- \n
- Body Condition Scoring can help you figure out at home whether your dog is underweight, overweight or just right.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The health boost that comes with being an ideal weight makes it really important to stay aware of your dog\u2019s body condition. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Vets use Body Condition Scoring to track your dog\u2019s health over time and any changes between appointments, especially if they have recently had a health condition that affects or is affected by their weight. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- To work out your dog\u2019s Body Condition Score, follow the steps in this article to check their hips, belly and waist by eye and by running your hands over them \u2013 basically giving them a bit of a fuss, which many dogs love! <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Check out our Body Condition Score visual chart, but bear in mind that some breeds of dogs might have different characteristics, meaning that an ideal weight might look somewhat different for them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Carrying out a BCS test once a month will be often enough for most dogs, but you can do it every two weeks to track their weight and body condition more closely if they are on a diet, getting older or their activity level has recently changed. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Table of contents <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is Body Condition Score (BCS)?<\/a>
Why Body Condition Score is important for your dog\u2019s health<\/a>
How vets use Body Condition Score<\/a>
How to check your dog\u2019s body condition<\/a>
Body Condition Score chart for dogs<\/a>
What each Body Condition Score means<\/a>
How often should you check your dog\u2019s body condition?<\/a>
When to speak to your vet<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is Body Condition Score (BCS)?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Working out your dog\u2019s Body Condition Score is a great way to check whether they\u2019re a healthy weight. It doesn\u2019t take long at all and involves checking your dog\u2019s shape by having a close and careful look at them, and running your hands over their sides, back and stomach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some BCS guides measure from 1-9, but we\u2019ll be using a simple 1-5 scale in this article, where 1 represents a dog who is much too thin and 5 represents a dog who is very overweight. What we\u2019re looking for is a score of 3, right in the middle, which represents your dog\u2019s ideal weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This technique is vet-approved, used all over the world and easy to carry out at home. You just might want to ask your vet to demonstrate it for you the first time you try, as if you\u2019ve never carried out a BCS test before, it might feel tricky to know what to look for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Body Condition Score is important for your dog\u2019s health<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s quite common for dogs to put on some excess weight, which might not always be noticeable at first glance. That\u2019s one reason why Body Condition Scoring is so helpful, as by focusing on each step of the test, you can pick up any signs that your dog might be overweight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s much better for dogs to be trim and fit than carrying excess weight, as dogs that are in good shape are much less likely to develop certain health conditions. [1<\/a>] You can protect your dog\u2019s health by noticing any changes to their body condition early, and taking steps to help them stay slim and lose any extra weight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are a few of the health conditions to be mindful of, which overweight dogs are more likely to experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Joint health:<\/strong> Increased pressure on dog\u2019s joints can make them sore and stiff, as well as increasing the risk of them developing conditions like arthritis. In contrast, losing weight can actually help reduce lameness in dogs with osteoarthritis. [2<\/a>]
Mobility: <\/strong>Dogs who are overweight might find it harder to move around and enjoy healthy exercise \u2013 which can present issues when trying to reduce their weight. Swimming is a great source of exercise for dogs who need to lose quite a bit of weight. <\/li>\n\n\n\n- Heart health: <\/strong>Excess body weight can put strain on the heart and cardiovascular system. This can raise blood pressure and make it harder for the heart to pump oxygen around the body. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Regularly checking your dog\u2019s Body Condition Score and being aware of their weight is a key part of helping prevent them developing health issues like these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How vets use Body Condition Score<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Vets use Body Condition Scoring alongside weight itself \u2013 you can\u2019t always tell whether a dog is at the right size just based on their weight measurement. BCS helps your vet check whether dogs have a good balance of muscle to fat, however much they weigh on the scales. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
BCS helps track trends over time, so vets can develop an understanding of how your dog\u2019s doing in between visits. If you\u2019ve recently changed your dog\u2019s diet, your vet will be able to tell what effect it\u2019s having. They\u2019ll also be able to use this test to track your dog\u2019s health if they have (or are recovering from) a medical condition that affects their weight, such as worms which can leave dogs too thin, or thyroid conditions which can in some cases contribute to excess weight gain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Based on your dog\u2019s Body Condition Score, your vet can give you up-to-date, personalised advice on feeding and exercise, helping you make sure your pup stays at a healthy weight. Every dog is different, so your dog\u2019s ideal weight might be slightly above or below the average for their breed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more information on how to tell if a dog is at a healthy weight, you can read our guide \u2018Is my dog overweight?<\/a>\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/tails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Body-condition-2-1024x684.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to check your dog\u2019s body condition<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
By getting hands-on and assessing three key areas, you can work out if they\u2019re underweight, overweight or in ideal condition. The three areas to examine and feel are:
<\/p>\n\n\n\n- \n
- Ribs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Belly<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Waist
<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\nOnce you\u2019ve assessed these three areas, you give them a score on a five-point scale:
<\/p>\n\n\n\n1 = Severely underweight
2 = Underweight
3 = Ideal condition
4 = Overweight
5 = Obese<\/p>\n\n\n\nFeel your dog\u2019s ribs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What to do<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Run your fingers over your dog\u2019s rib cage, on either side of their chest in a head to tail direction. To help you know what to look for, you can also use the \u2018hand test\u2019, comparing how your dog\u2019s ribs feel to your hand in different positions \u2013 I\u2019ll explain as we go along.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What should you feel, and how should it look?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You should be able to feel the ribs with a slight covering of muscle over them. But they shouldn\u2019t feel like sharp ridges or be poking out. It\u2019s important to really feel them with your fingertips rather than just looking, as many dogs\u2019 coats will hide the ribs from view. Your dog\u2019s ribs shouldn\u2019t be too visible but for some dogs, seeing the last rib is normal at a healthy weight, especially if they are in movement or lying on their side. Very lean breeds like Whippets might also have ribs that are easier to see. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To use the hand test, a healthy dog\u2019s ribs should feel a bit like your knuckles on the back of your hand when your hand is out flat \u2013 just under the surface of the skin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Low body condition scoring<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your dog is underweight, their ribs will protrude and feel sharp or bumpy as you run your hands along them. If this is the case, it\u2019ll mean a lower BCS. Let\u2019s use the hand test again for another comparison. Make your hand into a fist and feel the knuckles \u2013 if your dog\u2019s ribs stick out like this, they will have a low Body Condition Score, meaning they should ideally weigh a little more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
High body condition scoring<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your dog is overweight, the ribs will be difficult to feel as they will be covered in a layer of fat and muscle. The deeper the ribs are to feel under this layer, the more overweight your dog is and the higher the BCS. And to use the hand test once again, open your hand and turn it palm up \u2013 when you touch your knuckles now, they will be hard to feel. If your dog\u2019s ribs feel like this, it\u2019s a sign that they are carrying excess weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check your dog\u2019s waist from above<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What to do<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Look down on your dog\u2019s waist and hips from above, and compare the width of their waist, hips, chest and rib cage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What should you feel, and how should it look?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your dog\u2019s at a healthy weight, the shape of their waist should be clearly visible, with a slight hourglass shape. A slowly tapering abdomen leading from the wider chest to a narrow waist is the sign of ideal condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Low body condition scoring<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
An underweight dog will have a waist that is noticeably much narrower than their shoulders, ribs and hips. The bones of the hips and spine may be easily visible and can be felt protruding under the skin. The more pronounced these bony projections, the more underweight they are and the lower their BCS. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
High body condition scoring<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
In overweight or obese dogs, the waist will be less clearly visible as it won\u2019t narrow as much (if at all) towards the hips. This means for an overweight dog you might see a straight line instead of the slight hourglass you see in dogs at an ideal weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The trunk or abdomen will often be just as wide as the chest, giving them barrel-shaped appearance \u2013 the dog might even look rounded from above. In dogs with a very high BCS, there may even be fat pads at the waist which stick out even further than the width of the chest when viewed from above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Look at your dog\u2019s side profile<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What to do<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Run your hand along your dog\u2019s underside, again from head to tail, and look at the shape of their belly from the side. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What should you feel, and how should it look?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The belly or undercarriage should start low to the ground where it meets the sternum (or breastbone) at the bottom of the rib cage. Then it should slope higher the further back towards the hips you run your hands on either side. You should be able to see a slight \u2018tummy tuck\u2019 because of this angle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Low body condition scoring<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
An underweight dog with a lower BCS will have a very pronounced \u2018tummy tuck\u2019 up towards the hips and groin \u2013 the angle between their belly and ribcage will look steep and sharp. However, it\u2019s worth noting that for some lean, deep-chested breeds of dogs like certain sighthounds, a steeper angle and more pronounced tuck is normal at a healthy weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
High body condition scoring<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the belly droops or hangs down near the floor all the way along and doesn\u2019t tuck up underneath the hips, then your dog may be carrying excess weight and have a higher BCS. They might also have a belly that seems to go straight across \u2013 just because it isn\u2019t drooping down doesn\u2019t mean the dog isn\u2019t overweight. But a belly that droops down can be an indication that a dog is significantly overweight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/tails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Body-condition-scoring-1024x576.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What each Body Condition Score means<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s quickly go over what each score might mean, and what that will tend to look like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Underweight (BCS 1-2)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Although it\u2019s more common for dogs to be overweight than underweight, this is still something to look out for, as it can affect their health in several ways. Dogs who are too thin because they aren\u2019t getting the healthy nutrition they need might be low in energy, or have a less strong immune system. However, bear in mind that being a little on the lean side is quite healthy for a dog \u2013 what we really need to look out for is when dogs are much too underweight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key signs that your dog is underweight that a quick BCS test can reveal include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- The bones of their ribs, hips and spine feel very prominent to the touch and might be clearly visible.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- From above, their waist looks much narrower than their shoulders, chest or hips \u2013 these bones might seem to stick out.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Seen from the side, there\u2019s an extremely steep angle from their ribs to their stomach (a sharp \u2018tummy tuck\u2019). <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
An underweight dog may also have a dull coat, if they aren\u2019t getting enough vitamins, minerals, protein or healthy fats in their diet. However, dogs of any shape or size can have a dull coat, so just because you notice this sign doesn\u2019t mean your dog needs to put on weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ideal weight (BCS 3)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In contrast, here\u2019s what you should see and feel when working out your dog\u2019s Body Condition Score, if they\u2019re a healthy weight \u2013 the gold standard. It\u2019s worth bearing in mind that some breeds of dogs may have a slightly different shape or proportions. As well as asking your vet about what your dog\u2019s ideal weight looks like, you might want to search online to see if there\u2019s a BCS chart available that\u2019s specific to your dog\u2019s breed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- When you touch your dog\u2019s sides, their ribs should be fairly easy to feel, under a light covering of muscle \u2013 you should also be able to feel their hip bones and vertebrae. Their last rib might be visible under their skin, especially if they\u2019re a lean breed like a Greyhound. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Looking at the dog from above, they should have a slight hourglass shape, with a waist that\u2019s distinctly narrower than their hips and chest. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- From the side, you\u2019ll see their abdomen slopes up from their ribcage towards their hips.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Overweight and obese (BCS 4-5)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s increasingly common for dogs to weigh more than they should and it can be hard to know if you\u2019re feeding your dog too much<\/a>, meaning that dogs can easily cross the threshold into being overweight, even if they get plenty of exercise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are some health risks to this, which is why it\u2019s so important to regularly check to make sure your dog doesn\u2019t weigh too much. As we discussed briefly earlier, if dogs carry some excess weight, it can put strain on their joints, affect their heart health and increase the likelihood that they develop certain health conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s what to look out for: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- In an overweight dog, their ribs, hips and spine will be covered in a layer of fat that makes these bones difficult to feel under your hands. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- From above, the dog doesn\u2019t have an hourglass shape \u2013 their body from shoulders to hips might have a straight line, or even curve outwards in a barrel shape. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- When seen from the side, the dog\u2019s abdomen doesn\u2019t visibly slope upwards towards the hips. It might even sag downwards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Body Condition Score vs your dog\u2019s weight<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Knowing how much your dog weighs is important, but it isn\u2019t the whole story. Their weight might sound fine on paper for a dog of their breed and size, but conducting a BCS test might show you that they\u2019re actually not their ideal weight. Finding out their Body Condition Score by touch can help reveal their body composition, and whether they have enough muscle compared to fat \u2013 especially for dogs whose body shape is hard to see under lots of fur. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dog breeds vary a great deal, and gaining a couple of kilograms will mean something very different for a tiny Bichon Frise than a big German Shepherd. Dogs with a large frame will obviously weigh a lot more, but there are also other factors that are different across breeds, such as whether they tend to be thickset and sturdy like Rottweilers, or whether they\u2019re generally leaner, like Greyhounds. Body Condition Scoring will help you check quickly and easily if they\u2019re fit, trim and healthy, whatever their size and shape. Just remember that because dog breeds have different body types, each dog\u2019s ideal weight might look a little different. [3<\/a>] <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The BCS technique is more reliable for an everyday check than just popping your dog on the scales. While weight might fluctuate just after meals and so on, you\u2019ll still be able to feel whether your dog\u2019s ribs, spine and hips are covered with light muscle or a bit too much fat. However, you should also still weigh your dog regularly, especially if you\u2019re tracking their progress as they get to a healthy weight \u2013 a Body Condition Score isn\u2019t exact in the same way as a weight measurement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How often should you check your dog\u2019s body condition?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A monthly BCS check will be plenty for most dogs, but there are certain situations when you might want to check more frequently, such as every two weeks. If your dog\u2019s diet has changed for any reason, you might want to check more often \u2013 you can see how they\u2019re doing on their new food and whether they might need different portion sizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You might also want to check your dog\u2019s Body Condition Score more frequently if your dog\u2019s activity level has changed. This might be the case if they\u2019re recovering from an injury or surgery and haven\u2019t been able to get as much exercise. On the other hand, you might have started taking your dog on longer walks, jogging with them or having fun together with new dog agility exercises. Lastly, as your dog ages it\u2019s very important to stay aware of their health. Older dogs can sometimes appear thinner because of losing some muscle mass as they age in a process called \u2018sarcopenia\u2019, which a BCS test can help you spot. [4<\/a>] In their senior years, dogs can also be more likely to put on weight, if they\u2019re less energetic than when they were younger while eating as much food as they did then. Senior dog food<\/a> has different ingredients to support their health, as their dietary needs change as part of getting older.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When to speak to your vet<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you have any concerns about your dog\u2019s weight or have any questions, your vet will be a great help \u2013 they\u2019ll be able to advise you on what weight your dog should be and how to help them get there, if they\u2019re over or under that size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, sometimes it\u2019s especially important to talk to your vet about your dog\u2019s weight. Here are a few reasons why you might look to make an appointment:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Your dog\u2019s Body Condition Score has suddenly changed \u2013 they have gained or lost a significant amount of weight.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- You\u2019re not sure how to do a BCS test at home \u2013 your vet will show you how.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Your dog has mobility issues, whether this is causing you to worry they might put on weight or lose muscle, or whether these issues have come from your dog being overweight. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Your dog is persistently gaining or losing weight.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion: Using Body Condition Score to support long-term health<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
I hope this guide to Body Condition Scoring was helpful. This simple test is easy to carry out at home and you don\u2019t need any special equipment to do it! It\u2019s vet-approved and one of the most reliable ways to assess your dog\u2019s weight, alongside getting them on the scales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regular BCS checks will help you identify any changes to your dog\u2019s condition, whether these could be early signs of a health condition, or weight gain or loss that suggests they need a new diet or exercise plan. Even small changes can make a big difference over time, so that\u2019s why it\u2019s important to check often. Weight gain or loss can be so gradual that you don\u2019t notice it at first, but keeping your dog at or close to their ideal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAQs:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What is a healthy Body Condition Score for dogs?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ideally, on a 5 point scale like the one we\u2019ve used here, you should be looking for a score of 3 \u2013 in the middle. If you\u2019re using a 9 point scale which breaks down the weight categories further, you should be looking for a score of 4 or 5. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can I check my dog\u2019s Body Condition Score at home?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, it\u2019s easy to check your dog\u2019s Body Condition Score. All you need to do is gently run your hands over your dog to feel their sides, back and belly, while assessing their body shape visually by looking at them from different angles. You might want a vet to show you how to do it the first time if you\u2019re not sure, especially if your dog is a breed that looks different to other dogs because of having a stockier or leaner build, deeper chest or shorter limbs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is Body Condition Score better than weighing a dog?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
BCS tests can be more revealing than weight measurements alone, as well as more reliable, because you learn about muscle as well as fat. You should also know how much your dog weighs though, especially because it\u2019s easier to track changes over time using weight measurements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How accurate is Body Condition Scoring?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Body Condition Scoring can be a really powerful tool, and it\u2019s accurate, as long as the person carrying out the test knows what they\u2019re looking for. Some studies have suggested that even when using Body Condition Scoring, people can still sometimes underestimate their dog\u2019s weight and body size. [5<\/a>] That\u2019s why it can be so helpful to get your vet to run through it with you together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can puppies use Body Condition Scoring?<\/strong>Yes, you can use it to check your puppy\u2019s body condition \u2013 just bear in mind that the way they grow isn\u2019t linear. When they go through growth spurts, puppies can have phases where they look really lean. We\u2019ve got more info in our puppy weight guide<\/a> blog post including just how rapid their growth is, especially when they\u2019re very young.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sources<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
[1] ‘Pet obesity – causes, treatment and prevention’, RSPCA<\/a>
[2] ‘The effect of weight loss on lameness in obese dogs with osteoarthritis’, Veterinary Research Communications, 17 March 2010<\/a>
[3] \u2018Effect of breed on body composition and comparison between various methods to estimate body composition in dogs\u2019, Research in Veterinary Science, 18 August 2009 <\/a>
[4] ‘Sarcopenia in dogs’, PetMD, 20 August 2025 <\/a>
[5] ‘Owner misperception of canine body condition persists despite use of a body condition score chart’, Journal of Nutritional Science, 8 October 2014<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
- Heart health: <\/strong>Excess body weight can put strain on the heart and cardiovascular system. This can raise blood pressure and make it harder for the heart to pump oxygen around the body. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Joint health:<\/strong> Increased pressure on dog\u2019s joints can make them sore and stiff, as well as increasing the risk of them developing conditions like arthritis. In contrast, losing weight can actually help reduce lameness in dogs with osteoarthritis. [2<\/a>]