What are Labradors?
A working dog breed, they are good for a friendly companion or a family dog. They can either be Chocolate Brown, Black, Dark Chocolate, caramel white or even the rarest color “Rare Silver or Gray”. These cute little fellows are with various different cross-breeds which includes the most popular one of the Labrador Family, “The Labradoodle”.
Labradors are also good Sports Dogs and are very Selfless and Kind. They are also known as a “Fisherman’s Friend” since they were originally bred to catch fish on shore which explains why nowadays they really love to go on the water. Smart and easy to train, just like the husky, Labradors are good and loving to children. Now, many Labradors are well-trained as a companion for the elderly and blind people.
When do Labs Stop Growing?
Labradors are big dogs which mean they will mature slower than the cute tiny and fuzzy ones. Their growth really varies from one dog to the other but the usual age they stop growing is between 18 months to 2 years. One important thing to consider is when your dog is complete in “Upward Growth”. During that time, it is already safe enough to let your Labrador go on quick jogs, and a few jumps without damaging any of his or her joints.
In addition, when Labradors reach their upward growth:
- Male- will approximately be 24 inches tall and will weigh an average 0f 75 lbs.
- Female- be an average of 23 inches in height and weigh 55 lbs.
The Labrador breed is a fast maturing one. They will be fully grown once they have reached the age of 6 to 12 months. They can live up to 12 to 14 years of age and can also fill out up to 2 years.
How to Take Care of Your Labrador?
You’ve got your Labrador and he is a darling. Two years from now, that puppy your holding will be a full grown adult. He would still be cute but big, heavy and a lot smarter. However, are you sure you will have a chance of seeing him become the awesome dog as he is? Do you know how to take care of your puppy even if times get worst? Are you ready?
Here are a few tips for you to start by. Give importance to these and you will both be fine.
- Feed the dog properly. Dogs love to eat. Make sure to follow the feeding guidelines of the kind of food you are giving him. If you observe he is being active than most of the dogs, you can give him an additional portion to compensate the physical activities. DO NOT overfeed him. You do not want an obese Lab, do you?
- Give him enough water daily. Do not forget to provide water every after playing or walking. Unlike food, water should not be limited. Always put fresh, clean water for him at any given point of time.
- Dog Walks! Exercise is healthy even for dogs. Set a schedule for dog walks daily. It would be advisable to have a big yard if you own a large dog.
- Give him proper shelter. It does not matter whether you plan to let him stay inside or outside the house, but the most important thing is you provide him a comfortable place to stay. It should be a place he can call his, with a comfy, durable bed.
- Groom your dog regularly. Labradors are not hard to groom like other breeds who shed badly. You still need to brush his fur though maybe once a week. They may love the waters but it is better not to bathe them often. 4-5 times a year is enough. The natural oil in their fur will prevent fleas to penetrate. Trim its nails regularly, clean the ears and teeth too.
Give them tender, loving care. Spend time playing with your Lab to make him feel that you love him. Bond with him through dog walks and socialize him with other dogs. Letting your kids play with him is recommendable. They like kids so give him toys.
Train your Labrador well. Labrador is smart dogs. If you are not that keen on training, at least you’ve got to teach him the basic commands. Trained dogs are sure of themselves and well behaved.
Conclusion
When do Labs Stop Growing? I am pretty sure you already know the answer to that. Remember growing does not only mean their height but also their weight and mental/emotional aspects. So take good care of your Lab and he will in return be a good and loyal companion for you and your family. If you have friends who have Labs, you can share to them this article, they may find it helpful. Till next time!