Dog lovers adore their cherished canine companions, and the loveable Labrador breed has become one of the most iconic family pets worldwide. But, it can become challenging to discern whether or not your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight.
So, how much should a Labrador weigh?
Adult Labradors typically weigh between 55lbs – 80lbs, with males weighing 60lbs – 80lbs and females weighing 55lbs – 75lbs irrespective of breed. However, many Labradors may weigh more or less than this range and are still considered healthy concerning fitness levels and muscle-to-fat ratios.
While there are average weights and ranges that most Labradors should fall within, determining whether your Labrador is healthy in weight will depend on numerous additional factors. Join us as we discuss average Labrador weight ranges in numerous circumstances to help you ensure the happiness and health of your hound over time.
Labrador Average Weight
Fully grown Labradors can have a diverse weight range and weigh anywhere between 55lbs – 80lbs, or even above and below these figures, and be considered healthy. Although there are general or universal norms regarding the Labrador’s weight, there are a few additional influential factors to consider.
Labrador Breed Weight Differences
The breed of Labrador plays an influential role in how much they will weigh as some breeds are taller or larger than others. The most notable difference between Labrador breeds is between the English Labrador and the American Labrador.
English Labradors and American Labradors are quite different in size, height, and overall structure since they are generally broader than American Labradors. The known and accepted average weight ranges frequently overlook such considerations.
Breeding purposes differ as well, which does affect their genetic features. English Labradors are commonly bred for shows and weigh more than American Labradors which are typically bred to be household and family pets. Below are the broad average ranges of typical weights within both Labrador breeds:
| Labrador Breed | Average Adult Female Weight (lbs.) | Average Adult male Weight (lbs.) |
| English Labrador | 60lbs – 70lbs | 70lbs – 80lbs |
| American Labrador | 50lbs – 70lbs | 60lbs – 75lbs |
Various color variants of Labradors do not necessarily play a role in how much weight they should weigh, but the color may assist in discerning these breeds from each other in some cases. Below are the color variants within both breeds:
| Color Variant | English Labrador | American Labrador |
| Black | Common | Common |
| Chocolate | Common | Possible |
| Yellow | Common | Common |
| White | Common | Possible |
| Fox Red | Possible | Common |
Thus, a black or yellow Labrador can belong to either breed. It is more likely for chocolate or white Labrador to belong to the English Labrador breed, and it is more likely for a fox red Labrador to belong to the American breed. Singe English Labradors frequently weigh more than American Labradors; these colors may give insight into heritage lines and reasons for differentiating weights.
Physical Condition
Even though these figures are universal amongst Labradors, it can be challenging to decide whether your Labrador is healthy solely based on weight. Fitness and physical capacities will have a considerable influence on whether or not their weight is healthy. Muscle weighs more than fat and may lead to a Labrador being “overweight” in theory.
Many Labradors may be over or under the healthy weight range, but they may be fit and active. This means they may weigh less due to being lean and toned without much body fat, or they may weigh more due to increased muscle mass. To assess the health of your Labrador, their weight will need to be compared with their fitness levels as well.
Labrador Gender Weight Differences
Generally speaking, male Labradors weigh more than female Labradors since males grow faster and typically grow larger than females would. While Labrador puppies may have similar figures on the scale at very young ages, their average weight may begin to diverge as they draw closer to the cusp of adulthood.
Average Labrador Puppy Weight
Irrespective of the breed and gender, ensuring a healthy weight as your Lab ages will rely on observation and care from a very young age. The first year of a Labrador’s life is critical for their foundation and growth throughout their lives. Weight is typically very similar during this time irrespective of differentiation, affecting their average healthy weight ranges into adulthood.
The graph below shows the average weight range of Labrador puppies as they age towards adolescence:
| Age (Weeks/ Months) | Average Labrador Puppy Weight (lbs.) |
| 0 – 1 week (birth) | New-born Labrador puppies that are healthy typically weigh as little as 1 – 1.5lbs. |
| 8 weeks (2 months) | Labrador puppies maintaining adequate growth during this time generally weigh between 10lbs – 15 lbs. |
| 16 – 24 weeks (4 – 6 months) | Growth spurts should have begun by this point, and Labrador puppies should weigh approximately 30lbs during this time. They should be gaining approximately 2lbs per week up until they are 6 months old. |
Once Labrador puppies reach adolescence, inherent differentiations will begin to affect their average weight, after which owners will need to assess their weight maintenance according to their breed and gender. However, gender plays a prominent role in determining healthy weight in maturing Labrador puppies, and males typically weigh more and grow faster than females.
Owners will need to ensure that their weight is maintained through exercise and adequate dietary compositions. Nutrition, physical activity, and a balanced diet will all play a role in supporting a healthy weight as they grow into full adult Labradors.
How much should a Purebred Lab weigh?
Purebred Labradors still experience a diverse range concerning their weight. However, numerous purebred Labrador owners have come together and created an average healthy weight range from adolescence to adulthood, based on experience with their fit and healthy purebred Labradors whether male or female.
| Labrador Age (months) | Female Average Weight | Male Average Weight |
| 3 months | 20lbs – 26lbs | 22lbs – 26lbs |
| 5 months | 35lbs – 49lbs | 33lbs – 49lbs |
| 7 months | 40lbs – 55 lbs | 51lbs – 59lbs |
| 9 months | 48lbs – 62lbs | 57lbs – 68lbs |
| 11 months | 53lbs – 66lbs | 62lbs – 75lbs |
| 13 months | 55lbs – 68lbs | 64lbs – 77lbs |
| 15 months | 55lbs – 70lbs | 64lbs – 77lbs |
What is the Maximum Weight for a Labrador?
Labradors are medium-sized topped with a sturdy and robust frame, with some breeds or individual dogs being larger than others. A large male Labrador can weigh up to 85lbs in some cases, while females can weigh up to 70lbs or mid-70s with a larger build.
What are the Risks of an Unhealthy Weight?
If your Labrador is not maintaining a healthy weight, it can lead to various issues and may need to be addressed by a professional for it to be resolved. This applies to cases where the Labrador is either underweight or overweight.
Overweight or Obese Labradors
- Joint problems
- Spine and back issues
- Difficulty breathing
- Mobility issues
- Heart diseases
- Diminished projected lifespan
Underweight Labradors
- Malnourishment
- Lethargy
- Adverse Bodily Dysfunctions
- Dehydration
- Diminished projected lifespan
- Hair loss
However, do not fret if your dog is slightly outside the confines of these average figures, as in many cases, they may not be classified as underweight, overweight, or obese solely due to slightly varying weights. There are various reasons why your dog may weigh less or more than average, such as height, muscle mass, and breed.
How to Maintain Healthy Weight for Labradors
Owners can ensure that their Labrador maintains a healthy weight for their unique bodily structure and composition by ensuring that they receive sufficient physical activity combined with a thorough hydration plan and diet.
Pet Food for Labradors
Caregivers should always opt for a balance between protein, vitamins and minerals, fiber, and carbs. Nutrition needs close attention with Labradors, and there is an abundance of essential compositions that are indispensable for their maturation and growth throughout their lives. These nutritional considerations include amino acids, omega fatty acids, and much more.
Sadly, many pet food manufacturers cut corners when making budget-friendly variants. While carbohydrate-based pet food is readily available and cost-effective, it does not offer many benefits for the health and weight of your Labrador. Carbs can turn into stored fat very quickly without being burned off with exercise.
For Labradors that are underweight, there are unique dog food products that can assist their transition back to healthy weight ranges. Various pet foods have been specially designed to support weight gain in a healthy and balanced manner while providing valuable nutrients and vitamins in the process.
Feeding Habits for Labradors
It’s also important to consider how and when your Labrador is fed. Having stable feeding times helps their body adjust and practice control for cases where overeating is a problem and assists in keeping them away from scavenging and sneak eating. Feeding patterns also play a role in maintaining a balanced and healthy metabolism, influencing their weight.
Physical Activity for Labradors
Encouraging physical activity is essential for weight control, especially for Labradors that are overweight or obese. However, exercise can also assist underweight Labradors by building healthy muscle and improving bodily function. Exercise should always be paired with a regular and balanced diet, as exercising while malnourished can cause numerous health problems.
Although one can monitor activity and record weight throughout maturation and growth, it may still be challenging to discern if they are healthy. If you are unsure whether or not your Labrador has a healthy weight, consult a vet since professionals can give invaluable insight into the specifics of your unique dog.
