Longevity
Life expectancy
The Labrador’s life expectancy is most often around 10 to 12 years, with variations linked to lineage, lifestyle and above all to maintaining a proper weight. A well cared-for, well fed dog that is monitored early can maintain a good quality of life for a long time and remain active at an advanced age.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The Labrador is hardy and well equipped for an active life, notably thanks to its solid build and its protective double coat. Its robustness must not, however, make one forget its sensitivity to weight gain, the importance of sparing its joints during growth, and the need to monitor ears and eyes throughout life.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Prevention is based on weight control, regular exercise without repetitive excess, the selection of tested breeding dogs, and attention paid to locomotion, eyes, ears and tolerance to effort. Lameness, exercise intolerance, recurrent ear infections or decreased vision warrant a veterinary evaluation.
Hip dysplasia: A joint malformation that can lead to pain, lameness and osteoarthritis in the more or less long term.
Elbow dysplasia: This elbow condition can cause early lameness and sometimes requires surgical or orthopedic management.
Progressive retinal atrophy: A hereditary eye disease responsible for a progressive decrease in vision that can progress to blindness.
External otitis: Drooping ears and moisture after swimming promote inflammation of the ear canal in some individuals.
Obesity: The breed has a strong tendency to become overweight, with significant consequences for the joints, metabolism and quality of life.
Exercise-induced collapse: In certain lines, intense effort or strong excitement can cause weakness or collapse requiring a veterinary assessment.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Labrador tolerates cold and humidity rather well thanks to its dense undercoat and its water-resistant coat. It tolerates high heat less well, however, especially if it is overweight, very active or not very acclimatized. In summer, outings must be adapted to cooler hours with constant access to water and rest.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The Labrador has a strong food drive and a recognized predisposition to being overweight. The ration must be weighed, treats included in the daily total and regular activity maintained all year round in order to protect its joints, its respiratory comfort and its overall health. Regular monitoring of the body shape is particularly useful in this breed.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Monitor weight and body condition regularly.
- Consult promptly in case of lameness, otitis, or abnormal fatigue.
- Maintain the ears after swimming or in case of humidity.
- Maintain regular activity without excessive effort in the puppy.
Vaccination
Labrador Retriever vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Labrador Retriever need? Like all dogs, Labrador Retrievers should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Labrador Retriever vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Labrador Retriever booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Labrador Retriever need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Labrador Retriever
It is relevant to favor breeding dogs screened for hip and elbow dysplasia as well as for certain hereditary eye conditions. Depending on the line, additional genetic tests, notably for progressive retinal atrophy, exercise-induced collapse or centronuclear myopathy, may also be sought. The veterinarian can then guide toward more attentive joint, ophthalmological or weight monitoring.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
