Can Labradors be big
When Is A Lab Full Grown and How Quickly Will Your Pup Turn Into A Dog?
Last Updated on November 11, 2023 by Linda Richard
If you look at a litter of baby retrievers its natural to wonder when is a lab full-grown and how quickly will your pup turn into an actual dog. The puppy phase for most dogs is as precious as it is short. Fortunately, if you take good care of your pup youll end up with an awesome dog too.
So, when are the main growth spurts of your Labrador retriever and what do you need to know?
When Is A Lab Full Grown and When Do Labs Stop Growing?
Broadly speaking, almost all dogs get to their fully grown size somewhere between the 1 and 2-year mark. Smaller breeds grow faster and can reach their maximum height and (close to) max weight before their 1-year birthday. Giant dog breeds are the opposite and can take up to 3 years to reach full size.
As a mid-sized breed, Labradors usually reach their full size soon after their first birthday typically between the eleventh and thirteenth months. In addition, male labs are a bit larger than females but not by much usually an inch of height and 5-10 pounds of weight.
Of course, always keep in mind that each dog is unique and can grow a bit smaller or larger than the norm. Its perfectly ok if your dog takes a month or two more to reach full size or if its a bit smaller than average.
If the growth delay or size difference is a bit too significant (more than two months and more than two inches) you may want to consult with your vet. Malnutrition and certain health issues may be causing an issue but those are rare. With proper care, your lab should be perfectly healthy and a bit of size difference isnt a problem.
When Will Be The Biggest Growth Spurt Of Your Lab?
The most significant growth period for this breed is between the 3 and 6-month marks. After the half-a-year birthday, the height growth will slow down substantially. This goes for both height and weight, although the weight will also depend on how much you feed your pup. Studies show that a lab can keep gaining a bit of weight up to its fourth year.
Lab Retriever Growth Chart
For a more accurate picture, heres a full chart of the weight and height growth of both male and female labs. As you can see, the average height growth grinds to a halt around the 1-year mark.
The weight can keep going on after that and your lab can keep gaining pounds up to its second birthday. Besides, this is more a matter of filling out rather than growing. Also, the weight is very individual and will also depend on the physical exercise levels and the diet.
| Labrador Retriever Age | Male Lab Average Height | Male Lab Average Weight | Female Lab Average Height | Female Lab Average Weight |
| 2 months | 8 to 12 in (20 to 30 cm) | 10 to 14 lbs (4.5 to 6.3 kg) | 7 to 10 in (18 to 25 cm) | 10 to 13 lbs (4.5 to 6 kg) |
| 3 months | 12 to 15 in (30 to 38 cm) | 22 to 26 lbs (10 to 12 kg) | 10 to 14 in (25 to 35 cm) | 20 to 26 lbs (9 to 12 kg) |
| 5 months | 15 to 18 in (38 to 46 cm) | 33 to 49 lbs (15 to 19 kg) | 12 to 15 in (30 to 38 cm) | 35 to 49 lbs (16 to 19 kg) |
| 7 months | 16 to 19 in (40 to 48 cm) | 51 to 59 lbs (23 to 27 kg) | 15 to 18 in (38 to 46 cm) | 40 to 55 lbs (20 to 25 kg) |
| 9 months | 20 to 23 in (51 to 58 cm) | 57 to 68 lbs (26 to 31 kg) | 20 to 22 in (51 to 56 cm) | 48 to 62 lbs (22 to 28 kg) |
| 11 months | 22 to 25 in (56 to 63.5 cm) | 62 to 75 lbs (28 to 34 kg) | 21 to 23 in (53 to 58 cm) | 53 to 66 lbs (24 to 30 kg) |
| 13 months | 22 to 25 in (56 to 63.5 cm) | 64 to 77 lbs (29 to 35 kg) | 22 to 23.5 in (53 to 59 cm) | 55 to 68 lbs (25 to 31 kg) |
| 15 months | 22 to 25 in (56 to 63.5 cm) | 64 to 80 lbs (29 to 36 kg) | 22 to 23.5 in (53 to 59 cm) | 55 to 70 lbs (25 to 32 kg) |
Read more about:Labrador Weight Chart By Age and Its Many Advantages
Does The Coat Color Matter As Far As When Is A Lab Full Grown?
Whether black, chocolate, silver or yellow, Labrador retrievers tend to grow at the same rate and up to the same size. Therefore, we wont bother with a chocolate or black lab growth chart you can just refer to the general growth chart above. When is a lab full-grown simply doesnt seem to vary depending on the dogs coat.
If we are talking about a Golden Retriever does tend to be a little bit shorter and lighter than labs but not by much. Then again, they are a different breed too.
Read more about:Champagne Lab vs Yellow Lab Differences You Need To Know
Does Neutering A Lab Slow Down Growth?
One of the common questions people have is when should they spray/neuter their labs. Some studies indicate that neutering before the 37-week mark (~8 months) can quicken the dogs growth. Consequently, neutering the pup after that can slow down the growth a bit too. However, the difference is so insignificant that most experts dont recommend paying any attention to it.
Can You Tell How Big A Lab Pup Is Going To Get?
Generally, no. Just as it is with people, a pup can be born small but grow to be extra tall and vice versa. However, it is worth comparing your pup with the rest of its litter. Usually, youll be able to identify one or two larger-than-average and one smaller pup. Most experts recommend getting a mid-sized pup but that is mostly just important for ensuring a well-balanced personality.
So, When Are Labs Fully Grown Exactly?
Height-wise, you can expect your lab to reach its adult size at around the 1-year mark or a little after that. In terms of weight generally up to the second year or even a year or two after that, depending on myriad factors. You can expect some variation from the averages too as long as the dogs diet, exercise, and routine vet check-ups are in order, everything should be fine.
Learn more about:
When Is A Mini Lab Full Grown and How Big Does A Miniature Labrador Get?Labrador Size Guide: What to Expect From Your Full Grown Lab
Adult Labrador size ranges from 55 to 85lbs in weight. Your Labrador Retriever will reach anywhere from 21 to 25 inches tall when fully grown. How big your pup gets will depend upon whether they are male or female, and if they come from American or English breeding lines.
Labrador growth rates are fastest for the first six months, with most adult dogs reaching their final height around their first birthday. Although young adult Labs tend to be more lanky and less sturdy than their more mature counterparts.
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A healthy diet will help them to develop steadily, and to ensure that they dont put any extra strain on their joints. There is no correct weight and height for your Labrador. Whats matters most is that your adult Labs size is the right one for them a healthy weight that suits their build and ancestry, and will help them to have a long and active life.
Size Reflects History
Labradors are part of the Gundog group of dogs. Originally bred as hunting dogs, to retrieve shot game, they needed to be hardy enough to work in and out of the water in winter, and strong enough to carry large birds.
The size and strength of the modern adult Lab reflects their practical roots. They are a medium-large breed, strong, agile and clever.
Labrador Puppy Size
When youre choosing or caring for a puppy it can be good to know what normal looks like, so you can spot if your pup is too small. Or if they are getting a little overweight.
Small size in puppies can be a sign of stress or illness. Puppies can be small due to poor nutrition eating the wrong food, or not enough food or other poor care. However puppies can also be small because their parents are small, or through random chance. If in doubt, ask your veterinarian to check your puppy over.
An overweight Labrador puppy is at increased risk of joint damage. Joint problems such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are already common in Labradors, so its important to avoid letting your pup get overweight. So lets take a look at how big your pup should be, how fast Labradors normally grow, and how to keep that growth on track.
Normal Puppy Size
The standard advice given is that an 8 week old Labrador puppy will weigh around 16 pounds. Two for each week of its life. However, when puppy parents on the Labrador Forum were surveyed, they found a wide range of normal healthy weights. With the majority of 8 week old puppies weighing between 6 and 16 lbs.
Its important that all puppies grow at an appropriate rate for their size.
Labrador Growth Rate
Labradors go through two stages of growth. A fast growth stage and a slower one. For roughly the first six months of their life, a Lab grows by approximately 2lbs in weight, per week. This is just an average dont worry if your pup grows a little faster or slower!
From 6 months to a year old, Labs gain weight much more slowly, as they approach their adult size.
When Do Labradors Stop Growing?
By 9 months old, your Labrador will be close to their full grown adult height. After they are a year old they may gain a little weight and fill out a bit more for a few months, but they are unlikely to get much taller.
Factors Affecting Labrador Growth
Labrador growth rate is affected by a number of factors, including genetics, diet, their general health, and when/if they are neutered.
English Labs, or show-bred Labs, tend to be shorter, but also stockier and heavier, than the working-type American Labradors. And puppies tend to take after their parents in build and weight.Pups that eat too few of the correct nutrients, or who are chronically unwell, can grow too little. They may end up as smaller adults, failing to meet their full height or weight potential.
But pups that eat too much can grow too fast, and this is just as unhealthy. In addition to the usual problems that come with being overweight, fast growth can put too much strain on your pups developing joints. This can increase the risk of serious, painful and activity limiting, joint injury.
Lastly, there is some evidence that early neutering (before six months) can cause dogs to grow for longer, and reach a greater adult size. And that this may increase a Labradors risk of developing joint problems. Whether, and when, to neuter is a complex decision, and weve included links to some neutering resources at the end of this article, if youd like to find out more.
Is My Labrador Growing Too Fast?
Its tempting to think you can fed your pup as much as they like, as long as they get enough exercise. Unfortunately this isnt the case for Labrador puppies. In fact too much exercise can damage their joints, just as being too heavy can. Its important to limit your pups calories to their daily needs.
If in doubt, pop along to your veterinarian and get your pup weighed. If you do this fairly regularly, your vet will be able to guide you as to whether his growth is on track. Watch out for weight that continues to rise for more than a few months after your dog stops getting taller. This could be unnecessary weight gain, rather than your dog gaining muscle and bulking out as they mature.
In between weigh ins, you can monitor your dogs weight by look and feel. You should be able to see a waist, and feel a few ribs, on your Lab. If you cant feel any ribs, she is likely to be overweight. If you can see ribs without feeling for them, she is probably underweight.
So now we know how big your pup should be. But what about once they are full grown? How big do Labradors get?
(paid link) What Is The Average Labrador Size?
A full grown Labrador is a medium to large sized dog. Males are on average an inch taller than females, and around 10lbs heavier.
Coat color doesnt affect Labrador size. A full grown black Labrador is the same size on average as an adult yellow Lab, or chocolate lab, provide all three are the same subtype. (So all American, or all English, Labs).
But American Labs do tend to be taller and lighter than their English counterparts.
Labrador Height
How tall do Labs get? A full grown male Labrador is between 22 and 25 inches tall, and an adult female Lab is 21 to 24 inches tall. English Labs tend to be at the shorter end of this range. American Labs can be found in the full range of heights.
Labrador Weight
How heavy is a full grown Lab? Adult Labrador weight can range from 55 to 85 pounds. Full grown female Labs tend to fall between 55 and 70 pounds, with males weighing upwards of 65 pounds.
