If you've welcomed a Labrador Retriever puppy into your life, congratulations! Labs are among the most popular dog breeds in New Zealand and it’s easy to see why. These dogs are friendly, clever, loyal and endlessly energetic. But as your bouncy bundle grows, you might be wondering: what weight should my Labrador puppy be?
At Petdirect, we get pet, so we know how important it is to keep an eye on your pup’s health. That starts with tracking their weight. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the ideal weight ranges, growth milestones and how to support your Lab pup’s healthy development.
Typical Labrador Puppy Growth By Age
Just like humans, every puppy is a little different, but here’s a general guide to help you track your Labrador’s healthy weight range as they grow:
- 8 weeks: 3.5 – 5.5 kg
- 12 weeks: 8 – 12 kg
- 4 months: 14 – 18 kg
- 6 months: 20 – 26 kg
- 9 months: 24 – 30 kg
- 12 months: 26 – 34 kg
Male Labs tend to be heavier than female Labs, so keep that in mind when watching those numbers. By 12 months, your pup will be close to their adult weight, although they’ll keep filling out until about 18–24 months.
If your Labrador is off-track weight-wise, it’s worth checking in with your vet to rule out underlying health issues or adjust their diet and exercise routine accordingly.
How To Tell If Your Labrador Puppy Is A Healthy Weight
Weight ranges are great as a guide, but it’s also helpful to look at your pup’s body condition score (BCS) — a hands-on assessment tool vets use to check if your dog is underweight, ideal, or overweight. Here’s what to look for:
- Ribs should be easily felt but not visibly sticking out
- Waist should be visible from above when looking down at your pup
- Tummy should tuck up when viewed from the side
If your puppy’s looking more round than robust, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to support a healthy weight range, starting with high-quality, age-appropriate nutrition.
Feeding Tips For Healthy Lab Puppy Growth
Labradors love their food — no surprises there! These good boys and girls have a reputation for being ravenous, which makes portion control super important.
Choose a complete and balanced puppy food designed for medium to large breeds. These contain the right combo of protein, fat, and calcium to support growth without overdoing it.
Popular options include:
- Royal Canin Labrador Puppy — tailored for breed-specific needs
- Eukanuba Puppy Large Breed — supports joint and immune health
- Black Hawk Puppy — made with natural ingredients and Aussie-sourced protein
Stick to the feeding guide on the pack, and use a measured dog bowl to avoid guesswork. Puppies typically need 3 meals a day until about 6 months, then you can move to 2.
Tips For Managing A Labradors Weight As They Grow
Keeping your Lab pup in a healthy weight range isn’t just about looks — it’s vital for their joints, organs and long-term wellbeing. Here’s how to keep things on track:
- Exercise daily: Gentle walks and safe play will help burn off that puppy energy
- Treat wisely: Use small pieces of training treats, or rewards from their daily kibble allowance
- Monitor weight monthly: Weigh them at home or during vet checkups
- Use tools like slow feeders: A lick mat or puzzle feeder can pace eager eaters
If your growing pup is tipping the scales too much or too little, chat with your vet. You can also explore our helpful weight management range to support balanced growth.
We Get Labrador Puppies
Labradors aren’t just big-hearted, they’re big-bodied — and they need a little extra support as they grow into their paws. At Petdirect, we’re proud to offer:
- Expert nutrition and care advice through our Health and Wellness Hub
- Perks for pet parents with Pet Perks and Airpoints on every shop
- Convenient shopping with Autodeliver so you never run out of puppy food
With the right food, exercise and love, your Labrador puppy will be well on their way to a tail-waggingly healthy adult life.
Final Woof
So, what weight should a Labrador Retriever puppy be? It varies by age, but the real goal is steady growth, clear waistlines and happy energy. Keep tabs on their weight, fuel their growth with quality food, and don’t forget the tail wags along the way. Need help choosing the right food, treats or training tools? Our team is always here to help, because we get pet.
Ready to raise a healthy Labrador pup? Explore our full range of puppy essentials to get started today.