Body Condition Score Chart

This chart will help you determine how close to ideal your dog's body weight is.  Just like people, dogs who are an ideal weight live longer, have fewer bone and joint issues like arthritis, and fewer health problems overall.  You should be aiming for a score of 5 for your best friend.  The easiest characteristics of that are ribs you can feel, but not see, and a visible waist from both the top and side views.