller than his genes allow. (How would you make yourself grow taller? I wouldn't mind being a couple of inches taller!)

Actually, if he is still growing taller, but more slowly, this is a good sign. Large dogs are often overfed into fast growth -- then their bones don't mature correctly.

Your vet is absolutely correct about keeping him on the light side. Too much weight can cripple him.

You sound as if you have a good vet. I would listen to him.

Good luck with your Saint.

kjd

[rishijv13]

hmmmm.....

Thanks for your advice. It was really nice of you to find time and help me.

regards,