Raising a Labrador Retriever puppy is an exciting journey filled with many milestones. However, ensuring your pup’s growth is on track is essential for their long-term health. Labradors that experience malnutrition, overfeeding, or abnormal growth rates—whether too slow or too fast—can face lasting health consequences. So, how can you tell if your Labrador is growing as they should?
In this guide, we’ll provide a comprehensive growth and weight chart for male and female Labs, along with helpful insights to support your Labrador’s health throughout their life.
Overview: Fun Facts About Labrador Retrievers
Labradors are America’s favorite dog breed, consistently ranking at the top since 1991. Known for their water-resistant coat, Labs come in three standard colors: black, chocolate, and yellow. Though originally bred as the ideal hunting companion, Labradors are now widely appreciated for their gentle and playful personalities. However, with their medium-to-large size, it’s essential to ensure your home and lifestyle can accommodate a full-grown Lab before bringing one into your life.
Labrador Retrievers fall into two types: the American and the English. While American Labs are generally more athletic with a leaner build, English Labs tend to be stockier, making them ideal show dogs. No matter which type you choose, understanding their growth patterns can help you raise a healthy, happy Lab.
Average Height and Weight of a Full-Grown Labrador
A typical adult Labrador Retriever weighs between 55-80 lbs (25-36 kg) and stands about 21.5-24.5 inches (55-62 cm) tall. Male Labradors generally weigh 65-80 lbs (29-36 kg) and reach heights of 22.5-24.5 inches (57-62 cm).
Females, on the other hand, are smaller, weighing 55-70 lbs (25-32 kg) and standing around 21.5-23.5 inches (55-60 cm) tall.
Remember, these are averages; some Labs might be smaller or larger depending on their genetics and overall health. Here’s a quick reference chart for adult male and female Labs:
| Labrador Retriever | Male | Female |
| Adult Height | 22.5 to 24.5 inches (57-62 cm) | 21.5 to 23.5 inches (55-60 cm) |
| Adult Weight | 65 to 80 lbs (29-36 kg) | 55 to 70 lbs (25-32 kg) |
Labradors generally reach their full height by 12 months but may continue to “fill out” in weight and muscle until they’re around two years old.
Labrador Retriever Puppy Growth Chart
Puppies have milestones, just like human babies, to ensure healthy development. To help you track your Lab’s growth, we’ve created weight charts for both male and female Labs, along with what to expect during each stage of their lives.
Female Labrador Weight Chart
| Age | Female Weight |
| 3 months | 20-26 lbs (9-12 kg) |
| 5 months | 35-49 lbs (16-19 kg) |
| 7 months | 40-55 lbs (20-25 kg) |
| 9 months | 48-62 lbs (22-28 kg) |
| 11 months | 53-66 lbs (24-30 kg) |
| 13 months | 55-68 lbs (25-31 kg) |
| 15 months | 55-70 lbs (25-32 kg) |
Male Labrador Weight Chart
| Age | Male Weight |
| 3 months | 22-26 lbs (10-12 kg) |
| 5 months | 33-49 lbs (15-19 kg) |
| 7 months | 51-59 lbs (23-27 kg) |
| 9 months | 57-68 lbs (26-31 kg) |
| 11 months | 62-75 lbs (28-34 kg) |
| 13 months | 64-77 lbs (29-35 kg) |
| 15 months | 64-77 lbs (29-35 kg) |
These charts serve as general guidelines to help you monitor your puppy’s growth. For personalized advice, consult your veterinarian.
Labrador Puppy Growth Stages: A Month-by-Month Guide
Labrador Retrievers experience rapid growth and skill development during their first year of life. Regardless of their coat color—Black, Yellow, or Chocolate—their growth timeline generally follows a predictable pattern. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their stages of development:
0 to 2 Weeks – The Neonatal Stage
At birth, Labrador puppies are entirely dependent on their mother. They are born blind, deaf, and toothless, unable to regulate their body temperature. The mother dog keeps them warm and stimulates them to eliminate waste, ensuring a clean and safe nesting area.
2 to 4 Weeks – The Transitional Stage
At two weeks, puppies’ eyes start opening, and they begin responding to their surroundings. Teeth start to emerge, and they become more independent, eliminating waste without their mother’s help.
4 Weeks (1 Month) – Awakened Senses
Puppies become more curious and aware, recognizing routines and people. It’s crucial to avoid loud noises, as sudden stimuli can traumatize them at this developmental stage. They’ll also start tasting their mother’s food.
7 Weeks – End of Socialization Period
At seven weeks, puppies are learning essential social skills from their mother and littermates. Spending brief moments with humans helps them adapt, but they should remain with their littermates to avoid behavioral issues later on.
8 Weeks – Transition to New Homes
Around eight weeks, puppies are typically ready to go to their new homes. This is also the beginning of basic training and potty training, though it’s important to avoid exposing them to other dogs until they’re fully vaccinated.
3 Months – The Juvenile Stage
At three months, puppies start testing boundaries as they establish their place in the household. Patience is key during this period, as they may ignore commands and become a bit rebellious.
4 Months – Continued Rebelliousness
As they grow, Labs at this stage may show signs of asserting dominance, especially with children or other pets. Structured activities like obedience or agility training can help reinforce their role within the family.
6 Months – Miniature Adult Phase
By six months, Labs start developing their adult coat and physical features, resembling smaller versions of adult Labs. Some may go through a second fearful phase, which requires gentle reassurance.
1 Year – Adolescence to Adulthood
At one year, Labs reach sexual maturity and will have mostly grown into their adult body, although they may continue to “fill out” in muscle mass over the next year.
When Do Labs Stop Growing?
Labrador Retrievers typically stop growing in height by 1 year of age and reach their full adult weight by 2 years of age. During their first six months, they grow rapidly, gaining about 2 pounds (1 kg) per week, but their growth slows significantly after that.
While their physical growth may end around the two-year mark, Labs continue to mature emotionally and mentally until they are about 2 to 3 years old. Some Labradors, however, retain a puppy-like demeanor well into adulthood, thanks to their playful and friendly nature.
By their second year, Labs should have developed a strong, athletic build. Monitoring their weight and providing a balanced diet during this time is crucial to ensure healthy growth and prevent obesity, a common issue in the breed.
Ensuring Healthy Growth: Tips and Best Practices
Proper growth and development are essential for your Labrador Retriever’s overall health and well-being. By following these tips and understanding the factors that influence their growth, you can ensure your Lab grows into a strong, healthy, and happy adult dog.
1. Monitoring Your Lab’s Weight
Weighing your Labrador regularly helps keep track of their growth. If using a pet scale isn’t an option, you can weigh yourself while holding your dog and then subtract your weight. For larger Labs, visit your vet’s office, where they usually have pet-friendly scales.
2. Understanding Body Condition Scoring (BCS)
The Body Condition Score (BCS) is a quick way to assess a dog’s health through physical appearance. A BCS of 5 is ideal, indicating your Lab is fit, while scores below or above suggest underweight or overweight conditions.
Here’s a breakdown of the nine Body Condition Levels to help you assess your Labrador’s health:
- Level 1 – Severely Underweight: Extreme lack of fat or muscle; ribs and tail bones are highly prominent, with a severe abdominal tuck.
- Level 2 – Very Thin: Minimal to no fat; ribs, spine, and pelvic bones are visible, with a deeply sunken abdominal tuck.
- Level 3 – Thin: Little fat and minimal muscle mass; ribs and pelvic bones are noticeable, with a pronounced abdominal tuck.
- Level 4 – Underweight: Slight fat reserves; ribs are easy to feel, waist is noticeable, and abdominal tuck is clear.
- Level 5 – Ideal Weight: Balanced fat levels; ribs can be felt without excess pressure, waist is well-defined, and abdominal tuck is visible.
- Level 6 – Overweight: Moderate excess fat; waist is less defined, abdominal tuck is reduced, and ribs are difficult to feel.
- Level 7 – Heavy: Significant fat accumulation; waist is absent, abdominal tuck is nearly gone, and ribs are very difficult to feel.
- Level 8 – Obese: Substantial fat deposits; no visible waist or abdominal tuck, ribs cannot be felt.
- Level 9 – Severely Obese: Excessive fat covering the neck, spine, tail base, and abdomen; waist is indiscernible, and movement may be hindered.
If your Lab falls between Level 4 and Level 6, minor adjustments to their diet and exercise routine can help maintain a healthy weight.
However, if your dog’s condition is outside this spectrum, consult a veterinarian or a specialist. There may be underlying health issues, such as metabolic disorders, parasites, or other medical conditions, that require professional attention.
3. Common Health Issues Affecting Growth
Obesity is a common concern in Labradors, as many have a genetic tendency to overeat due to a mutation in the POMC gene. Overweight Labs are at risk for joint problems, respiratory issues, and heart disease. On the other end, excessive thinness can indicate malnutrition or underlying health problems like worms or illness.
4. Spaying and Neutering Considerations
Spaying or neutering impacts growth, particularly if done before sexual maturity. Dogs neutered early may grow taller but are prone to joint issues. Most vets recommend neutering Labs around six months, though new research suggests waiting until they’re closer to a year old to avoid growth complications.
5. Feeding and Exercise for Optimal Growth
Labs are prone to obesity, so it’s essential to feed them a balanced diet that avoids excess calories. Avoid feeding table scraps and high-calorie treats. Regular exercise, such as daily walks and playtime, helps them maintain a healthy weight.
6. Recognizing Differences Between Labrador Types
While English Labs are often heavier and more solidly built, American Labs tend to be leaner and more athletic. Additionally, males are generally larger than females. The color of their coat, however, doesn’t influence their size or growth rate.
Keeping Your Labrador Healthy for Life
Ensuring a healthy lifestyle for your Labrador extends beyond puppyhood. Routine vet check-ups, regular exercise, and a balanced diet are crucial throughout their life. Labs mature physically by around two years old but often retain a playful, “puppy-like” personality well into their adult years.
By monitoring their growth and keeping up with proper nutrition and exercise, you’ll support a long, healthy life for your Labrador. To learn more about caring for your Labrador Retriever, see our complete guide to Labrador care.
Additionally, if you’re interested in how Labrador Retriever names have evolved, or how they compare in popularity or health with other breeds like the Golden Retriever, our Golden Retriever vs Labrador comparison may spark your interest.
For potential Labrador owners, understanding the typical Labrador Retriever price and costs involved in owning this breed is crucial when deciding if they are the right fit for your family.