Labrador Retriever Life Span and Common Health Issues

Labrador retrievers are the classic American family dog. With their loveable natures and playful personalities, these dogs capture the hearts of their owners. These active, famously friendly dogs do well with other furry friends and full, busy households. It comes as no surprise then, that these sweet-faced dogs are the most popular dog breed in America. Whether you already own a Labrador retriever or are considering adopting one, you may be wondering about the Labrador retriever life span and what health issues the breed might be prone to developing.

Labrador Retriever Life Expectancy

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), a Labrador Retriever’s life expectancy is between 10-12 years. However, black and yellow labs live a year or two longer than their chocolate-colored brothers and sisters. A recent study found that chocolate Labradors live on average 10.7 years, whereas black and yellow labs could live close to two years longer. Take heart, there are many ways to improve your dog’s health and lengthen its lifespan, which we’ll discuss later in the article.

Common Labrador Retriever Health Issues

Here are the top five most common health issues for Labrador Retrievers:

Obesity

Labrador Retrievers are prone to weight gain, so it’s important to be mindful of their diet and activity levels. Avoid free-feeding, provide regular exercise, and keep an eye on treat portions. If treats are part of your training or routine, opt for healthy, low-calorie options or adjust mealtime portions to balance things out. Some pet parents choose fresh veggies like carrots, zucchini, or cucumber as occasional snacks. Maintaining a healthy weight can help support long-term wellness and reduce the risk of health issues as your dog ages.

Hip dysplasia

This common joint disease starts when a dog is young and it’s hip joints do not properly form. The hip is a ball and socket joint, and if the socket doesn’t match the ball, this leads to a lifetime of abuse to the joint. The poor fit eventually wears away the supportive and protective cartilage and leads to bone grinding on bone. This is incredibly painful and will eventually lead to a loss of function.

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD or OD)

This condition causes the cartilage of a joint to soften. OCD is caused by the blood flow to the area of bone being interrupted when the diseased cartilage separates from the bone. It is an inflammatory condition. Limping or lameness is a sign of this disease. Affected joints could be warm to the touch and swollen. Lameness could be intermittent. You’ll need to take your dog to the vet if they are having trouble walking or have a swollen joint. 

Allergies

Allergies can be quite uncomfortable and are common for Labrador retrievers. Allergies happen when your dog’s body has an often misguided response to some foreign substance, like pollen or mold. There are three categories of allergies: skin, food, and environmental, and these can often overlap. Skin allergies are the most common form and can be caused by fleas, food, or environmental allergens. True food allergies are rare, but food intolerance is not. Environmental allergies include dust, insects, pollen, etc. 

Epilepsy

This is a brain disorder that causes seizures for an unknown reason. It is quite mysterious because the brain appears to be healthy, but there are sudden episodes of seizures. The cause of seizures is unknown, but it appears there may be a genetic component. Labrador retrievers are unfortunately on the list of dogs known to be affected by epilepsy.

How to Improve Your Labrador Retriever’s Health and Lifespan

Responsible breeding

If you want to adopt a Labrador, then there are a few things to know before picking out your puppy. Choosing a responsible breeder increases your chances of having a healthy dog. And, responsible breeding is ethical, and the best way to ensure the strength of the breed overall. Here is a list of ways to tell if your Labrador breeder is good or not.

1. Good breeders take wonderful care of their animals. Part of this includes having only enough animals that they can take care of lovingly, which means enough time and attention for each dog to feel happy.
2. They give their breeding animals medical tests to determine their health and only breed healthy animals. The minimum health tests are hip scoring, elbow scoring, an eye exam, Exercise Induced Collapse DNA test, and dilute coat gene DNA test.
3. They only breed their animals an appropriate amount. No good breeder would allow their dog to carry more than one litter in twelve months. And, the standard rule is three litters a lifetime.
4. They interview you to determine if you’ll give a good home to one of their dogs. They never let unfit owners adopt their puppies.
5. Allow you to meet the mom and puppies in their main living area. The main living area for the dogs must be clean and sanitized regularly. Are the dogs in the main home? Puppies raised in a home will acclimate to your home more easily. If the dogs are kenneled outside, the puppies should be brought into the house often, and visited outside many times a day.
6. Offer support for you and care for the dog over its lifetime.

Nutrition

Providing your dog with a balanced, nutrient-rich diet is one of the best ways to support their long-term health and wellness. Look for foods that list high-quality animal proteins among the first few ingredients, and avoid overly processed fillers or byproducts when possible. While premium dog food may cost more upfront, it can often be more nutritionally dense—meaning your dog may need less of it per meal—and may help support better overall health in the long run.

Every dog is different, and their nutritional needs can vary based on age, size, activity level, and existing health conditions. Your veterinarian can help you evaluate food options and guide you toward a formula that’s best suited for your dog’s individual needs.

Exercise

Labrador Retrievers are an active breed with a strong need for regular physical activity. Daily exercise supports not just physical health, but also mental and emotional well-being. Without enough movement, dogs may become stressed or gain excess weight — which can increase the risk of health issues over time.

Engaging your dog in fun activities like walks, hikes, swimming, or even structured play can help keep their body and mind in balance. Every dog is different, so it's important to tailor the intensity and type of exercise to their age, fitness level, and overall health. Staying active is one of the best ways to support your Labrador’s long-term wellness and quality of life.

Grooming

Labrador Retrievers have a dense double coat that naturally repels water, making them relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Regular brushing is key to keeping their coat healthy and minimizing shedding. During seasonal shedding periods—typically twice a year—you may notice a significant increase in loose fur, and daily brushing can help manage the extra hair. Occasional baths can also assist in removing dead hair during these times.

Outside of heavy shedding, a bath every 4–6 weeks or as needed is usually sufficient. Like all dogs, Labradors also benefit from regular nail trims and frequent teeth brushing to support overall health and hygiene.

Veterinary Care

Regular veterinary visits are essential to keeping your Labrador Retriever healthy throughout their life. Routine check-ups allow your vet to monitor overall wellness, catch potential issues early, and provide guidance on preventive care. Dental cleanings are also an important part of ongoing health, as dental issues can impact more than just the mouth — including the kidneys and other organs. Staying on top of vet visits helps ensure your dog gets timely support and maintains a high quality of life.

Supplements

Nutritional supplements can be a helpful addition to your Labrador Retriever’s wellness routine, depending on their age, activity level, and specific health needs. Some may be used to support mobility, skin and coat health, digestion, or overall vitality. Every dog is different, so it’s a good idea to speak with your veterinarian about whether supplements are appropriate and which types might best support your dog’s long-term well-being.