Correct Weight

Question
Hi Labman,

    How can you tell if a longhaired dog (collie, old english sheepdog, etc.) is too fat or too thin when their bodies are covered with so much hair? It seems that when they look fat, they might really be perfect, but if they look perfect, they might really be too thin! (I asked my vet how much he would like my dog to weigh and he said, "he's fine at 60 lbs, but don't let him get past 62 or 63 lbs." So, we weigh him periodically because it's hard to tell just by looking. (He's a collie.)
    Also, just to let you know, on 8/28/10, I asked you why my dog defecated only once in the yard, but when he went for walks he defecated two, or three times, or more.  You said he could be marking.  I want you to know that you were right! He's marking - leaving his scent for others because he's sociable. I've been observing him, and he will defecate more if I take him to streets he hasn't been on before or hasn't been on in a long time, as opposed to streets he traverses daily. He will squeeze out whatever little is left if he is in the presence of another dog or in an area where another dog has "used the facilities!"  You're the man, Labman.  You really know your stuff. Catherine

Answer
I sometimes talk about being able to see a dogs ribs, but as explained in this link http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx you work by feel.  If a long haired dog is really thin, you will be able to see waves in the hair where the ribs stand out.  It is quite easy to see some Shepherds ribs.  Some of them won't eat enough to completely hide them.  

I enjoyed your report that my answer helped you.  Thank you.  I have far more training, experience, and have done more reading now than when I had the dog I described anointing the fence.  Still, much of what I know, I learned from observing him.  He was the first dog I had as an adult.