When Do Labs Stop Growing?

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Key Takeaways

  • Our findings indicate Labradors will reach their full weight and height and stop growing between 12 to 18 months old.
  • Diet and nutrition play a crucial role in the growth and development of Labradors. By providing them with a balanced diet and regular exercise, owners can help ensure that their Labradors grow into strong, healthy adult dogs.
  • Male and female labs will grow differently. Males will grow to be taller and heavier, and it takes a bit more time for them to stop growing.

Dogs are beloved as puppies when they are first brought home. But for larger dogs like labs, it doesn’t take long for them to get bigger and stop growing.

Labs stop growing around 6 to 12 months, but this will vary based on a few factors, and they won’t reach their maximum weight and height until they reach 18-24 months. A full-grown Labrador retriever will reach 55 and 75 pounds and stand 22.5 to 24.5 inches tall.

With our experience raising Labrador Retrievers in the past, we have seen firsthand how fast they grow and when they finally stop growing and reach their adult size. Below we will explain when this happens, how big they get, and other factors that impact their growth.

In this article

When Do Labs Stop Growing?

Labs typically reach their full adult size around 6 to 12 months. However, this can vary depending on the individual dog, and Labrador growth rates will change based on numerous factors.

For example, a Labrador quickly grows from a tiny eight-week-old puppy to an adult-sized dog within six months. But they are still developing and have more time to grow fully.

Large breeds like Labs may continue to fill out and gain weight until they are roughly two years old, while smaller breeds may reach their adult size earlier. They typically reach their maximum height by the 18-month mark, but it can take more time for their chest and shoulders to fill out.

It's important to remember that every dog is different and may grow at a different rate. Most labs will complete their skeletal growth around nine months but need to finish growing for another 6-9 months.

Labradors are tall and lean with a solid body and a full chest area. They have a square appearance, and their legs are strong, but this full size and strength are reached in 18-24 months.

How Big Does A Lab Get When They Are Fully Grown?

Labradors are a popular breed of dog known for their intelligence, playful personalities, and loyal nature. They are often used as guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and companions for families and individuals.

As puppies, Labradors are energetic and curious, and they quickly grow into large, athletic

dogs. On average, a Labrador will weigh between 55 and 75 pounds and stand 22.5 to 24.5 inches tall at the shoulder.

Labradors typically reach their full height by the time they are one year old, but they continue to fill out and gain weight until they are about two years old.

During this time, they will undergo significant physical development, including the growth of their muscles, bones, and organs.

At six to eight weeks old, a Labrador puppy will weigh between 10 and 20 pounds. From there, they will experience rapid growth and will double their weight by the time they are four months old. At six months, they will weigh between 35 and 55 pounds.

During this time, owners must provide their Labradors with a balanced diet that includes all the necessary nutrients for growth and development. This should consist of high-quality protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Do Male And Female Labs Grow Differently?

In general, male and female labs grow at similar rates and reach similar sizes. However, there may be slight differences in how they grow, such as the timing of puberty or the rate at which they gain weight.

In general, male and female labs grow similarly. But the size they grow can vary quite a bit in some cases, but they tend to stop growing at the same age. This chart explains the growth difference between male and female labs.

Lab Age Lab Weight (Male) Lab Height (Male) Lab Weight (Female) Lab Height (Female)
8 weeks 8–12 lbs. 8–12” 8–12 lbs. 7–10”
9 weeks 10–14 lbs. 8–12” 10–13 lbs. 7–10”
10 weeks 12–18 lbs. 10–12” 12–17 lbs. 8–12”
11 weeks 14–19 lbs. 10–12” 14–19 lbs. 8–12”
3 months 22–26 lbs. 12–15” 20–26 lbs. 10–14”
4 months 25–31 lbs. 12–15” 25–30 lbs. 10–14”
5 months 33–49 lbs. 15–18” 35–49 lbs. 12–15”
6 months 40–50 lbs. 15–18” 38–50 lbs. 12–15”
7 months 51–59 lbs. 16–19” 40–55 lbs. 15–18”
Lab Age Lab Weight (Male) Lab Height (Male) Lab Weight (Female) Lab Height (Female)
8 months 55–60 lbs. 18–20” 45–60 lbs. 17–20”
9 months 57–68 lbs. 20–23” 48–62 lbs. 20–22”
10 months 55–58 lbs. 22–25” 53–65 lbs. 21–23”
11 months 62–75 lbs. 22–25” 53–66 lbs. 21–23”
1 year 64–77 lbs. 22–25” 55–68 lbs. 21–23”
2 years 64–80 lbs. 22–25” 55–70 lbs. 21–23”

What Will Impact My Labs Growth?

Labradors are one of the most popular dogs in the world. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and their friendliness with people. But they are also popular for their size and fast growth from small puppies to larger dogs.

It is also essential for Labradors to receive regular exercise, which will help them maintain a healthy weight and build strong muscles. This can include walking, running, playing fetch, and swimming.

As Labradors reach adulthood, they will begin to slow down and no longer experience the same rapid growth they did as puppies. However, they will continue to mature and develop into intelligent and loyal companions.

With this in mind, various factors like genetics, diet, nutrition, health conditions, and neutering can impact Labradors' growth.

Genetics

The genetics of a lab will directly impact how much they grow and when they stop growing. We recommend learning everything about a specific dog by discussing it with the breeder.

They will have more information about the dog’s parents and genetics, so dog owners can better understand how their dog will grow. This includes the dog’s parents' weight, height, and litter size.

Diet & Nutrition

Diet and nutrition play a crucial role in the growth of a Labrador. A balanced diet with high-quality protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals is essential for proper growth and development.

Owners must continue feeding their Labradors a balanced diet that meets their changing nutritional needs.

They experience rapid growth as puppies, reaching their full height by the time they are one year old. They will continue to develop into strong and healthy adult dogs with proper nutrition and regular exercise.

Health Conditions

Labradors are also prone to more allergies and other health conditions. These can cause stunted growth or trouble with weight, which can be a significant factor when discussing the development of a lab.

Neutering

It’s a common misconception that neutering or spaying a young Labrador will stunt the puppy’s growth. While this is not true, it can still impact the growth and height of the dog.

Neutering a dog too soon may cause the growth plate to shift, which delays its closure and causes the dog to grow taller than expected. It’s recommended to wait until 6-9 months for neutering.