How big does a Labrador get?
Labradors are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. They are well known for their friendly and loyal personalities, as well as their ability to work as assistance dogs, search and rescue dogs, and hunting dogs. Labradors are also recognised for their distinct physical appearance, which changes as they grow from puppies to adults.
Size:
Labradors are considered to be medium to large sized dogs. The height of the Labrador ranges between 55 and 62cm at the withers, with males being slightly the taller of the two. The weight of adult Labradors ranges from 22.4kg to 34.8kg for a female and 28.7Kg to 38.7kg for a male.
Growth Stages:
- Newborn Stage: Labrador puppies are born blind and deaf, and are completely dependent on their mother for nourishment and warmth. They weigh around 400 to 450g at birth and have a thin, light-coloured coat.
- First Two Weeks: During the first two weeks of life, Labrador puppies sleep and nurse for most of the day. They will gain weight rapidly and double their birth weight within 7-10 days. Their eyes and ears will begin to open during this time, and they will start to move around more.
- Three to Four Weeks: At around three to four weeks of age, Labrador puppies will begin to explore their surroundings and play with their littermates. They will start to develop their social skills and learn to interact with other dogs. They will also begin to eat solid food and start to become more independent from their mother.
- Five to Eight Weeks: Labrador puppies will continue to grow and develop rapidly during this time. They will be fully weaned from their mother and will start to receive vaccinations to protect them from disease. They will also start to learn basic commands and house training.
- Three to Six Months: As Labrador puppies enter into the adolescent stage, they will go through another growth spurt and their energy levels will increase. They may become more independent and test their boundaries, which makes training and socialization especially important during this time.
- Six to Twelve Months: At around six months of age, Labrador puppies will reach their full height, but will continue to fill out and gain muscle until they are around 18-24 months old. During this time, they will become more confident and develop their adult personalities.
- Adult Stage: Labrador Retrievers reach their adult stage at around two years of age. They will be fully grown and will have developed their adult coat and colouring. Adult Labradors are known for their friendly and loyal personalities, and their ability to work as assistance dogs, search and rescue dogs, and hunting dogs.
In conclusion, Labrador Retrievers go through several growth stages from birth to adulthood. It is important to provide them with proper care, nutrition, and training during each stage of their development to ensure that they grow up to be healthy and well-behaved dogs.