I have a Black Lab that is about 7 months and she is still kind of small. I don't want her to be a runt compared to the other Labs. My mom asked when do they stop growing and of coarse I don't know. I tried looking for the answer on google and in other places but all they talk about is food and toys! Somebody please answer!!

The finished hight of a working lab appears to be smaller than a show lab, also a different shape. They are not my breed but I would have thought the they would reach their finnished hight by the time they are 18 months. If you are worried about her them ask your vet to check her over, don't forget that dogs like people are not all the same size although they are usualy within 2" Her hight should be somewhere between 18 and 22 inches at 17 months. Sorry cant give exact times and hights, may be someone will answer who can come closer to an answer, but dogs, even pedigree ones are not like peas in a pod. She will probable finnish up somewhere between her sire and dam. Let us know if she is working or show and wait for a better answer to come. Jackie H.

I always maintain that Labradors dont stop growing until they are around 2 years old! Of course the late bulk of the growing is in the first 12 months but you find some grow particulaly fast to start with but others seen to spread it out rather more evenly. I've had both types over the years! The final height should be 21.5 to 22 inches to the withers Incedently the Americans have a bigger allowance at 21.5 to 23.5 inches
As to working dogs being smaller than show dogs Jackie, "The Flower" is the "Giant Economy Size" Labrador!!!! ;)

Regards, John

You would know best John, I was only speaking from those I had seen, dare I wisper it working dogs are, or appear, slimmer. Jackie ducking.

Jackie, I draw your attention to part of a much longer letter sent by the late Maurice Portal in as near as I can place it 1907.

. . . . . . . .We breed from show dogs for looks, and looks alone, and with the eternal hope that the offspring may be a show dog. If fate decrees that it does not have the neccessary looks then it is probably sold out, and then gets more chance of a sporting education and may do well in the field or Trial. It's brother, who perchance has show looks, may be broken to a limited extent (if we have the means and opportunities) but is not broken and used for sport alone, because shows intervene, and our show dogs coat must shine and must not be ragged or torn from brambles and thorns (Supposing that the dog would face them) The dog is not allowed to go in the water much or it would spoil his coat if the show was near. . . . . . .

Is it any wonder our working Labs can be of variable appearance?

Best wishes, John

PS, Before you ask, no, I was not there!

:) foreign legion :) now how old are you really LOL

As I’ve said before, I went to school with Methuselah and we all know how long he lived for don’t we!

From a very ancient old man! :p

No I was not there either, not quite, but if I had have been I would have been in there shouting because I believe that a 'show dog' should be able to perform in the work that the breed was breed for. not allowed near water, tut tut. Jackie H

Hi Guest I always can tell when mine have finished growing by standing towards the dog looking at his front when stood if they have 'knees' showing Ie. bump in the middle :) they havent stopped growing but when their legs are straight then they have.