Part of getting a dog is knowing when and how big they will get. For hybrid mixes and mutts, it can be a difficult prediction. But purebred dogs like the Labrador retriever needs to grow a certain weight and height.
Learn the ideal size of a Labrador retriever according to breed standards.
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How Big Will a Labrador Puppy Get?
American Kennel Club has breed standards for every purebred in their list. Among them and the most popular of all breeds in the US is the Labrador retriever.
Based on AKC, your Labrador should reach a height of 22.5 to 24.5 inches. This is for male dogs. Female ones are slightly lower at 21.5 to 23.5 inches high.
Meanwhile, their ideal weight is 65 to 80 pounds for male dogs and 55 to 70 pounds for females. All dogs are prone to obesity. While they don’t usually grow taller than their average height, they do gain weight easily.
Ensure that your dog stays in their ideal weight range and never free-feed them. Obesity can decrease their lifespan and make their everyday life difficult.
Female pups are normally bigger than male dogs at first. But soon, the latter will outgrow their female siblings who normally go after the mother. Males are closer to their father’s size.
It’s also important to note that some dogs are bigger than usual. They are often bigger as a newborn pup. They’ll continue to grow as the months pass by.
Estimate Your Dog’s Adult Weight
You can find a rough estimate of how big your pup will be when they grow. But this equation is only applicable to their weight. This was created by the Lakeside Animal Clinic in Texas.
But this isn’t always accurate as there are many factors that can change your dog’s weight.
Start by weighing your dog at 14 weeks and then multiply the number you get by two. Divide the product to get half of their weight. Lastly, add that half to the total number.
For example, your dog is 26 pounds at that age. Multiply that by two to get 52 pounds. Half of that weight is 26. Then simply add 26 and 52 to get 78. It’s possible that your dog will be around 78 pounds by the time they reach adulthood.
This is still within their weight range if your pup is a male. But female dogs should be on a little diet and more exercise to reach their target weight.
Labrador Retriever Growth
There are different factors that can contribute to your pup’s growth. But there’s an average weight range for Lab pups of a certain age.
At around eight weeks, Labrador retriever pups are normally around 10 to 13 pounds. Their growth is quite rapid, and at 12 weeks, they’d be at 20 pounds. By 14 weeks, pups should be around 21 to 24 pounds.
Their growth is continuous and will be gradual by the time they reach six months. They usually reach their ideal height at 12 months. But they will continue their muscle development and weight gain.
When Do Labs Stop Growing?
Each dog has different growth rates. Size matters. The bigger the dog, the longer their growing-up process is. Smaller dogs don’t have much to fill in so they achieve their ideal height and weight early.
Labrador retrievers are medium to large dogs. That means they are likely to reach their ideal weight at around 18 months or so. At two years old, your dog is likely at its peak.
But this is only physical. Mental growth can take up to three years. Even if your Lab is already an adult, they may act like puppies at times.
Factors That Affect Growth
Here are two of the main factors that may affect your Lab’s growth.
Diet
The food that you give to your dog is an important part of their growth. If you want to feed them commercial dog food, choose high-quality brands. It should be packed with protein that can help them grow.
Good protein sources include chicken, beef, turkey, or fish. These should be the number one ingredient. There should also be additional nutrients and vitamins.
It’s also best to get age-specific dog foods as these include the proper nutrients they need.
Overall Health
Pups that have experienced a serious illness may have stunted growth. You will notice this when their siblings are growing more rapidly than they are.
Of course, if they are still ill, it can greatly affect their growth. The condition or the medication may cause hormonal imbalance that stunts growth.
There are also several health problems that can affect how big a labrador puppy will get. Dwarfism, thyroid problems, and skeletal issues are the main culprits. It’s always best to bring your dog regularly to the vet as they grow up.
If you’re still wondering how big will a Labrador puppy get, follow our above-mentioned measurement tips and don’t forget to shower your pup with all the love and care.
