Lab Puppy Growth
The family-friendly Labrador retriever is great with children and loves to play. Labs are a fast-growing breed and need proper nutrition to support their growth.
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Size
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The American Kennel Club standards indicate an adult male will weigh between 65-80 pounds and an adult female will weigh between 55-70 pounds but this is for show dogs. Nonshow dogs may be considerably bigger and heavier.
Time Frame
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Lab puppies may hit about 50 pounds at 7 months old. At 8 weeks old, Labs generally weigh about 10 pounds and by 7 months old, they reach about 50 pounds.
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Considerations
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Typically, Lab puppies will gain about 2 pounds a week until they are about 26 weeks old.
Effects
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Labs have a tendency to obesity as they age. Proper growth is maintained through proper diet. A Lab puppy should be fed small amounts two to three times a day of puppy food made for large breeds.
Warning
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Labrador puppies grow very fast and, as a breed, are subject to hip dysplasia, which is a debilitating disease and causes joint problems. With a tendency to become obese, Labs should have a carefully controlled diet and be kept active.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit black labrador, tired puppy image by Scott Slattery from Fotolia.com black labrador puppy chewing image by Scott Slattery from Fotolia.com labrador image by JEAN-MARC MEDINA from Fotolia.com