How big does a labradoodle get?

It varies with the size variety and with which parent the individual takes after. Miniatures, mediums and standards differ substantially, and even within a litter there can be a noticeable spread.

Do labradoodles keep growing after a year?

Miniatures are usually close to finished by then. Mediums and standards often continue filling out across the chest and shoulders until around eighteen months to two years, even once height has stopped changing.

When should I switch my labradoodle to adult food?

It is guided by size rather than a set age, so smaller labradoodles switch earlier than larger ones. Ask your vet, since moving a large breed puppy off growth food too early or too late both carry downsides.

Why does my labradoodle look gangly?

Because height finishes before bulk does. The leggy adolescent stage is normal and usually resolves over the following months as the body catches up with the frame.

When is a labradoodle fully grown?

It depends a great deal on which size of labradoodle you have. Miniatures are generally close to full size by around twelve months, while standards commonly take eighteen months to two years to finish filling out. Height is usually reached well before final adult weight and muscle.

The three sizes grow at different rates

Labradoodles are bred in miniature, medium and standard sizes depending on the poodle used, and this is the single biggest factor in how long growth takes. As a general rule, the larger the dog the later it finishes.

Smaller dogs mature faster across all breeds, so a miniature labradoodle reaching adult proportions around a year old while a standard is still broadening at eighteen months is entirely normal rather than a sign anything is wrong.

Height first, then everything else

Most dogs reach close to their adult height before they reach adult weight or muscle. A labradoodle that has stopped getting taller may still be gaining across the chest and shoulders for several months.

This is why an adolescent labradoodle often looks leggy and unfinished. It usually resolves on its own as the body catches up with the frame.

Feeding through the growth period

Larger labradoodles benefit from a food formulated for large breed puppies, which controls the rate of growth rather than maximising it. Growing too quickly is associated with joint problems in bigger dogs.

The move from puppy to adult food is usually guided by size rather than a fixed age, so a miniature will typically switch earlier than a standard. Your vet can advise on the timing for your individual dog.

Common questions

How big does a labradoodle get?: It varies with the size variety and with which parent the individual takes after. Miniatures, mediums and standards differ substantially, and even within a litter there can be a noticeable spread.
Do labradoodles keep growing after a year?: Miniatures are usually close to finished by then. Mediums and standards often continue filling out across the chest and shoulders until around eighteen months to two years, even once height has stopped changing.
When should I switch my labradoodle to adult food?: It is guided by size rather than a set age, so smaller labradoodles switch earlier than larger ones. Ask your vet, since moving a large breed puppy off growth food too early or too late both carry downsides.
Why does my labradoodle look gangly?: Because height finishes before bulk does. The leggy adolescent stage is normal and usually resolves over the following months as the body catches up with the frame.

Sources

Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.

Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.