This is so different than any prior dog. I've owned puppies before, but never has their job relied on their size or structure. At least, not as much as Strider's future job relies on his bulk and height. I've got a minor level of stress- will he grow big enough? will he grow properly?- but mostly I'm in awe of how much he is growing.
Duncan, the only other dog I've needed to be of a size for mobility work, came from a shelter mostly grown. I suppose that's the yardstick- 75 pounds and 23 inches by ~9 months. But I didn't see his first 9 months of growth, and all my other pups have topped out under 65 pounds. I have no idea what's normal, what's ideal.
Strider is most the way there on height. If he keeps with putting on 2.1+ pounds a week, we'll get there on weight. Which hopefully means I'll get the Duncan sized dog I've been dreaming of out of this "buy a puppy" gamble.
I think I'm pretty well settled on his registered name, so I'll need to send the paperwork off soon. I think I'll wait and get him microchipped first, so I can add his microchip number to his tattoo number on the paperwork so it's part of his permanent record.
He's already got a chest and head as broad as Twist, our 50 pound female Setter.
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| Strider stands looking at the camera, ears pricked and expression mildly interested. |
