Labrador retrievers are one of the best large family dogs with a wonderful temperament. Labradors are an extremely versatile breed thanks to their high level of intelligence and drive. Within the breed Labrador, there are three different colors.
Yellow, black and chocolate Labs are bred in both the UK and the US, as well as in other regions. With an infamous appetite and large, strong features, Labrador retrievers can grow quite big.
We’ll be taking you through a look at how big Labs get with the size and the weight you can expect a Labrador to reach.
Also Read: Large Dog Breeds List A-Z with Pictures
When Do Labs Stop Growing?
One of the first things that new Labrador owners will notice is just how quickly they mature.
Even though your Lab puppy is likely to start growing far quicker than you expect, it’s important to remember that mentally, your dog is still a puppy; size can be deceiving. Their mind reaches maturity only after about three years have passed.
Most Labs stop growing and reach their maximum height sometime between 12 and 18 months old.
This is followed by about another two to three years of filling out. The majority of dogs will maintain their stature for all of their adult years, reaching an average Labrador lifespan of 10 – 14 years old.
Average Size and Weight of a Labrador
The average adult male Labrador is projected to measure 22 1/2 to 24 1/2 inches tall by the American Kennel Club, with a weight of between 65 and 80 pounds.
American-bred female Labradors are expected to reach an average between 21 1/2 and 23 1/2 inches tall, with a weight range lying between 55 and 70 pounds. English Labradors are expected to reach roughly the same height.
English Labs are often mistaken as being shorter and heavier, but this is just due to their deceiving appearance.
The broad body shape of an English Labrador combined with a deep chest often leaves you with the impression that they’re shorter when in truth, the size and weight expectations are the same. American Labradors simply appear leaner.
Yellow, Black and Brown Labrador Retrievers Size Differences
There is no size or weight difference between the three different colored Labradors.
You have to take care not to overfeed as these dogs love eating. Obesity can be a problem if you allow your dog to overeat or follow an unhealthy diet. As active dogs, all Labradors need at least 30 minutes of exercise each day to stay healthy.
Labs are not lazy dogs, so it’s unlikely that they reach obesity from anything other than overfeeding. Their sociable nature also means that they shouldn’t be left alone for hours on end every day.
If you’ve got work commitments, then consider other ways to take care of your companion’s needs throughout the day.
How to Check Your Labrador’s Weight
If you’re concerned about the weight of your Labrador, then perform this simple test. Take a look and see if there is a clear differentiation between their waist, hind, and torso. Run your hands along the back of your dog, keeping your thumbs on the spinal column and your fingers opened and spread down. Feel around.
Ideally, you won’t be able to see their ribs, but you should be able to feel them without needing to apply pressure. If you have to press down hard, then your Lab is a little overweight, and you’ll need to up their exercise while decreasing the amount of food fed.
Labrador retrievers grow big and gain considerable strength, but this should never be accompanied by excessive fat. It’s terrible for their health.
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A big-dog lover, successful marketing executive, and website developer, Brian founded Canine Weekly in 2016. Brian lives just outside of Seattle with his wife and child. Brian grew up with labs and the family is eager to get another Labrador once their newborn is a little older. Brian is the former owner of Canine Weekly.