A 6-month-old Labrador is usually about 60% of its adult weight: roughly 40–55 lb (18–25 kg) for males and 35–45 lb (16–20 kg) for females. AKC standard adults are 65–80 lb for males and 55–70 lb for females, and most Labs reach adult height around 12 months and fill out by 18 months.
If you're checking your Lab pup against a chart, this page covers labrador retriever puppy weight at 6 months and every stage around it. For a personalized estimate, try our puppy weight calculator.
Labrador puppy weight chart (8 weeks to 18 months, male vs female)
This is an average chart from Pawlicy's Labrador growth guide. Use it as a range, not a rule.
| Age | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 2 months | 10–15 lb (4.5–6.8 kg) | 5–10 lb (2.3–4.5 kg) |
| 3 months | 20–30 lb (9–14 kg) | 20–25 lb (9–11 kg) |
| 4 months | 30–40 lb (14–18 kg) | 25–35 lb (11–16 kg) |
| 5 months | 35–45 lb (16–20 kg) | 30–40 lb (14–18 kg) |
| 6 months | 40–55 lb (18–25 kg) | 35–45 lb (16–20 kg) |
| 8 months | 50–65 lb (23–29 kg) | 40–55 lb (18–25 kg) |
| 10 months | 55–70 lb (25–32 kg) | 50–60 lb (23–27 kg) |
| 12 months | 65–80 lb (29–36 kg) | 55–70 lb (25–32 kg) |
| 18 months | 65–80 lb (29–36 kg), still filling out | 55–70 lb (25–32 kg), still filling out |
Different charts don't agree exactly. For example, some show heavier or lighter weights at 3 months. That's normal, because Labs vary a lot, and show-line and field-line dogs often differ in build.
Source: Pawlicy's Labrador growth and weight chart.
How much should a Lab weigh at 6 months?
Per the chart above, about 40–55 lb for a male and 35–45 lb for a female. That fits with AKC's growth guidance for large breeds, which puts puppies at about 60% of adult weight at 6 months.
What if your Lab is outside the range? A pup a little above or below isn't automatically a problem. What matters is body shape: can you feel the ribs, and is there a waist? A 6-month-old who's above the range but lean and tall may just be a big pup. One who's above the range and round is probably overweight.
Adult Labrador weight (AKC standard) and when Labs stop growing
The AKC breed standard puts adult Labs at:
- Males: 65–80 lb (29–36 kg)
- Females: 55–70 lb (25–32 kg)
Labs usually reach adult height around 12 months and keep filling out (chest, muscle) until about 18 months. Weight may keep creeping up after that, but that's usually fat, not growth.
Curious how Labs compare with other sizes? See our puppy weight chart by breed size or the dog size calculator.
Why Labs are prone to overweight: feeding and body condition
Labs are famous for loving food, and there may be biology behind it. Researchers have linked a gene variant, found in a sizeable share of pet Labs in one study, to stronger food motivation. That doesn't mean every Lab will be overweight, but it does mean the "puppy-dog eyes" deserve less influence than the measuring cup.
Some practical tips:
- Measure meals. Use a scale or measuring cup, not a scoop.
- Count treats. Keep treats to about 10% of daily calories.
- Use the rib test. You should feel ribs under a thin layer of padding.
- Keep them lean while growing. Extra weight in a large-breed puppy stresses developing joints.
- Weigh often. A weekly weigh-in catches small changes early.
For how much to feed at each stage, see how much to feed a puppy by weight. You can also log weights in our weight tracker.
Predict your Lab's adult weight (worked example)
The simplest method is: adult weight ≈ current weight ÷ percent of adult weight reached. For large breeds at 6 months, AKC's chart says about 60%.
Example 1: Max, a male, 48 lb (22 kg) at 6 months.
- 48 ÷ 0.60 = 80 lb.
- That's the very top of the male standard. Max might be a big boy, or he might be a bit heavy. Check his ribs and waist, and ask your vet.
Example 2: Daisy, a female, 38 lb (17 kg) at 6 months.
- 38 ÷ 0.60 = about 63 lb.
- That's comfortably in the middle of the female range (55–70 lb).
Example 3: how much should a 6-month-old Lab eat? Say Max's ideal weight is 45 lb (20.4 kg).
- RER = 70 × 20.4^0.75. That's 70 × 9.6 = about 672 kcal.
- At about 2 × RER for a puppy past 4 months: about 1,344 kcal a day.
- On a food with 380 kcal per cup: 1,344 ÷ 380 = about 3.5 cups a day.
That's a starting point. Large-breed puppy foods and individual dogs vary, so adjust to body condition and ask your vet.
Try your own Lab's numbers in the puppy weight calculator. If your Lab is a mix, use the mixed-breed puppy weight chart. For a look at lifespan, see the lifespan calculator.
Tips for raising a lean, healthy Lab puppy
- Pick a large-breed puppy food. It's balanced for steady growth and joint health.
- Don't free-feed. Measured meals twice or three times a day keep portions honest.
- Keep exercise gentle and regular. Short walks and play are good. Avoid long runs and repeated jumping on hard ground while the joints are still developing.
- Use the calorie count from your chart, not the bag alone. Bag guides are often generous.
- Reweigh every couple of weeks, and adjust portions if your pup is moving above the range.
When to call your vet
Call your vet if you notice:
- No weight gain across two weekly weigh-ins, or weight loss.
- Rapid weight gain that has your Lab well above the chart and losing its waist.
- Limping, stiffness, a bunny-hop run or reluctance to climb stairs. Labs are prone to hip and elbow problems.
- Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than a day, or blood in either.
- A swollen belly, retching without vomiting or restlessness. That can signal bloat, an emergency.
- Lethargy or pale gums.
- Eating non-food items like socks or toys. Labs are notorious for swallowing things.
Frequently asked questions
PawCalculator Editorial
We combine veterinary references, published guidelines, and calculator-grade modeling. This article is for education, not a substitute for an exam.
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