It's easy to see why Labrador Retrievers are America's most popular dog. They make excellent family dogs due to their sunny disposition, even temperament, and love of children. Labs can grow to be quite large, which begs the question, “how big is a Labrador?”
It's always a good idea to keep an eye on puppies to see if they're growing strong, including their weight and height. This is one of the best ways to ensure that your dog has the best chance of living a long and healthy life.
Every dog is unique, and as a result, they may be larger or smaller than average sizes. Still, it's a good idea to check in and see if they're on track. Some Labradors grow faster than others, while others take longer to mature.
Given that Labs are relatively large dogs, we should be keeping track of their developmental milestones and determining how well our dogs are growing in comparison to the norm so this Labrador Retriever growth chart will guide you!
When Do Labrador Retrievers Stop Growing?
There is no exact age at which your puppy will stop growing. Your puppy should be finished growing in terms of height and body size by his first birthday, but this is not always the case.
It has been demonstrated that labs will continue to gain weight between their first and second birthdays, even if they do not grow in height.
That is why it is critical to keep an eye on their weight to ensure they do not become overweight.
However, much of this is dependent on the dog himself, so just make sure your dog is staying on his growth curve.
Labrador Retriever Growth Pictures
What is the Standard Labrador Retriever Size
When a Labrador has reached physical, mental, and sexual maturity, they are called completely matured.
A Labrador puppy achieves full height at 12 months, but they continue to gain weight until they are nearly 2 years old.
A female Labrador weighs between 55 and 75 pounds as an adult, whereas a male Labrador weighs between 65 and 85 pounds.
As adults, both male and female Labradors stand between 22 and 24 inches tall.
Labrador Retriever Weight Chart
Here is the Labrador Retriever weight chart:
Age | Male Average Weight | Female Average Weight |
3 Months | 22-26 lbs | 20-26 lbs |
5 Months | 35-49 lbs | 33-49 lbs |
7 Months | 51-59 lbs | 40-55 lbs |
9 months | 57-68 lbs | 48-62 lbs |
11 months | 62-75 lbs | 53-66 lbs |
13 months | 64-77 lbs | 55-68 lbs |
24 months | 65-85 lbs | 55-75 lbs |
Labrador Retriever Growth Chart – What To Expect
Labrador Retriever Weight Chart by Age
Labrador Retriever Weight 1-2 weeks
When your Labrador puppy is a newborn, he should weigh between 8 and 24 ounces.
He will, however, grow swiftly, and it is crucial to remember that birth weight is not a reliable predictor of final size.
Their eyes will not open right away, and they will not be able to separate from their mother for the first several weeks, relying exclusively on her milk for nutrition and sustenance
Labrador Retriever Weight 3-12 weeks
Between 3 and 12 weeks, you will observe significant development. Your puppy will now be running around and getting into mischief.
By 12 weeks, your puppy should weigh between 10 and 20 pounds, depending on his sex and genetic predisposition.
At this point, your puppy should be eating three times per day and should be weaned off of his mother's milk by eight weeks.
Labrador Retriever Weight 4-6 months
A six-month-old male Labrador weighs between 40 and 55 pounds. Female Labs, on the other hand, will weigh 35 to 45 pounds at six months of age. Please keep in mind that these are averages and that each puppy grows at a slightly different rate.
Labrador Retriever Weight 7-9 months
Between the ages of 7 and 9 months, your Labrador puppy will remain on the growth chart. He will have decreased his growth rate, but he will still be growing taller and accumulating weight.
At this point, your lab should weigh between 40 and 50 pounds, but it could be a bit more depending on your dog. You can restrict his meals to twice a day for the time being, but make sure he gets enough to eat.
Labrador Retriever Weight 10-12 months
Your puppy will continue to develop between 10 and 12 months, but he will most likely be at or near his final height.
He will most likely weigh between 50 and 60 pounds at this stage, but you will need to keep a close eye on his weight to ensure that he is not overeating.
Labs adore food and will gorge themselves if given the chance.
Labrador Retriever Adult Weight
Your Labrador puppy should have attained his maximum height by 12 months of age, but he will continue to gain weight until the age of two.
In general, labs have broader chests, but you should search for a waist in your dog.
It's fine to feel your dog's ribs, but you shouldn't be able to see them. If you are concerned about your lab's adult weight, consult with your veterinarian.
What is the Full Grown Labrador Retriever Weight?
According to the American Kennel Club Official Labrador Retriever Breed Standards, a mature male Labrador Retriever should weigh 65 to 80 pounds and stand 22.5 to 24.5 inches tall. A female Labrador Retriever, on the other hand, should weigh 55 to 70 pounds and stand 21.5 to 23.5 inches tall. Consult your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is keeping a healthy weight for his or her body size.
A Labrador Retriever's weight should reflect its athletic body and muscular frame. They are taller than they are long, with a big, tapering tail (known as an “otter tail”) that was originally designed to serve as a strong rudder to aid Labs when swimming to recover ducks.
How To Weigh Your Labrador Retriever Puppy?
If you want to maintain track of your Labrador Retriever's weight, you must first learn how to weigh him properly.
To begin, you should be able to weigh your Labrador Retriever at home if he is a puppy or if you are just large enough to hold him. This can be accomplished with a standard bathroom scale.
To begin, weigh yourself and record the result. Then, while standing on the scale, pick up your dog and hold him. The difference in weights represents your dog's weight.
If your dog is too huge to carry, you can either invest in a dog scale, which can cost upwards of $100, or contact your veterinarian. The majority of veterinarian offices will enable you to use their scale.
Unless there is a health problem, you can weigh an adult Labrador Retriever once every six months. Once a week is sufficient for a puppy to ensure he is growing normally.
What Is A Labrador Retriever’s Neck Size?
To determine the neck size of your dog, use a soft and flexible tape measure to determine the neck size of your dog where her collar naturally falls. Then, put two fingers between your dog's neck and the tape measure to ensure that the dog collar fits snugly but comfortably. Labrador Retrievers average neck circumference is between 17 and 20 inches.
How Big Do Labrador Retrievers Get?
Labrador Retrievers are incredibly affable and outgoing dogs, and this should have fully materialized in your well-socialized adult. Male and female dogs will weigh nearly the same throughout their puppyhood, with only a slight difference in adulthood.
Males reach an adult weight of 72 pounds on average, while females reach a weight of 62.5 pounds.
Males are slightly taller than females, standing 23.5 inches at the shoulder on average, while girls stand 22.5 inches.
Labrador Retriever Body Condition Score (BCS)
While the Body Mass Index (BMI) is used to measure human weight health, the Body Condition Score is used to determine dog weight health (BCS). This allows you to assess your dog's health.
The BCS operates on a scale of 1 to 9, with a score of 5 representing the ideal weight. Because there are so many dog breeds, this is not based on specific weight, but rather on the look and feel of a dog.
The perfect BCS is when you can't see your dog's ribs but can easily feel them under his fur. You should also be able to see his waist from above, with no fat deposits protruding.
Dogs under the age of 5 should gain weight, whilst dogs over the age of 5 should lose weight.
Factors That Affect Labrador Retriever Puppy Growth
Genetics
Genetics is the most important aspect in determining how big your Labrador will become. Dogs born to tiny parents will be smaller as well. There are also several kinds of Labradors.
There are not just black, chocolate, and yellow laboratories, but also working labs and English labs. Every variety of lab has a predisposition to a specific size and shape that is unaffected by how much or what he eats.
Diet & Nutrition
Puppies require a lot of calories and a nutritious diet to grow properly. Your puppy requires sufficient nourishment. This should just mean milk from his mother when he is a newborn dog.
However, as he grows, make sure you're providing your puppy healthful food in the proper amounts three times a day. Poor nutrition can lead to stunted growth and the emergence of health problems in the future.
Physical Activity & Health
It's critical to keep your lab as fit and healthy as possible. In general, an adult lab should exercise for at least 2 hours each day. This will help him maintain a healthy weight and body.
Puppies require significantly less activity than adults, so do not overwork your puppy. If your dog has arthritis or dysplasia, make sure to consult your veterinarian's activity recommendations before beginning an exercise program.
Do Labrador Retrievers Grow After Being Neutered?
One frequently asked issue is if your lab will stop growing after being neutered.
Your dog will not stop growing immediately after being neutered or spayed, although dogs that were neutered or spayed when they were puppies are normally slightly shorter than dogs who were neutered later in life.
According to current science, if you wait until your dog is at least one year old to neuter or spay him, his bones will have fully formed and there will be no detrimental effect on his size or cause him to have disorders such as hip dysplasia.
Common Questions about Labrador Retriever
At What Age Is A Labrador Retriever Fully Grown?
Labrador Retrievers, as a medium- to large-sized dogs, take a little longer to mature than smaller breeds. Labs take at least a year to reach full size, but puppies with larger bone structures may take up to 18 months to fill out their chest. As a general rule, your Lab should be at or near full size by their first birthday.
How Long Are Labrador Retrievers Pregnant?
Pregnancy in dogs, commonly known as the gestation period, typically lasts 57-65 days, with an average of 63 days. When planning breeding, you should keep track of the exact date of mating. Make a note of the dates and expect birth between 63 and 65 days later if there are two matings.
How Many Puppies Do Labrador Retrievers Have?
Labrador Retrievers can have 5 to 10 puppies in a typical litter, depending on size, age, health, food, and genetic diversity. Having said that, a Labrador's first litter is usually smaller than average. Labrador Retrievers can have 5 to 10 puppies in a typical litter, depending on size, age, health, food, and genetic diversity. Having said that, a Labrador's first litter is usually smaller than average.
What Is The Life Expectancy Of Labrador Retrievers?
Labrador retrievers, like any large breed of dogs, are prone to leaving you too soon. A lab will live between 10 and 12 years on average, however, this varies. If your dog has other health difficulties, you may need to say your final goodbyes sooner.
Because labs are prone to obesity, it is recommended to keep your dog active and on a balanced diet to keep his weight down and avoid other health concerns that could limit your dog's life expectancy.
Some hereditary flaws may also reduce his life, but you have no influence over that.
How Much Does It Cost To Own A Labrador Retriever?
Ongoing expenses for a Labrador Retriever might range between $100 and $200 each month. The prices will be slightly greater at first as you get your dog the necessary immunizations and pay for the frequent vet visits.
How To Help Your Labrador Retriever Lose Weight If He Is Overweight
As with humans, exercise is critical for your overweight dog's health. Increased movement helps your dog burn off excess energy (and calories consumed). Avoid panic! Exercising your pet does not have to include marathons or lengthy hikes. Regular walks and the opportunity to run and play safely off-leash.
Even creating a stimulating indoor environment that encourages your dog to exercise on a regular basis can help. Bear in mind that different breeds require varying amounts of exercise, so visit your veterinarian, breeder, or your dog's breed standard for recommendations on recommended activity levels.
Distinguish Begging from Hunger
Begging is not necessarily motivated by a desire for more food; it is also used to gain attention. (And, by rewarding the behavior, you reinforce and encourage it to continue.) If your dog begs, do not automatically assume he is hungry. Trust your instincts and keep track of the date and time of your last meal.
If your dog is prone to begging and you are prone to succumb to those puppy dog eyes, choose a high-protein meal with a fiber blend to help control your dog's hunger and voluntary food consumption. In this manner, you may feed your dog with the assurance that he will feel fuller and content for a longer period of time.
Restriction on treats and table scraps
Even when our dogs are not begging, many of us provide an excessive amount of treats and table scraps. Dogs are not required to share our food! Consider treats and scraps for your pet in the same way that you would candy for children to help you keep them in check. If you're going to utilize snacks for training, choose low-calorie, low-fat ones and keep the portions small.
As an alternative, keep in mind that clickers are excellent for reinforcement… and they have no calories! After all, a few extra pounds can make a significant impact in the lives of dogs, which are significantly smaller than humans. (Even the colossal breeds!) Therefore, focus on a balanced diet and resist the temptation to “reward” them with extra.
Customize Your Dog's Diet
Not all weight-loss foods are created equal, which is why it's critical to match your dog's nutrition plan to their unique needs. Choose a brand that caters to your dog's unique needs, whether they be weight control, dietary sensitivities, or illnesses.
How can I ensure that my Labrador Retriever is in good health?
For good reason, Labrador Retrievers are recognized as America's sweetheart dog breed. They make excellent family members due to their amiable temperament, adaptability, and outgoing personality.
Our Labs, as cherished part of our families, deserve the greatest possible care. Unfortunately, Labrador Retrievers, like many other purebred dogs, are more prone to a variety of health problems. As loving pet parents, this might be heartbreaking to consider. Prevention, on the other hand, can go a long way toward preventing and mitigating future health issues.
Hip dysplasia, degenerative joint disease (arthritis), allergic skin illness, bloat, and some types of cancer are among the most prevalent health issues for Labs. If they are overfed or under-exercised, they can quickly become overweight or obese, contributing to or exacerbating various joint disorders. Furthermore, these dogs can be mischievous, especially as puppies, and may eat foreign objects such as clothing, toys, and other household things, necessitating emergency veterinarian care.
Routine veterinary care allows your veterinarian to check your Lab for diseases on a regular basis, monitor their weight, assess their current health, and provide you with specific advice to keep your dog happy and healthy.
Conclusion on Labrador Retriever Growth Chart
While developing, your Labrador should not overexert themselves during playtime and exercise. Allow them lots of space to play so they don't run into walls or objects and injure themselves or others.
When your dog is young, it is a good time to think about pet insurance. Because there are no pre-existing diseases to exclude from coverage, if you get it before they suffer accidents or illnesses, you will receive the entire amount of your policy. And, if you end up with a hefty vet bill as a result of your inquisitive Lab getting into some perilous situations, pet insurance helps you to make the best health option without worrying about the costs of treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When does a Labrador become completely grown?
The Labrador retriever is a moderately quick maturing breed, reaching adult height between six and twelve months of age and perhaps filling out up to two years of age. Many Labradors live to be 12 to 14 years old.
Which Color Labs are the most intelligent?
Black Labradors are highly recognized as working dogs since they are incredibly clever and quick learners.
Why are Lab puppies so pricey?
If you buy your new Lab puppy from a health-conscious dog breeder, you may be surprised at how much it costs. The answer is simple: your breeder must factor in the price of preventative screening and health testing when determining how much a Labrador puppy from their kennel costs.