Labrador Owners’ Guide – Weight Guide, Lifespan & Health Problems
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Labradors are a popular breed and with good reason! Owning a labrador can be extremely rewarding thanks to their obedient and happy nature. They are also extremely versatile, proving popular as working and assistance dogs, as well as family pets.
If you have a Labrador or are considering owning one, then you must know what to expect and how to provide the best care for them. As with all pedigree breeds, there are also health concerns to be aware of which we will explore. In this Labrador Guide, we'll have a look at their recommended weight and nutrition, as we know this is a key area of concern for many owners.
Table of contents
General Labrador Facts
Breed variations
Minor variations between taller, slimmer working types (American) and broader, stockier show types (English)
Average life expectancy
10 – 14 years
Average height
The Kennel Club states that the average height for males is 56-57 cm (22-22½ ins) and for females is 55-56 cm (21½-22 ins)
Average weight
Weight can range from 25 kg for a small female to 36kg for a large male
Coat type
Short fur, will require regular weekly brushing (possibly daily during shedding)
Recognised coat colours
Black, liver (chocolate) and yellow
Energy levels
Moderate
Temperament
Friendly, intelligent, energetic and good-natured
Most suited to
Anyone with a moderately active lifestyle, including both families and working homes
Labrador Vet Ratings
Adaptability ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
(5/5 very adaptable)
Friendliness/Social ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
(5/5 very friendly)
Health and Grooming Needs ⭐⭐⭐⭐
(4/5 easy to groom but prone to some health issues)
Trainability ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
(5/5 easy to train)
Exercise Needs ⭐⭐⭐⭐
(4/5 needs plenty of exercise)
Brief History of Labradors
Despite being extremely popular in both America and England, the breed originates from the Labrador region of Newfoundland, Canada. They can be traced as far back as the 17th century when they were known as ‘St John’s Water Dogs’. They were used as duck retrievers and regularly accompanied fishermen in their work.
In the 19th century, English noblemen brought the breed back to the UK. These dogs were mixed with British hunting dogs to create the Labrador Retriever that we know and love today.
Labrador Retrievers were exclusively black, and by the 1870s they were common across the UK. The first liver-coloured (chocolate) puppies were first recorded in 1892 and the first yellow Labrador in 1899.
By 1903 the breed was recognised by The Kennel Club. With 44,311 registrations in 2023, it’s obvious that the UK's most popular breed is here to stay!
Types of Labradors
There are two main types of labradors that are defined by their different physicalities as either show type or working/field type. Show type Labradors (‘English’) are stocky, with a wide head and shorter limbs. The working/field (or ‘American’) type is lighter and more athletic, with a slimmer head and longer legs.
There are three recognised coat colours in Labrador Retrievers, black, liver (or chocolate) and yellow. Despite personal accounts, there is no scientific evidence to support any difference in personality between Labradors of different colours.
Recently, other coat types have become more popular including the Fox Red Labrador and Silver Labrador. The fox red is actually just a variation of the yellow Labrador (along with cream and white shades).
However, silver Labradors are chocolate Labradors with a coat colour dilution gene. Silver is classed as an unrecognised colour, however, this doesn’t mean that your dog can’t be registered with the Kennel Club as they can either be registered as a chocolate Labrador or ‘colour not recognised’. Crossing a Labrador with a Weimaraner would also give the silver colouration, but this dog would not be able to be registered as it would be classed as a crossbreed. The coat colour dilution gene in black labradors gives rise to a charcoal colour and in yellow labradors it is champagne.
Common Labrador Health Concerns
Joint problems
Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are common inherited joint problems that Labradors are prone to. This can occur when the joints don’t form properly during development leading to painful lameness and muscle wastage. Osteoarthritis is also common in this breed, which can be made worse by being overweight.
Skin issues
Skin allergies are common in this breed, which can be due to environmental triggers (e.g. grass or tree pollens) or diet. This can lead to itchy, inflamed skin and recurrent ear infections. Labradors can also suffer from hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels) which can contribute to skin issues as well as weight gain.
Weight issues/obesity
Labradors are well known for being highly food-driven, but this can mean they are more likely to become obese. Care needs to be taken to ensure your dog stays at a healthy weight as being obese can contribute to painful joints, diabetes and cancer.
Eye problems
Labradors can suffer from progressive retinal atrophy (also known as PRA), the name given to a range of diseases that can cause a gradual deterioration in the retina and loss of vision. The disease can be inherited so breeding dogs should have an eye screen before being mated.
Labrador Weight Guide
Labradors can vary in weight from 25kg for a small adult female to 36kg for a large adult male, so your dog’s final body weight could be anywhere in between.
This chart gives you an approximate idea of the expected weight range for your puppy at key stages, based on these adult weights.
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Puppy's age |
Small Female (adult weight 25kg) |
Large Male (adult weight 36kg) |
| 3 months | 8 kg | 12 kg |
| 4 months | 12.5 kg | 17.5 kg |
| 6 months | 18 kg | 26 kg |
| 8 months | 21 kg | 31 kg |
| 10 months | 22.5 kg | 34.5 kg |
| 12 months | 24 kg | 35.5 kg |
If you wish to plot your puppy’s growth and get a more accurate idea of their predicted weight at various ages then take a look at these puppy growth charts.
Weight is only a guideline when it comes to managing your pet’s waistline. One of the best tools for keeping an eye on them is the Body Condition Score by WSAVA .
If you are unsure how to do this, your vet can help. They will look and feel your pet and give them a score between 0 and 9, with 0 being emaciated and 9 being morbidly obese. The ideal dog should be a 4 or a 5, with easily felt ribs and a defined waist.
Remember, always speak to your vet if you have concerns about your puppy’s weight or growth.
Labrador Nutrition & Diet
Most Labrador owners want to ensure they are getting their pet’s nutrition right. This can be fundamental in helping to support growth, manage correct body weight and helping to protect joint health.
Healthy diet for labradors
Puppies: Labrador puppies require good levels of high-quality protein to support growth. They also need the correct balance of calcium and phosphorus to ensure healthy bone development.
Our puppy recipes will help to support your growing Labrador.
Adults: Labradors need a digestible, low-fat diet, with a good protein source. The right levels of fibre can also help your pet feel satisfied and ingredients rich in omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin will support joint health. Working Labradors may require extra carbohydrates and fat to support their high-energy needs.
Our Labrador dog food manages all of this for you.
Labrador supplements
Diets that have added joint supplements can help to keep your Labrador as healthy as possible.
Ingredients like Green Lipped Muscle Powder will help promote healthy cartilage (the sponge-like cushion in your dog’s joints). Omega 3 fatty acids will help act as a natural anti-inflammatory which is useful for joint, skin and heart disease. Omega 3 oil powder enhances coat appearance. Other ingredients like Spinach Powder provide zinc for skin and coat health and L-Carnitine Powder helps with fat metabolism.
Check out our other blog if you are unsure how much to feed your dog.
FAQs
Is a Golden Retriever a Labrador?
Labradors are not the same as Golden Retrievers, although they are both types of retrievers. Golden retrievers have longer, feathery fur with a thick undercoat which is designed to keep them warm in poor weather, as well as protect them from brambles when working on land. Labrador retrievers have a short coat designed to insulate them against cold water and are better suited for swimming.
Is a Labrador Retriever a good family dog?
Yes, Labrador Retrievers make great family dogs with the right guidance and care. They usually have relaxed personalities and are highly motivated by rewards, which can help with training. Providing plenty of exercise and stimulation is also important.
Do Labradors shed?
Yes, Labradors do shed their fur, especially during shedding seasons in the spring and autumn when they blow their coats. During these times, you should be prepared for plenty of loose hairs around your home. Regular brushing can help remove dead fur, reduce shedding, and keep your dog looking their best.
Why are Labradors always hungry?
Scientists have found a genetic mutation in about a quarter of the Labrador population. This affects their satiety (ability to feel full and satisfied), meaning they are highly food-driven and prone to weight gain. Speak to your vet if you have concerns about your Labrador's weight or appetite.
When do labradors stop growing?
Most Labradors will reach their adult height by around a year of age but will continue to ‘fill out’ and gain in weight after this. They will usually have reached their full potential by 2 years of age.
How much exercise does a labrador need?
Labradors are an energetic, working breed of dog and will usually require at least 1 - 2 hours of exercise every day. It is important to meet their needs, as under-exercised dogs are prone to weight gain and behavioural issues.
Summary
Owning a Labrador can be extremely fulfilling. Most of these dogs will live long and happy lives with the right care and nutrition. Our tailored Labrador dog food is specifically designed to meet your dog's unique nutritional needs. If you want to find out more about how our recipes fit in with your Labrador’s requirements, don’t hesitate to contact us .
About the author
Dr. Becky
Rebecca MacMillan – BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS
Rebecca is a companion animal vet who graduated from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009. Since then, she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever, George!
