Labradors are known to have stern looks and big bodies. Their broad head, drop ears, and expressive eyes are characteristics that they truly own. Labradors’ overall body condition is usually an indicator of their healthy state and weight.
Given these, having visible ribs, vertebrae, or even observing other labs and noticing yours is leaner than them might pose a question in your mind if your Lab is leaner or worse, too thin for his natural being.
This question may even branch off to different questions about the ideal weight of Labs, indications that your Lab is underweight, or ways on how your Lab can get more weight.
No worries, because we’ve got those answered in this article. Read through to know the answers!
Are Labradors Skinny in Nature?
We know that besides being fluffy and cute, Labradors are known to have stern looks and big bodies. The words “strong,” “developed,” “broad,” “brave,” and “powerful” are usually associated with these gigantic buddies.
Having a broad chest and being short coupled, meaning the distance from their ribs to their pelvis is shorter than average dogs, is usually flashed into our minds when we mention their breed.
The shape of a Labrador Retriever is so iconic and legendary that we mostly fit them in this template that has become the standard of their breed. Labradors are equal to heavy, bulky, and strong dogs rather than small, thin, and soft.
However, this is not always the case when it comes to these dogs. Some Labs may be presented as more slender than others who are very bulky.
Well, it really isn’t a worry because this may be because of their natural variation in sizes and, of course, these dogs’ lifestyles. Moreover, there is another important reason as to why other Labradors are slimmer than others who are seen as heavy.
American vs. English Labradors: In Shape
Other Labradors are slimmer than others who are presented as the heavier bunch simply because there are two distinct types of Labradors: American and English. Although they both came from the same breed, Labrador retrievers, English Labs are those who are larger, stockier, and heavier. While American Labs are those, who are taller, longer, and sleeker in appearance.
Most Labradors in the US belong to the American type— taller, longer, and sleeker. A small bunch, however, are the English type— larger, stockier, and heavier. With this, we can conclude that, in general, the body shape of a Labrador that we often see in the States is slimmer than what can be seen in the United Kingdom.
The Ideal Weight for a Labrador
Now that we know the two distinct types of Labradors and how they present themselves, let’s get into the ideal weight range for either type.
According to the American Kennel Club, the ideal weight of Labs in a working condition is approximately 65 to 80 pounds for male Labs and about 55 to 70 pounds for female Labs.
The Kennel Club located in the United Kingdom didn’t provide a specific ideal weight for English types of Labs. However, the typical range would be around 70 to 80 pounds for a male Lab and 60 to 70 pounds for a female Lab.
You can already observe the significant difference of sizes in both types. However, relying solely on scale weight isn’t really recommended and the best way to determine if your Labrador is in its ideal weight.
It is likely possible to have Labs that fall outside of their average range and be as healthy as those who are within. So what are the other assessments to determine if your Lab is too thin?
How Can I Tell If My Labrador is Too Thin?
One way to determine if your Lab is too thin is to assess his overall body condition. You can coordinate with your local veterinarian for this. Vets assess the overall body condition of dogs by observing a dog’s outline from the side and from above.
In the case of Labradors within the healthy weight range, their belly is tucked up slightly higher than their chest, and a discernible waist can be seen from above.
Apart from observing, vets also examine their overall body condition using the sense of touch. This is done by applying pressure over the ribs of the dog and feeling how much fat is covering them. Labs that are in a healthy condition have ribs that are easily felt under a thin layer of fat.
How Can I Tell If My Labrador is Underweight?
Although determining the overall body condition of your Lab is a better way of identifying whether your dog is in a healthy state than using the scale alone is very helpful, However, you, as a dog owner, may not be very accurate in assessing your own dog’s overall body condition.
Often, dog owners tend to underestimate their sizes and more likely think that their dogs are healthy when they are overweight or even the other way around. However, there are significant physical changes that we can observe that may indicate that your dog is underweight.
The physical changes that may indicate your Lab is underweight are when his ribs, vertebrae, or pelvic bones are visible. You can also use your hand to feel their bones, and if you immediately feel their bones under their skin with no fat covering them at all, you may conclude that your Lab is underweight.
You may also observe if your Lab is losing muscle mass and if the shape of their ribs and belly sideways follows an S-like curve.
If you observe the following physical changes to your Lab, it is very much recommended for you to visit your local vet. Also, be mindful of the unexplained weight loss even without observing the mentioned changes. It is vital for your local vet to determine the possible causes of weight loss and immediately manage it.
What Causes Weight Loss in Dogs?
There are many reasons as to why Labs lose weight. The number one reason is that a Lab does not provide enough calories to replace all the energy they burn in a single day.
Other reasons may be caused by a hereditary muscle wasting condition known as muscular dystrophy and myopathy, an infection from a parasite known as leishmaniasis and parvovirus, liver or kidney disease, and cancer.
What Can I Do for My Lab to Gain Weight?
Once you have determined the cause of your dog’s weight loss, your vet may suggest that you need to adjust your dog’s diet to help them gain weight. The fastest and easiest way for this is to gradually overfeed your dog with their usual diet until they reach their healthy weight status. Your vet may also recommend switching to a more energy-rich diet.
Bear in mind that making sudden changes to your dog’s diet on your own may cause complications like digestive upset and diarrhea. That is why you need to coordinate with your local vet, as they are experts in this field.
In conclusion, all Labradors should have owners that pay attention and are very mindful of them. You are the one who is always with your dogs; it is essential for you to look after them as they do the same for you. If worries with regards to their welfare come up, you can always seek the help of experts like your local vet.
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