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It's very difficult to give an answer to this question as there can be such huge variations between pups of the same age and breed, even among pups from the same litter.

Rottweilers are big, strong dogs, but their height/weight/bone size depends on their bloodlines and parentage. For example an 8 week old Rottie pup could weigh on average anywhere from 8lbs - 15lbs and anywhere within that range could be considered normal for an individual puppy.

If your little guy seems to be satisfied with the amount of food he's eating, and is active and happy, chances are he is doing just fine. The original big jump in weight is probably just because he was underweight and had worms, you don't expect (or want) this to continue, it's not good for his bones or joints. Overfeeding large and giant breed pups can cause serious problems later on.

At 4 months Dasher is in that in-between sort of stage when he's not a chubby little pup or a muscular adult, he's an adolescent and will be for quite some time. Rotties take a long time to mature and he won't reach his full adult size until he's around 2 years of age (it could take even longer). The gawky, gangly 'teenage' stage can make a pup look a bit skinny even when he is of the correct weight, so don't worry too much about this. It is very important to make sure that you're feeding him a premium puppy food specifically formulated for large breed pups though. This way he will get the right balance of nutritional ingredients and get the most benefit from his food.

Check out the website below for tons of tips and advice on raising a Rottweiler pup and Rotties in general. Best of luck with Dasher, he's a lucky boy to have found such a loving home and I'm sure he's going to be your pride and joy :o)

He is perfect for his age, but it does depend on his build and the way he is growing. They do this very differently, so always go by the look of him and not necessarily the weight.

I have had 16 foster pups through in the last couple of years and most being from different litters I witness how different they all are. This question is also asked often on our rottie forum by new puppy owners, and the same advice will be given all the time.

Go by the look and just make sure they are "covered" at all times, but not too big. Keeping them lean is much better for their joints along with careful exercise and not too much walking. Allow free play as that is different.

Is that 3 cups broken down into 3 meals ?. Also increase slightly every week or so until approx 6, 7 or 8 months (again go by the look) and then decrease again.

Gaining 15 lb in one month is a huge weight gain and you will be looking for that to slow down now he has reached his probable weight for his age. Fast growing will produce problems like pano in the months ahead.

Please also make sure he is insured. In my opinion and after thousands and thousands at the vets, nobody should be allowed to own a rottie without it as too many problems occur. You would be very lucky indeed to get away without any hefty vet bills.

Best of luck, and you may always email with any rottie questions if you wish.

Add on --- Sorry but Davids advice is not right for this breed. Plenty of exercise and too much building up will give you more problems. Please don't.

Aw, that's so sad! I'm so glad he found a stable environment.

They sell suppliments and vitamins for dogs. You could ask a vet about it or try a specialty store. All dogs grow at different rates, but I'd be worried about things like worms. You should definately get him to a vet asap if you haven't already done so.

If you're following the amount on the dog food package, there's not much else you can do without the help of a vet. Overfeeding him won't help. Even overweight dogs can be undernurished.

Good luck to both of you :)

I wouldn't worry about it. Large dogs often grow at different rates and often continue to grow and fill out until age 2. An 8-month old at 80 lbs. sounds too heavy to me. Gradual growth to full size is much better for large dog's joints. Also remember that males are usually bigger than females. And she may just be a somewhat naturally small female. If she is healthy and eating well, I wouldn't worry.

Rotti Pup

YOU CAN SEE HIS RIBS? You should never see a dogs ribs their too skinny, if you have to press hard to feel them then it's overwight and if you can touch lightly then their fine, I would say to feedy our dog at least 4 cups a day. That's how much I feed mine and mine is 18 weeks, around 4 months. And make sure you weigh you're puppy once a week.

I'm really glad your dog is okay! That was really sweet for you to take him in like that :)

As for his weight, he could have worms. Worms cause animals to not gai any weight becuase the worms are eating away at the food they consume.

I would take it to the vet and have them check it out before it gets too bad. The vet can then perscribe him medicines to hlep get rid of them!

Hope this helps!

At four months old you need to feed him up,Give him 2/3 cups dry complete food in morning (always make sure his water bowl is full) then a tin with mixer at 18:00 hours after his good walk.My five year old alsatian was on this from around your dogs age and ive been told hes built like a bear ,so with plenty exercise you will have your dog looking like its breed solidly built with plenty muscle.I hope your new friend gives you the same enjoyment that mine has given me .Enjoy.