I'm thinking about adopting this adorable mixed-breed puppy from my local shelter. I don't want to end up with a big dog because I live in an apartment and don't have room for a large dog. They "think" he has some Labrador Retriever characteristics, but they say they're not sure. Is there a way to tell how big a puppy will get if you don't know the breed mix?
How can you tell how big a mixed-breed puppy will get?
- Thread starter MichaelJ
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Rach_73
New member
That's a tricky one, and not something you can always predict. Some shelters might guestimate size, but unless you know the parentage it's a huuuge guess. Labs are medium to large dogs, and it depends on what this pup is mixed with. It might not be an issue for you if its mixed with a Beagle, right? It'll be smaller than a Lab and probs ok for an apartment. But if it's mixed with, say, a Newfoundland, boy you might struggle for room. A dog's a huge responsibility, and if size if a big deal for you, it might be wiser to choose a smaller dog.
Hi MichaelJ. I have a soft spot for mixed-breed pups, especially Lab mixes. I have adopted two Lab mixes as puppies from local shelters, and they have been wonderful dogs. However, any dog with Labrador genetics has the potential to get very big. They grow quickly, too, putting on up to ten pounds a month as puppies. Mine are both Lab Pitbull mixes, and both top over 80 pounds. You can learn more about how big Labs get and their growth milestones in this Labrador Retriever Growth Chart by our team member, Sadie Cornelius.
With mixed-breed pups, especially those in shelters, there is a great deal of uncertainty and wiggle room regarding size. For pups adopted from breeders, there is more information to go on. However, shelter pups often come from very uncertain backgrounds. In my own experience, I was told my dogs were Labrador Shar Pei and Labrador Blue Heeler mixes. Both turned out to be different mixes. You can try a dog DNA test, which will provide a breed percentage. However, you must adopt the pup first, as it's unlikely the shelter runs these tests.
So my advice is if you want a pup that is going to stay small, look to a smaller breed mix, as any dog with Labrador genes will likely be at least 50 pounds when fully grown. I might suggest Chihuahuas or Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, as they are both very friendly pups that stay on the smaller side. Best of luck with finding the perfect furry friend to add to your family.