My Black Female Lab..Tia

Question
Sir:
My son adopted a 8 mth old female Black Lab from our Animal control. She is so pretty and very smart. I am asking a question about her weight. She turn 1 in Feb. and she weighs 91 lbs. Is she moving up to fast on her weight? Yes, she has been spay. A friend told me that she (Tia) would probably have hip problems, she said these dogs are known for hip problems before their 5 years old. I haven't found any articules on this, and I'm beginning to doubt her info. Can you help me?
Thank you, Donna Overman
FTW. Indiana

Answer
While hip problems are common, many Labs are fine.  It is mostly the breeding, with early care being important.  At 91 pounds, she may be overweight.  Keeping her lean is the best thing you can do now to avoid problems.  Your dog definitely should be narrower at the waist than the hips and chest. You should be able to easily feel the ribs, but not see them.  Each dog is different.  Standard recommendations are a good place to start, but each dog must have its food and exercise adjusted to its individual needs. Here is a link to a good illustrated guide, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx

Much of what you read on the internet about dogs is completely unreliable.  http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/articles.html has a series of links to sites I have mostly found relible.  Some of the links on nutrition go too far on presenting the alternative diets.