Labrador Retriever Growth Chart: Male and Female Weight & Height

Last Updated on September 20, 2023

*Labrador Retrievers are America’s most loved dog. It’s not hard to see why. They are great family pets . because of their sunny disposition, calm temperament, and love for children. Labradors can grow quite large so the question arises, “How big is a Labrador?”. It’s important to keep an eye on puppies and monitor their growth, weight, height, and other factors. This is one of your best options to make sure your dog enjoys the best health possible throughout his life.

It is true that each dog is different and may have a smaller or larger size than the average. It’s always a good idea for dogs to be measured and checked for any issues. Some Labradors develop faster than others. Others will take longer. We know Labradors can grow to be quite large so it is important that we keep track of milestones and understand how our Labradors are doing relative to others.

This guide will show you how your Labrador retriever grows from puppyhood to adulthood. We compare your puppy’s progress month by month and look at the statistics for an average Labrador Retriever. A handy growth chart is also provided to help you keep track of your dog’s progress over the years. Next, we will discuss the various factors influencing your dog’s growth. We answer some of the most common questions about Labrador Retriever growth.

What can you expect

Labrador Retrievers can grow to be very strong and large dogs. However, it’s always good to take a look at the specifics, especially to see how your puppy is developing. You will be able to prepare for your puppy’s future. While growth charts can be helpful, they do not provide the information we need about puppies’ development. It can make a big difference in the outcome of your pup’s adult life. Let’s take a look at some reminders before we get to the puppy growth timeline.

Reminders

Let us examine the growth habits of a Labrador Retriever. Be aware that every puppy is different. You may see growth spurts and plateaus, which can either speed up or slow down their growth. When they reach nine months, Labradors will be approximately the same height as adults. The remaining part of their growth process is simply weight gain. This can be continued until they turn two years old.

Growth also depends on your dog’s nutrition, so take care not to overfeed or underfeed your dog. Also, you must do your best to prevent them from getting hurt by not allowing them to play too rough. Your dog will be their own size. They may be smaller or larger than the averages that we provide. It’s a good idea for you to notify your veterinarian if your dog seems larger or smaller than you expected.

Puppy Development Timeline

We cover the different things that you need to know about caring for your sporting breed pup at this time. You should monitor your dog closely at all stages of growth.

Birth to 2 Weeks

Your puppy will be completely dependent on you from the moment they are born until two weeks after their birth. They will be unable to communicate at this stage as they are blind and deaf. For this stage, your puppy will be completely dependent on you as their mother. If you’re caring for the mother, make sure she has enough food to sustain her strength and gives her puppies enough milk. Your pup should be allowed to drink as much milk as necessary. Your puppy will be able to see and hear by the end of two weeks.

1 Month

Your puppy should be around one month old. It will be exciting to see your puppy become more social and interactive with their littermates. At one month, they will stop drinking their mother’s milk. At this stage, you can start to introduce wet food to them. It is important to encourage them to interact with their siblings and brothers.

2 Months

Your puppy should be able to live on their own at two months of age. When they turn eight weeks old, they should be completely weaned from milk. Three meals per day can be given to them of puppy food. The portions should be appropriate for their weight. At this point in time, you should start obedience training. They are very responsive when they are young. This will help you build a foundation for a well-behaved pet. It shouldn’t prove difficult to housetrain your dog. This is what you can expect for Labrador Retriever puppies aged two months, male and female. These observations will be made throughout the remainder of this section.

• Males: weigh an average of 10 pounds
• Females: weigh an average of 10 pounds

3 Months

Your Labrador should be socialized and trained as soon as they turn three months old. You can start leash training your Labrador at this age to help them get used to the harness and leash. It is also a good idea to start grooming them more often at this age, so that they learn how to behave during grooming. You should treat them with kindness, patience and understanding as they will be very active at this stage. The goal is to curb bad behavior and encourage good behavior. You will see growth at three months of age. They will be larger than they were one month ago.

• Males: weigh an average of 24 pounds
• Females: weigh an average of 23 pounds

4 Months

Your puppy will be more active and playful when he is four months old. At this stage, they should be happy in your home. You can continue with socialization and obedience training. Positive reinforcement is a must. It may be beneficial to enroll them both in classes for further training. To help them get along with other dogs, you can enroll them in puppy kindergarten classes. It will make them more confident and friendly.

• Males: weigh an average of 28 pounds
• Females: weigh an average of 27.5 pounds

5 Months

At five months, your dog will be quite large. You may have to be patient with them if they get too playful. Keep your patience with them, as they are rapidly learning. Positive reinforcement can make a big difference in your dog’s behavior. Be sure to reward them with praise, treats, and pets. Labrador Retrievers are incredibly sweet, gentle and affectionate. You can expect your Labrador Retriever to act like a puppy in the months ahead.

• Males: weigh an average of 41 pounds
• Females: weigh an average of 41 pounds

6 Months

Your dog will be taller and more lanky by the time they reach six months. Although this phase can be awkward, it is an indication of how much they have grown. Do not force them to exercise too much as they could be injured or worse, develop hip dysplasia. Your dog will be accustomed to a routine in their day. You will need to remain firm and consistent with your dog.

• Males: weigh an average of 45 pounds
• Females: weigh an average of 44 pounds

7 Months

Your dog should be seven months old by the time you get them. They must have a routine and a good rapport with you. Sometimes they may try to be naughty to prove that they are capable of doing so. Be firm but reward good behavior. Your dog might have found new friends by taking longer walks. They can now eat two meals per day, as long as they get enough food.

• Males: weigh an average of 55 pounds
• Females: weigh an average of 47.5 pounds

8 Months

Your strong bond with your dog will make your dog your best friend by eight months. You should be aware that your dog may become anxious if they are left alone too often. This can cause destructive behavior and could lead to mental illness in your dog. To ensure that your dog doesn’t become lonely, make sure they have someone to watch them at all times. Your dog is well on its way to becoming an adult, filling out and maturing.

• Males: weigh an average of 57.5 pounds
• Females: weigh an average of 52.5 pounds

9 Months

Your dog might start to behave more maturely at nine months of age, but you shouldn’t expect it from them all the time. Even though they are older, Labradors still have that puppy-like quality. Your Labrador may still be calmer and happier if you are able to provide enough energy. You can take them for exercise each day. However, don’t overdo it to injure them. You can also give them toys to keep them occupied. This will help to reduce destructive behavior.

• Males: weigh an average of 62.5 pounds
• Females: weigh an average of 55 pounds

10 Months

At 10 months old, your dog will continue to fill out their body and keep on growing up strong. Once you have established a strong relationship with your dog they will be more open to listening to you. As their body gets stronger, you can start being more active with their exercise, taking around 45 minutes each day for a walk while giving them more time to play at home. You don’t have to push them too hard and they can still get their energy requirements met.

• Males: weigh an average of 65.5 pounds
• Females: weigh an average of 59 pounds

11 Months

Your dog should be well-adjusted to life with you and your family by the time they turn one year old. They will show you how much they care and spend no effort to show your family. They are so happy to be here. You can give them an hour of walking each day. This should be split into two sessions, one in the morning, and one in the afternoon. Labradors are very playful and will have lots of fun playing with other dogs in the park.

• Males: weigh an average of 68.5 pounds
• Females: weigh an average of 59.5 pounds

1 Year

It is time to wish your Labrador a happy birthday. Your home should be peaceful and easy now that they have reached this milestone. You and your dog deserve a pat on the back for the hard work they have put in to become a well-trained, disciplined pet.

Your Labrador Retriever will be older than they were when they were younger. However, Labrador Retrievers almost always behave as puppies even though they’re older. This playful spirit and childlike spirit is a constant trait of Labrador Retrievers. For a healthy body and a long life, continue to give them good nutrition. It is a good idea to have them checked for hip dysplasia around their second year.

• Males: weigh an average of 70.5 pounds
• Females: weigh an average of 61.5 pounds

What’s Next?

Your Labrador Retriever will be a very happy Labrador at this stage. They will have some more growth to do over the next year. They will also be growing in weight, since they are now at their adult height. You can ask your veterinarian to determine how healthy your dog is. . They should be fine as long as they eat properly, are not ill for too long, and have not been injured.

Full Grown Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Retrievers

are incredibly friendly and outgoing dogs. This should have been evident in your well-socialized adult. The average weight of male and female Labrador Retrievers is approximately the same during their puppyhood. There will be a slight difference in adulthood.

• Adult Weight: Males grow to an average adult weight of 72 pounds, while females weigh in around 62.5 pounds.
• Adult Height: On average, males are slightly taller, standing 23.5 inches at the shoulder, while females stand at 22.5 inches.

Visit the AKC to gain a firmer grasp on the breed standards for a Lab show dog.

Growth Chart

This is a handy and quick reference that you can keep with your dog as they grow. These are just averages. Your dog might be larger or smaller than these numbers.

Weight Chart

As the weight chart shows, Labrador Retrievers have a lot of growing up to go. Some months will go quicker than others , and some will take longer, especially as they get closer to their second birthday. You should train them to not jump on other people once they grow up.

Factors to Consider

These are important to think about as your puppy grows. This will help you understand the effects of your dog’s growth. Some things can be fixed, and others left to fate . If your dog’s growth is not going as you expected, this will allow you to rest assured.

Genetics

The Labrador Retriever was bred to be large. Although some Labrador Retrievers will grow larger than others, this is a part of their genetic code. A look at your parents can give you an idea of how big your dog will grow . This is an estimate and could be wrong. The genetic makeup of a family is not complete without parents.

They may have genes that make their offspring larger or smaller than them. It is impossible to tell until your dog reaches full maturity. You can, however, compare notes with your breeder to find out how big their dogs are.

Nutrition

*Good nutrition is essential for good health, even for Labrador Retrievers. Nutrition plays a significant role in the size and health of your Labrador Retriever. Overfeeding your dog will not make them bigger. This can lead to obesity, which could cause orthopedic problems. In the first two months of your dog’s life, make sure they get enough milk from their mom.

After they are weaned, puppies must be fed meals that are suitable for their size and age. Puppy food that is best suited to your Lab is the best option for an optimal balance of nutrients needed to grow up healthy and strong. To nourish your puppy’s growth, you can give it vitamins and minerals.

Growth Spurts and Plateaus

Your dog might experience growth spurts or plateaus during their growth period. These can either speed up or slow growth there’s not much you can do .. These effects are unpredictable and you can’t count on growth spurts happening when you want them.

Remember that your dog is learning at his own pace. Giving your dog the love and attention they need will help them reach their full potential. You can consult your veterinarian if you’re concerned about excessive growth or stunted development in your Labrador Retriever.

Neutering and Spaying

Neutering your dog early in life will not stunt their growth. But, it is possible that their joints might be affected. Studies have shown that spaying or neutering your dog early can affect their growth plate. Your dog will grow a little taller because this will delay the closure. This is a bad thing as it can lead to joint disease in your dog’s later years.

You should consult your veterinarian about the best time to spay/neuter your Labrador Retriever. As a rule of thumb, you should wait until your dog is 18 months old so that they have reached sexual maturity.

Physical Health

The last thing you should consider when it comes to your dog’s development is their physical health. If a puppy has been sick in the beginning of their life and is still sick, it may stunt their growth. A dog’s poor health can prevent them from reaching their full potential. Make sure you bring your dog to the vet for regular checks.

*Injury can also cause a delay in your dog’s development. While they grow up, Labradors should not be over-exerting themselves in playtime or exercise. Allow them to have plenty of room so they don’t accidentally hit walls or other objects. This will prevent them from getting hurt.

Pet insurance is a good idea for young dogs. You will receive the full coverage if you purchase it before your dog is injured or becomes ill. And if you come up against a super high vet bill as a result of your curious Lab getting into some dangerous trouble, pet insurance allows you to make the best health decision without worrying about the expenses of treatment.

Frequently Asked Question

Before the guide ends, we’ll be answering some of your most common questions about Labrador Retriever growth. Below are five common questions.

When will my Labrador Retriever stop growing?

Your Labrador Retriever will continue to grow at a steady pace , and will eventually be larger than most other dogs. While your dog may act like a puppy for the rest of their life, their physical growth stops around 18 months to two years of age. Labradors reach adult height around one year of age, but then continue to gain weight until they turn two years.

How fast will my Lab grow?

Labradors do not grow at an astonishing pace, but they still grow up fast, especially when they are very young. In the early weeks, they can sometimes gain up to 10 pounds in a month, which is very impressive. Your dog might experience plateaus or growth spurts beyond this point. A look at your parents can give you an idea of the size of your dog’s future, but it is not always possible to predict.

Many dogs grow from a small size to become larger over time. Many dogs grow faster than their littermates but end up being smaller. Don’t expect too much from your dog, as every dog is unique.

Will my puppy experience growing pains?

Studies have shown that puppies do not experience growing pains. Your dog might have orthopedic conditions that cause pain. Your veterinarian should be consulted if you notice your dog limping or experiencing unusual gait or a reluctance or refusal to participate in normal activities. Your puppy will be able to grow quickly if this is done.

Do not allow your dog to get hurt by playing too rough .. You can cause your dog pain by allowing them to play too rough or exercise too much.

What are some conditions common to Labs?

One common condition that your dog can develop as they grow up is hip dysplasia. Labradors can develop hip dysplasia as their thigh bone doesn’t fit into the socket of the hip. This condition can cause them pain and lead to degenerative arthritis later in life. Hip dysplasia is a condition that causes your dog to walk awkwardly or limp.

Bring your Labrador puppy to the veterinarian when they turn two years old in order to check for hip dysplasia. Breeders who are good will screen dogs for the disease and refuse to allow them to breed with dogs that have it. Hip dysplasia is unlikely to affect puppies who have been bred by reputable breeders. You can find reputable breeders at the National Labrador Retriever Club.

What if my Lab isn’t the correct weight?

If your dog is not weighing in the correct weight, there are a few options. The size of your dog will determine their weight. As they age, dogs tend to gain weight.

To determine if your dog’s weight is too high or low, check their ribs. While you shouldn’t see the ribs, if they are visible, it is an indication that your dog may be underweight. By lightly pressing on the ribs, you should feel them. If your dog is unable to feel his ribs, he/she may have become overweight. You will need to change their diet. It might be time to consider a healthy weight management dog food.

They will need to be more active. Dogs with a low weight need immediate medical attention. In the event of internal parasites, you may have to deworm your dog. If your dog is underweight or overweight, you should consult your veterinarian.

Final Thoughts

Your Labrador Retriever will grow into a beautiful, playful puppy. As their pet parent, it is your responsibility to ensure that they are healthy. There will be some bumps in the road, but that is normal for any dog. Both you and your dog will be able to make life easier by having the right information. You are now ready to give your dog the love and care they deserve.

There is so much to consider, it’s important to research what you can expect. It will help you to understand the various factors that influence your dog’s growth. Last, we recommend that you bring your dog to the vet for routine checks. You can check if your dog has reached their maximum growth potential.