Ideal and average weight of a Labrador

Labradors are the epitome of the phrase “man’s best friend” with their kind and gentle nature and friendly demeanor. These dogs are among the most popular family dogs on the planet, and there’s a good reason for that: they are rarely, if ever, aggressive, they are easy to train, and they are as sweet and cuddly as they come.

Raising a Labrador puppy involves several important stages that your pet will reach, and it’s a great idea to monitor their progress and ensure they grow at a steady rate. These milestones require special care and training, as well as specific dietary requirements.

To help you track your dog’s growth rate, we’ve created this growth and weight chart for quick reference. Keep in mind that all dogs are unique, and the following chart is only a general overview, as some dogs may progress a little slower or faster depending on their unique situation.

Facts About Labrador Retrievers

Labradors are a medium-sized breed with short, dense, and water-repellent fur and a strong, muscular body. On average, an adult male Labrador will weigh from 60 to 80 lbs (27 to 36 kg) and measure 22 to 26 inches (55 to 65 cm) at the withers. Females are usually a bit smaller and lighter, weighing 55-68 lbs (25-31 kg) and reaching 21-23 inches (53-58 cm) in height. However, Labradors can easily fall below or above this range and still maintain a healthy weight.
Labradors are energetic dogs with a unique zest for life. Your days will never be bland or boring when a Labrador is running around your house!

Labrador Growth and Weight Table

Keep in mind that the following table is only a guideline, and your Labrador’s growth and weight can vary slightly depending on the dog. Labradors grow quickly, and early-maturing dogs usually reach full maturity at around 9-10 months of age. After this, they usually gain weight and muscle mass, but their height remains approximately the same.

Weekly and Monthly Growth and Weight Table for Male Labradors

Weekly and Monthly Female Dogs Growth and Weight Table

When Do Labradors Stop Growing?

All dogs are unique, and the question of when they will stop growing largely depends on the specific dog. Interestingly, your Labrador should reach its full weight by 18 months and full height by 9-12 months.
Most breeders agree that your Labrador will stop growing at some point during the second year of life. Nevertheless, any weight gain during the second year of their life will be minimal, and they will do most of their growth by their first birthday.

As all dogs are unique, there’s no cause for concern if your Labrador has not reached a certain “milestone” in growth or weight. Most of the second year they are more “filling out” than gaining actual weight, and as long as their weight is not increasing rapidly, there’s usually no cause for concern.

Psychologically, they transition out of the puppy phase of testing boundaries and disobedience by the first year of life—if they’re trained properly. If you have been consistent in training so far, your Labrador should be friendly, obedient, and well-behaved from the first birthday and into adulthood.

How Does Neutering Affect a Dog’s Growth?

Overall, spaying and neutering have little effect on your dog’s growth rates. In male dogs, neutering can sometimes make the dog more calm and relaxed, which in turn, reduces the need for physical exercise and can lead to weight gain.
A study conducted in 2017 showed that dogs neutered before 37 weeks could gain more weight, while dogs that underwent the procedure after 37 weeks had a slower growth trajectory. However, the difference was minimal, and there’s no reason to assume that these procedures significantly impact a dog’s growth rate.

Dangers of Too Rapid or Slow Growth

Although some puppies may grow faster or slower than the average, there is usually no need to worry due to the individual and unique nature of dogs. However, if your pet is quickly gaining weight or not gaining enough, there may be more serious problems that deserve attention.
If your dog is from a working or hunting stock, it may be smaller than the average Labrador and typically easier for fieldwork. Size can also be genetic, and if your Labrador comes from smaller parents, they will be below average.

The same can be said about Labradors heavier than average — if their parents are large, they are likely to be of the same size. Nevertheless, above-average weight can also be caused by overfeeding, a lack of physical exercise, or a combination of both, so keep an eye on maintaining their habits regarding physical exercise and diet.

Growth Characteristics of Different Labradors

Though they belong to the same breed, there are two different types of common Labradors: English and American.
English Labradors are typically more stout and muscular than their American counterparts, and they have dense waterproof fur, while American Labradors have a lean physique with slightly thinner fur.

English Labradors are a bit shorter, reaching a maximum of about 22 inches (55 cm), but their stout and muscular build often makes them heavier than American Labradors. In fact, it’s known that English Labradors weigh around 20 lbs (9 kg) more than American Labradors, but they are not considered overweight.

American Labradors are known to be slightly more active and energetic than English Labradors, whereas English Labradors are generally less excitable and more laid-back. Nonetheless, English Labradors are by no means lazy, and they still have plenty of energy and endurance.