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How Big Do Chocolate Labradors Get? [Average Size Guide]

If you are considering the chocolate Labrador, then you are going to want to know how big they get. In fact, you are going to need to know. Besides, it’s essential to know whether you can accommodate their size and can provide the space they need to thrive. But what size does this particular color of Labrador get? Do they differ from black and yellow labs? Well, here is everything you are going to want to know.

So, how big do chocolate Labradors get? Chocolate Labradors typically reach between 21-24″ inches in height, weighing between 55-80 lbs. when fully grown. Although, English Chocolate Labradors are generally larger than American Chocolate Labradors (by around 20 lbs.). Either way, the males of the breed tend to be larger than the females.

Chocolate Labrador Size

So, there is a difference within the breed.

And a lot has to do with where your dog lab comes from and the genetics they inherit.

Nevertheless, let us consider all things size for the Chocolate Labrador breed specifically. 

What Is The Average Size Of A Chocolate Labrador?

The average size of a Chocolate Labrador will depend on if they are from an American Labrador or English Labrador’s litter and their sex. Male English Chocolate Labradors are typically the largest, whereas female American Chocolate Labradors are the smallest.

The truth is, the average size of a chocolate Labrador can vary.

English labs are usually the choice for show chocolate Labradors. Because of this, they are quite heavy and sturdy dogs coming in at 70-90 lbs.

American chocolate labs are typically used as a working breed.

So, it’s natural for breeders to keep them lighter and, therefore, more agile for working conditions.

The American breed, therefore, usually weighs around 55-70lbs.

Regardless of whether a chocolate lab is of an American or English origin, there is a weight and size difference between females and males.

Most adult males tend to weigh up to 10 lbs. heavier than their female counterparts.

An average male Labrador will measure between 22-24 inches in height.

Whereas, on average, females are slightly smaller standing between 21-23 inches in height.

At What Age Are Chocolate Labradors Full Grown?

Labradors are a relatively fast-growing breed, and this is the same case with chocolate labs. Chocolate Labradors reach their adult height between 6 months and 12 months of age. But they won’t reach their full size until they’re two years old.

Knowing what to expect as your chocolate Labrador puppy grows is important to make sure they are growing well.

And there are no health conditions that could be cropping up without you realizing it.

These charts below will give you a great guide on what weight milestones to look for, whether you have a female or male chocolate lab.

Labrador Retriever Growth & Weight Chart

Chocolate Labrador AgeAverage Female WeightAverage Male Weight
3 months20-26 lbs.22-26 lbs.
5 months35-49 lbs.33-49 lbs.
7 months40-55 lbs.51-59 lbs.
9 months48-62 lbs.57-68 lbs.
11 months53-66 lbs.62-75 lbs.
13 months55-68 lbs.64-77 lbs.
15 months55-70 lbs.65-80 lbs.

As you can see, female and male Labradors stay at a similar weight until the age of 7 months.

Then males tend to grow heavier and bigger from then until they reach their full adult size.

Are Chocolate Labs Bigger Than Other Labs?

Besides a difference in coat color, there’s only one noticeable difference between chocolate labs and other labs (yellow or black). A UK study has found that, on average, chocolate Labradors weigh around 3 lbs. heavier than the other colored labs.

The main differences between chocolate Labradors and the other colored labs are differences in coat colors, weight, and susceptibility to health conditions.

The classical chocolate color of this breed is made possible by breeding recessive genes.

What traits dogs, and all animals, inherit from their parents depend on their genetic make-up.

Black Labradors carry the black color dominant gene, which is passed down to their litter.

Each parent might carry both dominant genes (BB), dominant and recessive (Bb), or both recessive genes (bb).

Even if both parents look like pure black Labradors doesn’t mean they aren’t carrying the chocolate (b) gene.

When both parents have this gene present, there’s a one in 4 chance one of their puppies will be a chocolate Labrador.

Because of how genetics works and purposely breeding these recessive genes means chocolate labs tend to be slighter heavier than other labs.

But this also means they are up to twice as likely to get ear infections.

And are four times at risk of a painful skin condition (pyotraumatic dermatitis) than their other colored counterparts.

And not only that, but they tend to live shorter lives than other labs, losing out on roughly 14 months by comparison.

How Much Space Do You Need for A Chocolate Labrador?

Chocolate Labradors are just like other larger-sized breeds. Unless you live a very active lifestyle, you’ll need to make sure they have plenty of space to burn off their hyperactivity. Their size means they don’t suit small houses or apartments very well.

Space For Exercise

Chocolate labs are incredibly sturdy dogs that are full of energy that needs to be burned off.

If they don’t get this stimulation, they can easily become bored and develop health and behavioral conditions.

The easiest way to help them is either to give them free rein in an enclosed backyard or bring them on regular walks.

Having a backyard can be especially handy when you’re training a puppy.

When potty training a chocolate lab puppy, they can need to go outside a few times an hour as they learn to control their bladder better.

If you don’t have easy access to an outdoor space, it can be difficult to streamline this training.

Certain dog breeds just seem to never lose energy, and it’s hard to keep up with them every day.

A simple way to stimulate your chocolate lab and improve your bond is to play fetch in the garden.

With all this being said, if your chocolate lab needs a garden, it should be at the very least 500 sq. ft.

Not every house will have this option, but if you live an active lifestyle, you can simply bring your lab with you on long walks or to local dog parks.

Though it’s important that your chocolate lab will obey your commands at any moment.

Space To Live

Along with their energy, chocolate labs can be clumsy as they grow and adjust to their new size. And with a thick tail, it’s not uncommon for them to knock things off surfaces.

They also like to be able to roam freely indoors, so if your house is small, a chocolate Labrador may not be the best choice.

Where some dogs, no matter the size, just love to lie and relax, so how big or small the house isn’t a concern. Chocolate labs are not one of these breeds.

They love to follow their family around the house, becoming almost a shadow as the people of the house carries about their day.

Crate Size

When it comes to choosing the right crate for your Labrador, it’s best to pick a large/extra large crate. Chocolate Labradors grow quite quickly, so getting a large crate with a moveable divider is the perfect solution for your puppy.

Regardless of the breed, crate training is a great way to teach your pet preferable habits like potty training through the night.

Dogs don’t like to soil their comfort area, so they will learn to hold their bladder while they’re in the crate.

When your chocolate lab is small, keep the crate just big enough for them to relax and sleep in. Then as they grow, move the divider out to accommodate their growth.

Even though it may seem ridiculous for such a small puppy but it’s best to get a crate that’s 36 or 42 inches. Or even up to 48 inches for particularly large Labradors.

Finally

Labradors are classified as large dogs.

This is true whether they are chocolate, black or yellow in color.

However, as we have explored today, there can be quite the variance between dogs of the breed.

Both within the same colors and also across colors.

Male English Chocolate Labradors tend to be the largest.

So, if size really is an issue, you may want to consider a female.

Nevertheless, talking with prospective breeders and looking at sizes of dogs from previous litters is one of the best ways to get a fair estimate ahead of time.

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