How Big Do Labrador Retrievers Get?

Here’s another bit of information on Labradors that prospective owners forget to ask before falling in love with a puppy: how big do Labrador Retrievers get? All puppies are little and adorable, but they all grow. Labrador Retrievers grow a lot! We know that, but really - how big do Labrador Retrievers get by the time they are full grown?

American Kennel Club Information on Labradors

The American Kennel Club (AKC) information on Labradors begins with this description of the breed:

“The Labrador Retriever is a strongly built, medium-sized dog.”

If that were the only information on Labradors they gave, you might picture a dog the size of a Border Collie. But that is not the only information on Labradors they give. If you read further on their website, you will find more detail.

* AKC measures the Labrador’s size at the withers, which is the ridge between the shoulder bones of the Lab - near the base of the neck in back. A full-grown male Labrador will be 22 1/2 to 24 1/2 inches. A female Labrador, when full-grown will be between 21 1/2 and 23 1/2 inches.

* An adult male Labrador Retriever that is in working condition (not overweight) will weigh between 65 and 80 pounds. An adult female Labrador Retriever that is in working condition will weigh between 55 and 70 pounds.

Missing Information on Labradors

What’s missing from the AKC information on Labradors? You know how tall the dog is at the withers, but remember that its head will rise several inches above that. If you have a toddler in your home, the dog may be nearly as tall as the baby. They can kiss easily!

Also missing from the AKC information on Labradors is what that weight really means in your home. The toddler mentioned above will not weigh nearly that much. The Lab will easily be able to knock the baby down. It will knock down other things as well, and you will want to train it early and well to avoid damage.

The third missing item from the AKC information on Labradors is the energy that is packed into that height and weight. Lovable Labradors are bursting with energy. They love to run and play, so any information on Labradors must include their immense need for exercise.

Finally, remember that larger dogs like Labs need more food and more space. Be sure you have a yard or living room big enough to meet his needs!