BODY CONDITION SCORE for TOY dogs (9 point)

n Ribs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones and all bony prominences evident from a distance

n No discernible body fat n Obvious loss of muscle mass

1 n Ribs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones easily visible

n No palpable fat n Some bony prominences visible from a distance

n Minimal loss of muscle mass

2 n Ribs easily palpable and may be visible with no palpable fat

n Tops of lumbar vertebrae visible, pelvic bones becoming prominent

n Obvious waist and abdominal tuck

3

n Ribs easily palpable with minimal fat covering

n Waist easily noted when viewed from above

n Abdominal tuck evident

4 n Ribs palpable without excess fat covering

n Waist observed behind ribs when viewed from above

n Abdomen tucked up when viewed from side

5 n Ribs palpable with slight excess of fat covering

n Waist is discernible when viewed from above but is not prominent

n Abdominal tuck apparent

6

n Ribs palpable with difficulty, heavy fat cover

n Noticeable fat deposits over lumbar area and base of tail

n Waist absent or barely visible n Abdominal tuck may be absent

7 n Ribs not palpable under very heavy fat cover or palpable only with significant pressure

n Heavy fat deposits over lumbar area and base of tail

n Waist absent n No abdominal tuck n Obvious abdominal distension may be present

8 n Massive fat deposits over thorax, spine and base of tail

n Waist and abdominal tuck absent n Fat deposits on neck and limbs n Obvious abdominal distension

9

TOO THIN

IDEAL

OBESE

OVERWEIGHT

© ROYAL CANIN SAS 2013 - All rights reserved. Adapted from Laflamme DP. Development and validation of a Body Condition Score system for dogs. Canine Practice 22:4, 1997. Developed in partnership with the University of Liverpool Weight Management Clinic