Underweight Basset Hound

Question
Hi!  My name is Kerri and I have a great 2 year old French Basset named
Maddy.  She is a sweetheart, and is really quite petite for a basset.
Lately people have been asking us if she is undernurished  b/c her ribs are
visable on her barrel chest.  It's hard b/c she's fed everyday quite a bit of
food, she is quite active and seems to be very healthy.  Any reason why she
would look a little skinny?  I can email you a picture of her.  She's very petite
and her parents were as well, I'm just not sure what I should do.  I dont want
her to become overweight and not be able to climb up stairs just b/c it's what
people assume that they should look like.  She seems healthy.  Thoughts?
thanks.

Answer
Hi Kerri,

Here are a couple websites dedicated to the French Basset or PBGV:

http://forums.detnews.com/pbgv/standard.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basset_Fauve_de_Bretagne

He should be rather hairy so how people are seeing her ribs to give you a hard time I don't know.  ;)  Are you sure what you have is a French Basset?  All Basset's originated in France...the modern day Basset is the typical, long-eared, short haired dog we think of as the hush puppy...the 'French' Basset is commonly known as the PBGV.  Which do you have?  

I get the same with mine.  Most people think of the Basset hound as a tummy dragging, barrel of a dog.  This mental image is actually of an unhealthy Basset.  Because of their long backs and short legs, they are prone to spinal problems that excess weight can exacerbate.  My Dudley has a very nice definition between chest and hip and from his underside you can see a nice curve.  All the time at the store I get 'he's so SKINNY for a Basset'...um...no, he's not.  :)

Most of the Basset's weight should come from their skeleton...they're a heavy boned dog.  I got Dudley when he was 2 and like most dogs, he's put on a bit of weight as he's aged (he's almost 6).  

You're right to be cautious with your weight.  A Basset, like most dogs, will eat until stuffed.  If you offer it, they'll eat it.  If you feel that she's healthy and she's been checked by the vet...you've got nothing to worry about.

If you'd like to send me a photo, I'd be happy to look at it (or them).  :)

Nicole@boxerdogplanet.com