New Puppy Questions (And of course pictures!)

[Jollymolly]

Moose is a handsome puppy. Welcome to the board

[jenfarm]

What a beautiful puppy! I love his coloring and his name! Welcome to the board. Sounds like you're in the same boat we are. I've had labs growing up as a kid but my husband and I just got our first puppy that is all ours. Lots of fun adventures and learning to come!

[windycanyon]

As for size prediction, the 4mos weight doubled comes closest to the predictor than anything. Paw size has very little to do w/ it (I always get those comments... "oh she's going to be BIG, look at those paws!" when in fact mine are not big lines!). I'd definitely wait on the neuter if you can stand it... at least wait for the major growth plate closure which my vets have said to be ~14 mos for most male labs. 18 is better... you get the picture.

[jenfarm]

As for size prediction, the 4mos weight doubled comes closest to the predictor than anything. Paw size has very little to do w/ it (I always get those comments... "oh she's going to be BIG, look at those paws!" when in fact mine are not big lines!).

We keep getting the same comments about Chutes' paw size. He's got some stompers, but we aren't expecting him to be big either. We shall see!

[Labradorks]

Paw size doesn't really matter. Adults often have big-ish feet relative to their size also. My last dog was 17 lbs at 8 weeks and is 75 lbs in shape and has been much heavier (96 lbs), but not in good shape. Keeping them lean is very important for their joints and overall health. It's not easy, though! They can be "easy keepers" and are often always starving. How big was his dad? Also, if you take his weight at 16 weeks and double it, you'll get his approximate adult weight.

I have been neutering my boys after they are physically mature, at 2.

[SunDance]

Ooh....I love his head and his coloring.

You've already gotten some good info, so I'll just say, "Welcome to the board." And keep the pictures coming...I want to see handsome Moose grow!

[silverfz]

He is going to be big. Mine was 12 lbs at 8 weeks and turned out at 75 when very very active .

i see some benefits to harmones but on the other hand it also depends on your life style . we waited till 8 months but i was travelling off shore and my wife cannot manage 2 kids and a unfixed dog. she had to go to day care so the wife can have some down time or if the kids are sick. here day cares do not take unfixed females after 6 months.

good luck, next dog we will let him go a bit as we are looking at great danes and they need more of the harmones so we already planned to let him go 2 yrs

[hunter]

Great pics! reminds me of my Hunter when he was little just like that. Welcome to the board! I think we got Hunter fixed around 6 months (the shelter told us when to do it). Please post more pics