Dog Body Condition Score Calculator

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0 of 4 questions answered. We average your answers to a 1–9 BCS using the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee chart.

1. 1

   How easy is it to feel your dog's ribs?

   Run flat hands along the chest with light pressure (like feeling the back of your hand).

   How easy is it to feel your dog's ribs?

   Ribs are clearly visible without touchingSevere underweight — bones protruding.Ribs are easily visible, minimal fat coverUnderweight — ribs visible from a distance.Ribs are easily felt with minimal fat coverIdeal — like feeling the back of your hand.Ribs are felt with light pressure but not visibleSlightly overweight.Ribs are hard to feel under thick fat coverOverweight — fat layer obscures ribs.Ribs are not palpable under heavy fat coverObese — significant fat deposits.
2. 2

   Looking down at your dog from above, what shape is the body?

   Stand over your dog and look straight down. The waist should appear behind the rib cage.

   Looking down at your dog from above, what shape is the body?

   Severe waist pinch, hip bones obviousUnderweight — severe abdominal pinch.Pronounced hourglass shapeSlightly underweight to ideal.Defined waist behind the ribsIdeal — clear hourglass behind the ribs.Waist is visible but less definedSlightly overweight — losing waist definition.No waist; back is broad and flatOverweight — no waist tuck visible.Back appears wider than the rib cageObese — fat deposits along the spine.
3. 3

   Looking at your dog from the side, where does the belly sit?

   Look at the profile. The belly should rise (tuck) up behind the rib cage toward the back legs.

   Looking at your dog from the side, where does the belly sit?

   Severe abdominal tuck; concave bellyUnderweight — pronounced empty abdomen.Clear tuck behind the ribsIdeal — belly tucks up behind the rib cage.Mild tuck or belly parallel to groundSlightly overweight — tuck is reduced.No tuck; belly hangs level with chestOverweight — pendulous belly.Belly hangs below chest lineObese — large fat deposits under belly.
4. 4

   Can you feel a fat pad over the lower back / base of the tail?

   Press gently at the lumbar area near where the tail begins. Some dogs carry fat here first.

   Can you feel a fat pad over the lower back / base of the tail?

   No fat — vertebrae are prominentUnderweight — bony lumbar area.Minimal fat — bones felt with light pressureIdeal — light fat cover.Moderate fat pad, vertebrae less obviousOverweight — fat pad over spine.Thick fat pad, vertebrae not feltObese — heavy fat cover at tail base.