When Is A Lab Full Grown and How Quickly Will Your Pup Turn Into A Dog?

Last Updated on November 11, 2023 by Linda Richard

If you look at a litter of baby retrievers it’s natural to wonder when is a lab full-grown and how quickly will your pup turn into an actual dog. The puppy phase for most dogs is as precious as it is short. Fortunately, if you take good care of your pup you’ll end up with an awesome dog too.

So, when are the main growth spurts of your Labrador retriever and what do you need to know?

When Is A Lab Full Grown and When Do Labs Stop Growing?

Broadly speaking, almost all dogs get to their fully grown size somewhere between the 1 and 2-year mark. Smaller breeds grow faster and can reach their maximum height and (close to) max weight before their 1-year birthday. Giant dog breeds are the opposite and can take up to 3 years to reach full size.

As a mid-sized breed, Labradors usually reach their full size soon after their first birthday – typically between the eleventh and thirteenth months. In addition, male labs are a bit larger than females but not by much – usually an inch of height and 5-10 pounds of weight.

Of course, always keep in mind that each dog is unique and can grow a bit smaller or larger than the norm. It’s perfectly ok if your dog takes a month or two more to reach full size or if it’s a bit smaller than average.

If the growth delay or size difference is a bit too significant (more than two months and more than two inches) you may want to consult with your vet. Malnutrition and certain health issues may be causing an issue but those are rare. With proper care, your lab should be perfectly healthy and a bit of size difference isn’t a problem.

When Will Be The Biggest Growth Spurt Of Your Lab?

The most significant growth period for this breed is between the 3 and 6-month marks. After the half-a-year birthday, the height growth will slow down substantially. This goes for both height and weight, although the weight will also depend on how much you feed your pup. Studies show that a lab can keep gaining a bit of weight up to its fourth year.

Lab Retriever Growth Chart

For a more accurate picture, here’s a full chart of the weight and height growth of both male and female labs. As you can see, the average height growth grinds to a halt around the 1-year mark.

The weight can keep going on after that and your lab can keep gaining pounds up to its second birthday. Besides, this is more a matter of “filling out” rather than growing. Also, the weight is very individual and will also depend on the physical exercise levels and the diet.

Labrador Retriever Age Male Lab Average Height Male Lab Average Weight Female Lab Average Height Female Lab Average Weight
2 months 8 to 12 in (20 to 30 cm) 10 to 14 lbs (4.5 to 6.3 kg) 7 to 10 in (18 to 25 cm) 10 to 13 lbs (4.5 to 6 kg)
3 months 12 to 15 in (30 to 38 cm) 22 to 26 lbs (10 to 12 kg) 10 to 14 in (25 to 35 cm) 20 to 26 lbs (9 to 12 kg)
5 months 15 to 18 in (38 to 46 cm) 33 to 49 lbs (15 to 19 kg) 12 to 15 in (30 to 38 cm) 35 to 49 lbs (16 to 19 kg)
7 months 16 to 19 in (40 to 48 cm) 51 to 59 lbs (23 to 27 kg) 15 to 18 in (38 to 46 cm) 40 to 55 lbs (20 to 25 kg)
9 months 20 to 23 in (51 to 58 cm) 57 to 68 lbs (26 to 31 kg) 20 to 22 in (51 to 56 cm) 48 to 62 lbs (22 to 28 kg)
11 months 22 to 25 in (56 to 63.5 cm) 62 to 75 lbs (28 to 34 kg) 21 to 23 in (53 to 58 cm) 53 to 66 lbs (24 to 30 kg)
13 months 22 to 25 in (56 to 63.5 cm) 64 to 77 lbs (29 to 35 kg) 22 to 23.5 in (53 to 59 cm) 55 to 68 lbs (25 to 31 kg)
15 months 22 to 25 in (56 to 63.5 cm) 64 to 80 lbs (29 to 36 kg) 22 to 23.5 in (53 to 59 cm) 55 to 70 lbs (25 to 32 kg)

Read more about: Labrador Weight Chart By Age and Its Many Advantages

Does The Coat Color Matter As Far As When Is A Lab Full Grown?

Whether black, chocolate, silver or yellow, Labrador retrievers tend to grow at the same rate and up to the same size. Therefore, we won’t bother with a chocolate or black lab growth chart – you can just refer to the general growth chart above. When is a lab full-grown simply doesn’t seem to vary depending on the dog’s coat.

If we are talking about a Golden Retriever – does tend to be a little bit shorter and lighter than labs but not by much. Then again, they are a different breed too.

 lab colors

Read more about: Champagne Lab vs Yellow Lab Differences You Need To Know

Does Neutering A Lab Slow Down Growth?

One of the common questions people have is when should they spray/neuter their labs. Some studies indicate that neutering before the 37-week mark (~8 months) can quicken the dog’s growth. Consequently, neutering the pup after that can slow down the growth a bit too. However, the difference is so insignificant that most experts don’t recommend paying any attention to it.

Can You Tell How Big A Lab Pup Is Going To Get?

Generally, no. Just as it is with people, a pup can be born small but grow to be extra tall and vice versa. However, it is worth comparing your pup with the rest of its litter. Usually, you’ll be able to identify one or two larger-than-average and one smaller pup. Most experts recommend getting a mid-sized pup but that is mostly just important for ensuring a well-balanced personality.

So, When Are Labs Fully Grown Exactly?

Height-wise, you can expect your lab to reach its adult size at around the 1-year mark or a little after that. In terms of weight – generally up to the second year or even a year or two after that, depending on myriad factors. You can expect some variation from the averages too – as long as the dog’s diet, exercise, and routine vet check-ups are in order, everything should be fine.

Learn more about: When Is A Mini Lab Full Grown and How Big Does A Miniature Labrador Get?

Linda Richard

I know that all dog breeds are different, but Labradors exude a special energy, don’t they? I believe everyone deserves the unconditional love of a pet, so my main goal is to make sure you can experience it.