Labrador Retriever Growth Chart (Size & Weight Chart)

Labrador Retriever Growth and Weight Chart

A Labrador Retriever’s size and weight are important considerations for any potential dog owner. Due to their popularity and larger size, Labradors are prone to several health issues, such as hip dysplasia.

By understanding a Lab’s growth chart, you can prepare for these risks and ensure your dog’s overall health and well-being.

In this comprehensive guide to the Labrador Retriever growth chart, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about tracking your Lab’s development, from puppyhood to adulthood.

By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of how to keep your Labrador healthy and happy throughout their life.

Labrador Retriever Weight Chart by Age

Three smiling Labrador Retriever

The official breed standards for Labrador Retrievers, as provided by the American Kennel Club (AKC), indicate that males should weigh between 65 and 80 pounds, while females should be around 55 to 70 pounds.

The Labrador growth chart below is an illustration of how much your male and female Labrador Retriever should weigh from 2 months old to adulthood:

AgeMale WeightFemale Weight
2 months old10–15 lbs
(4.5–7 kg)
5–10 lbs
(2.5–4.5 kg)
3 months old20–30 lbs
(9–13.5 kg)
20–25 lbs
(9–11.5 kg)
4 months old30–40 lbs
(13.5–18 kg)
25–35 lbs
(11.5–16 kg)
5 months old35–45 lbs
(16–20.5 kg)
30–40 lbs
(13.5–18 kg)
6 months old40–55 lbs
(18–25 kg)
35–45 lbs
(16–20.5 kg)
7 months old50–60 lbs
(23–27 kg)
40–50 lbs
(18–23 kg)
8 months old50–65 lbs
(23–29.5 kg)
40–55 lbs
(18–25 kg)
9 months old55–70 lbs
(25–32 kg)
45–60 lbs
(20.5–27 kg)
10 months old55–70 lbs
(25–32 kg)
50–60 lbs
(23–27 kg)
11 months old60–75 lbs
(27–34 kg)
55–65 lbs
(25–29.5 kg)
12 months old65–80 lbs
(29.5–36.5 kg)
55–70 lbs
(25–32 kg)
Fully grown65–80 lbs
(29.5–36.5 kg)
55–70 lbs
(25–32 kg)

Labrador owners will benefit from a Labrador puppy growth chart for an idea of what to expect as their Labrador Retriever puppy grows. It will help ensure that their dogs are growing with a healthy weight.

A male Lab can be noticeably heavier than a female, much like in other dog breeds. As seen in a Lab puppy weight chart, the differences become more noticeable starting at four months of age.

Compared to small dogs, large breeds like Labradors will need at least 9 to 12 months to reach their adult weight. In some cases, Labs with bigger bone structures take as long as 18 months to fully mature.

In addition, American labs can be slightly larger than English Labs due to their history of being working dogs and their larger bone structures. Also, English Labradors have shorter legs than their American counterparts.

It is worth noting that every Labrador Retriever is unique, even within the same breed, and a dog’s weight will still depend on a variety of factors. The Labrador weight chart above is only meant to offer ballpark figures.

Although a 2018 study revealed that a Lab’s color might affect its health, recorded figures still show that black, chocolate, Dudley or yellow Lab, and red fox Labs have the same average weight and lifespan.

This is also the case for other Labrador color variants, such as the charcoal Lab and silver Lab.

To properly visualize how much a Labrador Retriever should weigh, check the video below:

Proper Weight for a Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever Size Chart by Age

Official breed standards by the AKC for Labradors indicate that a male adult Lab should stand between 22.5 and 24.5 inches. On the other hand, females should be between 21.5 and 23.5 inches.

The Lab growth chart below shows the average height for male and female Labrador Retrievers from 2 months to adulthood.

AgeMale HeightFemale Height
2 months old8–12 in
(20.5–30.5 cm)
7–10 in
(18–25.5 cm)
3 months old12–15 in
(30.5–38 cm)
10–14 in
(25.5–35.5 cm)
4 months old12–15 in
(30.5–38 cm)
10–14 in
(25.5–35.5 cm)
5 months old15–18 in
(38–45.5 cm)
12–15 in
(30.5–38 cm)
6 months old15–18 in
(38–45.5 cm)
12–15 in
(30.5–38 cm)
7 months old16–19 in
(40.5–48.5 cm)
15–18 in
(38–45.5 cm)
8 months old18–20 in
(45.5–51 cm)
17–20 in
(43–51 cm)
9 months old20–23 in
(51–58.5 cm)
20–22 in
(51–56 cm)
10 months old22–25 in
(56–63.5 cm)
21–23 in
(53.5–58.5 cm)
11 months old22–25 in
(56–63.5 cm)
21–23 in
(53.5–58.5 cm)
12 months old22–25 in
(56–63.5 cm)
21–23 in
(53.5–58.5 cm)
Fully grown22–25 in
(56–63.5 cm)
21–23 in
(53.5–58.5 cm)

A Labrador Retriever puppy growth chart shows that Labradors rapidly gain weight and height in the first nine months. After ten months, both males and females stop growing and remain the same throughout their lifetimes.

Similar to their average weights, an adult male Labrador can occasionally stand a little higher than females. From two months old, the average heights of male and female Labs can already be noticeably different.

Again, bear in mind that the chart above is just an estimate and shouldn’t serve as a primary basis for observing a pup’s progress. Further, these numbers shouldn’t be used to measure other size types for the Lab, such as the miniature Labrador Retriever.

To ensure that a dog is growing at a healthy rate, you should have it checked by the vet regularly.

At What Age Are Labrador Retrievers Fully Grown?

Labrador Retriever in the woods

As all dogs are unique, the age at which your dog stops growing depends on the dog itself. Nonetheless, Labradors usually reach their full size by 10 to 12 months of age.

Labradors often reach their full adult height at around 9 to 10 months old and their full weight around 9 to 12 months of age. However, larger dogs may take at least 18 months to reach their full size.

Based on a Labrador puppy growth chart, a puppy’s weight should be close to its full size before it reaches its first year. Height and weight gain during their second year and beyond should be minimal.

Owners should not worry if their Labradors are not reaching certain growth “milestones”. However, having overweight or underweight dogs could be indicative of serious health conditions such as malnutrition or obesity.

As a Labrador Retriever breeder for about seven years, I have noticed that Lab puppies grow very rapidly. This makes it very crucial to closely monitor a puppy’s development and ensure that they are growing at a healthy pace.

One of the faults I’ve observed with new fur parents of Labrador puppies is that they feed their dogs more than what is required to make them catch up with their growing demands or to make the dogs appear much larger.

I would have to put a word of caution with this practice, though, since gaining weight too fast may strain the puppies’ joints and cause serious health issues.

How Big Do Full-Grown Labrador Retrievers Get?

Male adult Labradors can grow from 22.5 to 24.5 inches and weigh between 65 and 80 pounds. Meanwhile, full-grown female Labradors should be 21.5 to 23.5 inches in height and weigh between 55 and 70 pounds.

This average size is similar to most Labrador mixes, such as the Black Mouth Cur Lab mix, German Shepradors, and Whipadors. The purebred Lab is also comparable to most medium-sized Lab hound mixes.

On the other hand, a purebred Labrador Retriever can be bigger than other mixes like the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.

While the numbers above are official breed standards, keep in mind that a variety of factors will affect your Labrador’s final size, such as genetics, balanced diet, activity levels, and living environment.

There is no official breed standard for the average length of a Labrador Retriever. However, average measurements for its length are between 36 and 42 inches.

Labrador Retrievers are typically an inexpensive breed and fit most people’s budgets. Despite this, pet owners should be aware of how to take care of fully-grown Labradors before bringing them home.

How Do I Know How Big My Labrador Retriever Will Get?

Long haired Labrador Retriever exploring outdoors

Owners often ask, “How big do Labs get?” to plan their puppy food and supplies budget. Aside from looking at a puppy weight chart, there are other ways to help determine how big your Labrador will get.

Owners and pet lovers can take a look at their Lab’s age, look at their paw size, compare them to their parents, or observe their weight for an idea of how big their pups will be.

The amount of dog food they eat will largely influence their final size. Remember, underfeeding may result in stunted growth.

Typically, Labrador Retrievers stop growing at around 12 months, although short growth spurts after this are still possible. If a Labrador is less than a year old, owners can expect them to put on more height and gain weight.

If a Labrador is still developing, owners can tell by looking at the size of the dog’s paws. With proper nutrition, growing pups are known for having enormous paws compared to their legs and bodies.

Owners who acquired their Labrador from a reputable breeder or rescue organization may ask about the dog’s precise height and weight estimates. 

Owners can get an idea of how big their pups will get by looking at the size of the Lab’s parents or siblings.

Lastly, your Labrador’s present weight can determine its overall weekly growth. Simply multiply the Lab’s age in weeks by her current weight in pounds. You can also use a puppy weight calculator to measure this.

Labrador Retriever Growth and Development by Age (With Pictures)

The drastic changes throughout the different life stages of a Labrador Retriever can be overwhelming for owners. From birth until their first year, this wonderful breed has a lot of growing to do!

Owners of Labradors should pay attention to their pup’s age-specific needs to ensure their dog’s growth and development. Canine education is an important responsibility for owners and pet lovers alike.

In essence, owners should watch out for excessive growth rate, improper weight, and unbalanced nutrition, as these may lead to the development of hip dysplasia or other physical conditions.

Let’s examine the growth and development of a Labrador Retriever at various periods of its life:

8-Week-Old Labrador Retriever

8 week old Labrador Retriever

At eight weeks old, a Labrador puppy can now move into a new home. Behavioral adjustments are anticipated as they adjust to a new life without their mother and siblings.

For a Labrador puppy, this period of adjustment can be challenging, which can occasionally result in scared and aggressive behavior. Moreover, a Labrador puppy may start barking to express feelings at eight weeks. 

If not addressed, these stressors might stunt the growth of a Labrador puppy. Hence, owners should pay close attention to their pup’s nutrition. 

An 8-week-old Labrador puppy will benefit from a strict feeding schedule that will help them gain weight, develop strong muscles, and strengthen their immune system.

Basic command, leash, and potty training may also be started at this point. Starting at an early age will help them develop good training habits as they age. 

Lastly, ensure that they are up to date on their vaccinations. Introduce them to a veterinary professional who will help you track your dog’s health throughout its lifetime.

12-Week-Old Labrador Retriever

12 week old Labrador Retriever

A Labrador Retriever puppy can start socializing and forming good relationships with other dogs at the age of 12 weeks. Make sure they are fully immunized before introducing them to new Lab puppies.

Many dogs, including Labs, start training with positive reinforcement at this point. Lab puppies may act independently and disregard typical commands during this time. To stop undesirable behavior, be firm and consistent.

At this stage, Labradors will begin teething, chewing, and exploring. Invest in good quality chew toys that will keep Labradors entertained and busy. Fortunately, most Labs will outgrow these behaviors in six months.

Occasionally, accidents occur, but owners must remember to be firm but kind while correcting their pups. Since accidents are not completely inevitable, having pet insurance can be beneficial.

Having pet insurance at a young age saves owners from the trouble of high vet bills in the event of a serious health emergency.

16-Week-Old Labrador Retriever

16 week old Labrador Retriever

For Labrador owners, this phase can be among the most difficult. At 16 weeks, Labs may begin to act independently and begin to assert their authority by disobeying normal commands.

Moreover, your Labrador’s chewing and teething will slow down as their baby teeth fall out. Again, be firm but kind when reprimanding and instilling discipline in your pup.

Owners need to have a lot of tolerance during this difficult time. With the correct training techniques from its owners, a Labrador Retriever should hopefully outgrow its newfound independence.

6-Month-Old Labrador Retriever

6 month old Labrador Retriever

At six months old, Labrador Retrievers are almost fully developed, yet they are still regarded as pups and exhibit puppy-like behavior with their lively and mischievous antics.

Labrador Retrievers should have finished chewing and teething by this time. Chew toys, though, might still be useful. The number of meals each day might be decreased from three to just two.

Despite becoming more mature at this point, owners should keep in mind that they are still puppies that require thorough guidance and training. They need plenty of physical activities to improve their health and behavior.

Another important concern that owners should be aware of is that females have most likely reached sexual maturity around this age. Keeping watch of stray males or having them spayed are options to address this issue.

9-Month-Old Labrador Retriever

9 month old Labrador Retriever

Most Labrador Retrievers will reach their full size at this age. At nine months, owners may already have an idea of how big their Labrador Retriever will get.

Labradors may now be considered adults at nine months. If owners were able to use correct training methods, their Labs should be fully obedient and well-trained at this point.

Nonetheless, training should continue to secure a Labrador’s good habits. Lots of exercises should be done to help them release their loads of energy.

An adult dog will benefit from plenty of exercises to help strengthen its athletic body but also to help release pent-up energy that may cause aggressive and mischievous behavior.

12-Month-Old Labrador Retriever (Fully Grown)

12 month old Labrador Retriever

The average Labrador is fully developed and prepared to begin its transition to maturity at 12 months old. 

Most Labradors stop growing at this point. Some may continue to gain weight, but considerably more slowly than in the first few months.

One-year-old Labrador Retrievers occasionally behave like Lab puppies. However, by the time they are 12 months old, they should typically be disciplined and obedient.

Labradors will continue to behave in a playful and lively manner as they grow older. They will be able to put their energy more effectively if they have a regular schedule of play and exercise.

All things considered, after a Lab puppy turns a year old, its owner should be rewarded for their efforts throughout the early months. Owners will appreciate having a fun-loving but well-behaved companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Two Labrador Retrievers sitting side by side

How Big Should a 6-Month-Old Labrador Retriever Be?

Labrador Retriever puppies should weigh between 35 and 45 pounds for females and 40 to 55 pounds for males at six months of age.

Males should typically stand 15 to 18 inches tall at six months old, while females stand at least 12 to 15 inches.

How Does Neutering/Spaying Affect My Labrador Retriever’s Growth?

Neutering and spaying affect the growth plate of large-sized breeds like Labrador Retrievers. In essence, it increases the duration of bones growing, which makes a dog grow taller than it should have.

It makes your puppy experience growing pains and a predisposition to joint problems later in life. However, it is noteworthy that this is only possible among Labradors who are spayed or neutered early.

What Weight Is Overweight for a Labrador Retriever?

A healthy adult Labrador Retriever should weigh between 50 and 80 pounds. Hence, a Lab weighing more than 90 pounds is considered overweight and more prone to weight-related health issues.

What Size Crate Does a Labrador Retriever Need?

Large dogs like Labrador Retrievers need a large crate with the following dimensions: at least 45 inches long, at least 25 inches wide, and more than 30 inches high.

Final Thoughts

Labrador Retrievers are medium to large-sized breeds with lots of growing to do. It is the responsibility of owners to keep track of their Labrador’s growth and development throughout their different life stages.

For owners who wish to monitor their puppy’s growth and development, a Labrador weight chart can be helpful. It is a tool that gives owners an idea of a Labrador’s age-appropriate height and weight.

A Labrador growth chart is useful but should not be the only tool to track a Labrador’s development. 

Looking at your puppy’s age, its paw size, as well as the size of its parents will also give an idea if your Lab is on the right growth track.

How do you feel about the process of tracking a Lab’s growth? Comment down below about your thoughts on this Labrador Retriever growth chart!

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