Whats your views on this dogs condition????

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I thinks its stunning if it was for show but i cant see how it could b kept up all the time without killing the dog.

What would happen when the dog gets older and it can't keep up the fitness regime, thats my question?? Wont it just turn to fat, and put a strain on the dogs heart?

I love to see a healthy, fit looking staff. But not like this. Not my cup of tea I'm afraid x

Jasminesmum wrote:What would happen when the dog gets older and it can't keep up the fitness regime, thats my question?? Wont it just turn to fat, and put a strain on the dogs heart?

I love to see a healthy, fit looking staff. But not like this. Not my cup of tea I'm afraid x

no not necessarily, the dogs are kept lean for life normally, and all dogs should be exercised regardless of age, staffs are naturally 'muscly' dogs anyway all your doing is removing the fat layer that covers them and developing it more.

There is no need to allow it to turn to fat, but people tend to allow older dogs to put to much weight on anyway.

ella wrote:

Jasminesmum wrote:What would happen when the dog gets older and it can't keep up the fitness regime, thats my question?? Wont it just turn to fat, and put a strain on the dogs heart?

I love to see a healthy, fit looking staff. But not like this. Not my cup of tea I'm afraid x

no not necessarily, the dogs are kept lean for life normally, and all dogs should be exercised regardless of age, staffs are naturally 'muscly' dogs anyway all your doing is removing the fat layer that covers them and developing it more.

There is no need to allow it to turn to fat, but people tend to allow older dogs to put to much weight on anyway.

Ok, but was just curious that as it ages, its obviously not going to be able to keep up the same level of exercise e.g. weight pulling, but if done in the right way, i guess what your saying makes sense.

Jasmines dad was a very muscly type, and the owners didn't train him to be that way especially. He just was built like that.

Jasminesmum wrote:

ella wrote:

Jasminesmum wrote:What would happen when the dog gets older and it can't keep up the fitness regime, thats my question?? Wont it just turn to fat, and put a strain on the dogs heart?

I love to see a healthy, fit looking staff. But not like this. Not my cup of tea I'm afraid x

no not necessarily, the dogs are kept lean for life normally, and all dogs should be exercised regardless of age, staffs are naturally 'muscly' dogs anyway all your doing is removing the fat layer that covers them and developing it more.

There is no need to allow it to turn to fat, but people tend to allow older dogs to put to much weight on anyway.

Ok, but was just curious that as it ages, its obviously not going to be able to keep up the same level of exercise e.g. weight pulling, but if done in the right way, i guess what your saying makes sense.

Jasmines dad was a very muscly type, and the owners didn't train him to be that way especially. He just was built like that.

Oh no of course, you wouldn't put a 12 years old through the same exercise of a 4 year old and obviously their body condition will never be the same as when they are younger all dogs age.

Yep some dogs are genetically more prone to have a higher muscle mass then others and so would need less 'training' to get conditioned, but they are all different

A balanced diet and exercise routine is all that is needed to keep our staffords at a healthy weight. What this weight is will vary from dog to dog depending on build, metabolism, age etc.
I don't agree with 'conditioning' a dog just so that it looks a certain way. Fair enough to condition a dog that is going to race or to work livestock, but they are conditioned to increase speed / stamina NOT for their looks.
I'm no vet, but to train a dog to this state must put more strain on it's joints than 'normal' exercise. Surely then as the dog gets older, this may cause joint problems leading to less exercise leading to poorer health.

My concern is still for the here & now & near future regards joint problems, and even heart problems.

This is totally unnatural and therefore not healthy.