Labrador Retreiver's Lifespan

Labrador retrievers are sweet, lovable dogs who have a normal lifespan of 10 to 12 years. The oldest Lab on record lived an amazing 29 years. These dogs are even-tempered and make great family dogs. Loyal and friendly, Labs are also great swimmers and do best when given room to run. They are also well suited for hunting, physical assistance, and guide dogs for the blind.

  1. Breeding and Genetics

    • A Labrador retriever's lineage should be free of inherited health problems -- such as hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy -- two common Lab afflictions. A good breeder will let you meet the parents and will supply medical records, indicating both dogs are free of health problems. Genetic problems could shorten the lifespan of the dog.

      Labrador retrievers bred for agility or hunting come from different genetic lines, that make them excel at the chosen sport. Hunting requires a more muscular dog with a thicker coat for swimming in frigid water. Agility dogs are bred for speed and intelligence.

    Fitness

    • Labrador retrievers weigh between 50 and 80 pounds and require lots of exercise to stay fit. They should be exercised daily and given room to run to stay physically fit. These dogs are natural retrievers, playful and love swimming -- so there are plenty of ways to keep these dogs active. Overweight dogs tend to have shorter lifespans than their leaner counterparts, so keeping the dog fit will increase its lifespan.

    Diet

    • A high quality dog food will go a long way in helping your Lab to lead a long life. The food should be higher in protein and have a moderate amount of fat. The percentage of these should be listed on the label. Good quality dog food has as few grains as possible and no corn gluten, a cheap filler. Avoid food with artificial colors, by products, or sweeteners, as these have no nutritional value for dogs and are often linked to health problems. Look for meat or chicken as the first ingredient listed on the package.

    Health Issues

    • Labrador retrievers, like most bigger dogs, often have problems with hip or elbow dysplasia; which can impact their quality of life and prevent them from getting the exercise that will keep them healthy. Other health problems they can acquire that would affect their lifespan are diabetes, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, or heart problems such as Pulmonic Stenosis or Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia. Some cancers, common in bigger dogs, can also shorten the lifespan of the Labrador retriever.