Get Wiscoy Labrador Retrievers

A Labrador Retriever is considered to be a senior dog as early as seven years old. Your pet may show subtle hints and change their behavior when the feelings of discomfort set in.

Today, the average life expectancy for most dogs has risen to between 10 and 18 years. Smaller breeds tend to live longer, and large breeds, like Labradors, have a shorter life span.

Generally, though, Labradors only live to about ten or twelve years of age. Because of this lifespan, most Labradors are considered elderly around seven years of age. However, like we previously discussed, this can vary. Some Labs won't act elderly at all by seven, while others will begin slowing down long before that.

Generally, though, Labradors only live to about ten or twelve years of age. Because of this lifespan, most Labradors are considered elderly around seven years of age. However, like we previously discussed, this can vary. Some Labs won't act elderly at all by seven, while others will begin slowing down long before that.

The most common causes of death were musculoskeletal disorders and cancer. More generally, the most common disorders affecting Labrador retrievers were overweight/obesity, ear and joint conditions. Skin and ear disease were significantly more common in chocolate dogs than in black or yellow dogs.

Although Labradors are protective of their owners and loved ones, you should not expect this breed of dog to be a guard dog. In general, Labradors are too friendly and lack the traits necessary to be suitable and effective guard dogs. ... Labradors also lack the threatening appearance of most guard dog breeds.

The median longevity for all labs is about 12 years, while the median age for chocolate labs was 10.7. Overall, Labrador retrievers are still one of the longest-living dog breeds, reported another recent study. (Learn more about breeds in "How to Build a Dog.")

It's tough to gauge exactly how long your Labrador might live as there are so many factors, both genetic and hereditary, that contribute to their life expectancy. The average Labrador lifespan is somewhere between 10 and 14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.