Are you worried your Labrador may not be the proper weight? Or does your Lab seem to be a little too heavy? If you’re asking these questions about your Lab’s weight, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll take a look at how much your Lab should weigh and the various factors that can affect a Lab’s weight.
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Labradors’ Weight Varies
First, it’s important to understand that a Labrador’s weight will vary depending on the type of Lab they are, as well as their age and diet. Their activity levels can also have a huge bearing on their weight.
Just as an average, male Labs may weigh between 60lbs to 80lbs, while females weigh between 55lbs and 75lbs. However, even healthy Labs can weigh outside the average—either higher or lower.
Remember that weight numbers aren’t always accurate. You can look at two Labs next to one another, both weigh the same, and one will be too thin or obese. That means the other will be a healthy weight and physically fit. But what’s the reason for this discrepancy?
It comes down to the muscle. Muscle is denser than fat. For instance, you can take 10 lbs of muscle and 10 lbs of fat and look at them together. What do you see? The fat takes up more space than the muscle.
Back to the Labs, it may also be that one dog weighs more while the other seems to be average weight. However, if you look, the average weight dog may have quite a bit of fat, while the heavier dog is all lean muscle.
What does all of this mean? When checking your dog’s weight, also take a look at his appearance. Weight is not really a good determiner of health in a dog.
Other Things to Consider
When you’re reviewing your fur baby’s weight, remember that his ribs should not be visible. However, you should be able to feel them under the skin. If his ribs are covered in fat, then you may not feel them under the skin.
Next, your dog should have a waist that’s obvious. They should be in good proportion to the ribs when viewed from above your dog.
One more place to check is your canine companion’s neck. His neck should not be fatty and/or thick.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live NowAverage Weight of Lab Puppies
Here’s a table with the average weight of Lab puppies measured in weeks.
| Age in Weeks | Weight |
| 8 | 11 lb (5kg) |
| 9 | 13 lb (5.9kg) |
| 10 | 15 lb (6.8kg) |
| 11 | 17 lb (7.7kg) |
| 12 | 19 LB (8.6kg) |
| 13 | 21 lb (9.5kg) |
| 14 | 23 lb (10.4kg) |
| 15 | 25 lb (11.3kg) |
| 16 | 27 lb (12.2kg) |
| 17 | 28 lb (12.7kg) |
| 18 | 30lb (13.6kg) |
| 19 | 32 lb (14.5kg) |
| 20 | 35 lb (15.9kg) |
| 21 | 37 lb (16.8kg) |
| 22 | 39 lb (17.7kg) |
| 23 | 41 lb (18.6kg) |
| 24 | 43 lb (19.5kg) |
| 25 | 45 lb (20.4 kg) |
| 26 | 46 lb (21 kg) |
Lab puppies gain weight quickly during the first 6 months of puppyhood, gaining on average about 2lbs a week.
Adult Male & Female Lab Average Weight
Here are the average weights for male and female Labs. Remember, these are only average. Your dog could be slightly under or even slightly over and still be at a healthy weight.
| Dog’s Age | Avg. Female Weight | Avg. Male Weight |
| 7 months | 40 to 55 lb (18-25kg) | 50 to 60 lb (23-27kg) |
| 8 months | 46 to 60 lb (21-27kg) | 53 to 64 lb (24-29kg) |
| 9 months | 48 to 62 lb (22-28kg) | 55 to 68 lb (25-31kg) |
| 10 months | 51 to 64 lb (23-29kg) | 60 to 73 lb (27-33kg) |
| 11 months | 53 to 66 lb (24-30kg) | 62 to 75 lb (28-34kg) |
| 12 months | 53 to 68 lb (24-31kg) | 62 to 77 lb (28-35kg) |
| 13 months | 53 to 68 lb (24-31kg) | 64 to 77 lb (29-35kg) |
| 14 months | 55 to 71 lb (25-32kg) | 64 to 79 lb (29-36kg) |
Labs generally become adults when they’re about 15 months old. At this age, the dog may hit their adult weight.
If you’re concerned about your canine companion’s weight, then it’s always best to talk with the vet. They’ll be able to determine if your dog is at a healthy weight or if there could be underlying health issues causing weight issues.
Additional Factors That Determine a Lab’s Weight
There are even more factors that could determine a Labrador’s weight!
Type of Labrador
There are two main types of Labradors—English and American. English Labs were originally bred as show dogs. For this reason, they have a tendency to weigh more than average.
On other hand, American Labs were bred as field dogs (for hunting); as a result, they tend to weigh in on the lower side of average.
Color
Yellow, black, white, and chocolate Labs tend to weigh more, while red Labs are usually thinner and weigh on the lower end of the average weight scale.
Exercise
Your canine companion’s activity level has a bearing on this weight. Staying active keeps a dog from becoming obese and developing other health issues. On the other hand, dogs who are less active use up fewer calories and may even tend to overeat. These are the dogs who will weigh more than average, possibly even being obese.
How to Weigh Your Labrador
When your Lab is a puppy, weighing him isn’t usually too hard. You may put him on a bathroom scale and see how it goes. If he moves around too much, then another option is to first weigh yourself and record the number. Then pick up the puppy and then step on the scale holding your fur baby. Record that number, which should be pretty accurate.
For adult dogs, the best way to weigh them is at the vet’s office. This is because the vet has a special scale made specially to weigh larger dogs more accurately. A bathroom scale simply isn’t going to work with a larger dog unless you’d like to hold him in your arms on the scale! That might be a little too much for most pet parents!
Summing It Up
Labradors can vary widely when it comes to a healthy weight. If you’re concerned about your fur baby’s weight, then it’s best to visit the vet. They’ll be able to offer the best guidance on address your dog’s specific issues and treating any underlying health issues your canine companion may have. This is the safest way to ensure your dog is at his healthiest weight.
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live Now
