Development

Question
Hello.
I have questions about Boxer development and would like your input. I acquired 2 female white Boxers to hopefully use for breeding, they are now 9 months old. (I know it's controversial using whites for breeding, Ive done mountains of research though and through talking with many other breeders, veterinarians, etc have determined that they are not inferior to coloreds in any significant way.) Anyhow, the only thing about them that concerns me is their growth. They have been on a plateau for about 4 months now, and that plateau is 35lbs! They are healthy, robust, very muscular and well proportioned, but it literally looks like they've been "stunted" according to one vet that viewed them. Theyve gotten nothing but the most optimal nutrition in my area (Dick Van Pattens Natural Balance) and have been raised with lots of exercise and room to romp. Their parents (both of whom I physically viewed) were flashy brindles and very true to standard- larger Boxers weighing about 70-75lbs. The 2 vets that viewed them seem to not really be concerned, and I know that the standard specifically states there is no size disqualification and that overall proportion is more relevant, but my vet states generally a 9 mo. old Boxer is about 85% full grown and anticipates they may put on 5-7lbs of muscle, but doesn't expect more than 1/2'' or so of height growth. They are both ideal for their size (not underweight at all.) Any suggestions? These are my first Boxer pups, I was told they are a slow growing breed, but all of the others that I've seen are their weight at 5 months of age. Any suggestions? Should I be concerned? Thanks!

Answer
Hi. Some Boxers are just small, doesn't matter what their parents looked like, or how big they were. However, 9 months is still pretty young. Boxers aren't usually done growing until they're 3. Usually, they're as tall as they're going to get by age 2, but may still get wider, or their chest may still develope until 3. Right now, I wouldn't worry too much about your girls. My oldest male grew about an inch between 2-3 years of age, and his chest finally dropped and got wider during this time as well. He ended up being on the taller side of the standard, and weighing about 90 pounds. He was a big boy. I also had a girl that looked puny, and small. It seemed like overnight she shot up and out. Give them time, I wouldn't worry until they were close to two years old. Some lines develope slower than others as well. I have found that the ones that take their time growing and don't look mature until about 2-3, are the ones that still look great in old age. You'll just have to close your eyes, and wait for this stage to be over.:-) If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.