Body Condition Scoreing - Nine Point Grading System

Body Condition Scoring, Nine Point Grading System, obesity - By Staff Writer on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 - 18:24

Purina researcher Dottie La Flamme DVM, PhD, designed a nine point grading system to determine a dogs body condition. This system is intended to be a guide for owners in determining if their dog is under, over or at the ideal weight.  The weight classes are determined visually by the owner based on the amount of fat on the dog and the visibility of the bones. 

The nine classes or points are as follows: 

Emaciated
Dogs with ribs, hips, and other bones protrude and are visible from a distance. Emaciated dogs show a loss of muscle as well as an absence of body fat.

Very thin
A step up from emaciated; bones are visible but not as prominent and muscle loss is slight.

Thin
Ribs and top of spine may be visible and the pelvic bones prominent. (Some breeds are naturally thin, so don't be fooled at the bony appearance of Salukis, Afghan Hounds and other sight-hounds.) Waist and tuck-up are evident.

Underweight
Some fat on the ribs; visible waist and abdominal tuck-up.

Ideal
Ribs are easily felt and have a thin layer of fat. Waist and tuck-up are obvious but not exaggerated.

Overweight
Ribs have noticeable fat; waist and tuck-up are discernible but not prominent.

Heavy
Ribs are covered with a heavy layer of fat and noticeable fat deposits appear on the spine and at the base of the tail. Waist is absent or barely discernible.

Obese
A heavy fat layer completely obscures ribs and heavy fat deposits appear over he spine and around the tail base. Waist and tuck-up disappear.

Morbid
Massive fat deposits in the chest area, along the spine, and around the tail base. No waist or tuck-up. Abdomen protrudes, and fat deposits accrue on legs and neck.

Being on either end of the spectrum from Ideal is bad.  Some breeds will run slightly over or under  weight but the farther from ideal the more at risk a dog is for illness, disease and even death.  If you believe your dog is too far on either end please seek medical attention quickly.