How Long Do Labrador Retrievers Live – Human and Dog Years?
by Anna Hart
Filed under Featured Content, Labrador Information
This bit of information on Labradors is too often neglected when prospective owners fall in love with a puppy. We all love them – wriggly little bundles of energy. It’s difficult to imagine them ever slowing down and getting old. They do, though, and those who look for information on Labradors should ask, “How long do Labrador Retrievers live in human and dog years?”
Most North American and European dogs live, on average, about 12.8 human years, but some breeds live longer than others. In general, the life expectancy of larger dogs is less than that of smaller dogs. The bodies of larger dogs work harder, and tend to “wear out” earlier than those of smaller dogs. For example, while big, strong-looking bulldogs average only 6.7 human years, frail-looking miniature poodles average 14.8 human years.
Back to the Lab
But you want information on Labradors, not bulldogs and poodles. Your question was, “How long do Labrador Retrievers live in human and dog years?”
Labrador Retrievers average 12.6 human years.
That is not a given, of course. We cannot guarantee that YOUR Lab will live 12.6 years. To give trustworthy information on Labradors, we must also consider how your dog is treated. The life expectancy of any one dog must take into account the daily and occasional stressors encountered by that particular dog. It must consider physical stressors of cold, heat, obesity, exercise, lack of exercise, etc. It must also consider psychological stresses that come as a result of the treatment your Lab receives.
Most reliable information on Labradors points out that the dog’s length of life is further determined by what it eats, and what kind of care it receives.
Converting Human Years to Dog Years
Once we know your dog’s life expectancy in human years, we must convert it to dog years to realize how old that really is.
Many people believe that each human year equals 7 Labrador years. That is not accurate information on Labradors, however, since Labs reach adulthood within the first couple of years after birth, and a human baby requires 18 years to attain the same maturity.
One canine expert worked out a formula that is more accurate, although no one can judge the matter perfectly.
The Formula
That formula counts 10.5 dog years per human year for the first 2 years. After that, it figures about 4 dog years per human year.
Working that into our information on Labradors, you get these figures:
HUMAN YEARS DOG YEARS
1…………….10.5
2…………… 21
3…………… 25
4…………… 29
5…………… 33
6…………… 37
7…………… 41
8…………… 45
9…………… 49
10…………. 53
11…………. 57
12…………. 61
12.6………. 63.4Labrador Retrievers average 63.4 dog years.
Live Long and Prosper
One final bit of information on Labradors: These dogs are bred to be workers, so they require regular exercise if they are to live long. Plan on giving your Lab 3 walks each day, or let him out into a protected yard to romp 3 times a day. Do not allow your Lab to remain inactive and become overweight.
Overweight dogs tend to die at an earlier age than trim, fit dogs.
Our black lab (Dutch) is getting ready to turn 16 on April 11th. Her eyesight and hearing aren’t that great but she can still smell (food) very well. I notice she is having trouble getting up and sitting down. I know she must have arthritis. I don’t want to see her suffer but I can’t tell because she still gets excited when our friends come over and pet her. She’s been a great dog & I sure will miss her. How can you tell if she is having severe pain?
For Malcolm- it’s awesome your lab is still around at 16! I have one that’s almost 15 and she’s showing her age. According to my vet, labs typically have a high tolerance to pain (I can agree from personal experience with mine). I started my lab on tramadol just last month after advice from my vet. There were nights where she was extremely restless – up and down, in and outside – a lot of panting, standing, some whining; lying down was done slowly with care. She just didn’t seem to be able to get comfortable. It wasn’t every night – maybe 3 or 4 times a week. It was clear she was having discomfort. The restlessness, panting, and slow movement are signs of pain. Sever signs would also include no appetite (hard to think of a lab that way), lethargic, lack of interest, depression. Since she’s been on the tramadol there have been no nights of restlessness and she moves a little faster. I’m very happy to have made the decision to put her on it. We have to be their voice, they can’t tell us, so it’s important to be in tune with their behavior. Enjoy every moment you have with Dutch, it’s so precious.
I give my lab green beans too – it’s just a filler so they feel satisfied. They are especially helpful if you’re trying to get your dog to lose some weight. My vet also recommended them – use the NO SALT canned beans. My dogs seems to prefer the french cut
***OLD DOGS WITH VERTIGO*** For all of you with OLDER DOGS.***
My dog got VESTIBULAR (aka old dog’s) disease February 2010 and again this past February, but it was much milder the second time. It was a sudden onset – she couldn’t walk or even stand and had a slight head tilt. I thought her hind quarters gave out on her but then I noticed her eyes were bouncing back and forth from left to right – very rapid movement. The vestibular (inner ear problem) caused vertigo – and that’s why she couldn’t stand – she was dizzy. Motion sickness pills prescribed by my vet helped. Keeping the dog in a well lit room AT ALL TIMES until the vertigo goes away also helps – they usually show improvement in a few days (took my dog 2 to stand again). Another symptom is they tilt their heads, which sometimes never goes away. A friend of mine had this happen to her old dog also. The emergency vet charged them $500 for a diagnosis – completely unnecessary tests. I had never heard of it before and I now try to tell everyone I know who has a dog to save them $ and save them from the heartache of putting their dog down unnecessarily. Give them a few days, most of the time, they recover fully.
Hi I’m interested in Labradors and golden retrievers and also the labrador retriever , they are all so good and its hard to decide. I would like u too say what u think is thE best plz
I have two labs and they are so sweet and funny they are not old they are 1 and 2 years old and they love to play but they don’t know how play fetch the don’t bring back the ball any ways.
My two dogs are extremely FAT and I don’t walk them at all so what should I do??????
To shay
You must give them plenty of exercise , take them to the park or the beach , take them for long walks in ur free time and be sure to give food that’s only necessary and when u throw the ball or stick and wants them to return call their names and clap ur hands and when they come back give them a treat so they know they are doing something good , kEep on calling their name or whistle to get their attention oh and remember exercise is important
I just got a 5 yr old lab and a 2 yr old mix. I fell in love with the 5 yr old because she’s not so hyper so I bring her in the house all the time. What should I do about my 2 yr old. I heard it isn’t that good to leave dogs outside because they can get frustrated and act up. But my 2 yr old is too hyper and makes my 5 year old anxious. What do I do? Help!
Today I lost my black lab “Shadow” She was 16 1/2 years old or 77 if you use the formula above. We had her since she was two months old. She was one of the family. We’re trying to cope with her loss and can only think of the funny things that she used to do. When she about one year old a neighbor of ours at the time told us that we should have her put down because she thought that the dog was too aggressive. I have to say that she was one of the best dogs I have ever known. I am glad that we didn’t take that woman’s advice then. We will miss Shadow very much.
Kevin,
So sorry to hear about Shadow. You must have taken really good care of her and given her lots of love for her to live so long. Today I just found out that my dog’s cancer (tumor on her leg) had already spread to the muscle below (despite surgical removal) and she has developed a heart murmur so her prospects aren’t good. Athena is a 12 year-old mutt (German Shepherd/Lab mix we think) from a shelter and I am not ready to say goodbye anytime soon! I know what you mean about remembering the funny things. I am sure Shadow will stay in your memory forever.
My yellow lab, Scones, was one month shy of his 16th bday when he moved on to bigger and better things just yesterday. He was the most loving, polite, and trusting member of the family. All he asked for in return was a spot on the bed during thunderstorms, the shielding embrace of my arms and the courage he seemed to gain from a kiss on the head whenever the rumbling scared him.
I loved every single day we had together and I would give anything to have just one more. Labs are so easy to fall in love with, but so very hard to get over.
So sorry about your loss Kevin and Alex! It just takes time to get over a “best friend” that is that special. When we got our black lab “Duchess” she was 5 1/2months old and very abused. She was catatonic, meaning every position you put her in she would freeze. We were told by a vet that she should be put to sleep but we decided to try. Then I noticed as a puppy she would get up like a very old dog and we found out she had severe hip dysplasia. We put her on meds and the vet said to get her swimming. So everyday on our walk she would swim across a swift river and after 6 months or so she didnt even needs meds anymore. She became such a sweet loving dog that she went to work everyday with my husband in a nursing facility. Residents would report that she visited them the same time every day. When she got really old my husband would ask if she wanted to go and sometimes she didnt go. One day when she was 18 years we took the day off and went to the river and sat in the water with her. (it was a hot day) she died a week later. I am so thankful for that last day. So my advice is spend a special day with your lab at least once a month, cause when they die you will cherish that time you spent.
Kevin, i’m really sorry to hear about your dog, Shadow.
When i had to put down my springer spaniel that was the worse thing i had to do. 
Jenny, the retrievers seem to be a more hyper dog (personal experience) and yellow labs can be as well (especially the American dog). I have the English breed (european) and she’s really mellow and sweet.
My yellow lab will be 10 soon and she’s just the sweetest dog ever! 
I have some friends that have a gold retreiver and he’s just as hyper as can be! He’s out of the puppy stage and has always been hyper. So, before choosing (if it’s not too late by now) the best thing to do is do some research. While, both breeds are excellent with children (in my oppinion from what i’ve seen and when we did research on my yellow lab before getting her and my springer…they are great with kids)
best of luck to you! 
And it’s true, you do need a big yard for both breeds of dogs. They are big dogs and need lots of room for hunting and roaming around in the yard.
When I’mWe have a chocolate lab and she is 12 years old. Lucy is the best thing that came into to our life. She has her own huge pillow that she sleeps on. When I had surgery she laid by the couch the whole time I couldn’t get around. I love her so much! She follows my husband when he mowes the grass. Where ever we are that’s wear she is. When I’m sad she licks the tears off my cheeks when I’m happy her tail is wagging and her eyes are bright. I pray I still have some more years left with her she is so VERY VERY special.
I had to take my old boy Jake for his final visit to the vets last week. I have been utterly devastated since, but i thought writing about him would bring me comfort and closure.
He was the most gorgeous golden Labrador, with a big pink nose. His temperament and personality was unlike any other. He was 14yrs 9mths old and led a fantastic life.
I was 7 years old when he came into my life and I cherished every moment we spent together. He watched me grow up as I watched him grow old.
I know its a cliche that a dog is a mans best friend, but the statement could not be more true in consideration of us two. I feel as though there is a huge void left in my life.
He grew up in a Pub environment and he was a local institution. people used to come from all around just to see him.
He was always a chunky guy, but towards the end of his days had shed a lot of weight but his appetite remained good, which led me to believe there was something wrong. He also had hip-dysplasia and really started to slow-up.
But his wits were still with him even up until his final day, which made the whole scenario a lot worse to deal with. His mind was good but his aging body was struggling to keep up. Many a time i would have to help him up onto his hind legs.
He even got slightly incontinent which i couldn’t bear to see as it had really started to become evident that he was now an old man.
It is a terrible thing having to decide the outcome of somebody’s life and was the hardest decision i have ever had to make. At first i was in denial about his health and it really would have been selfish to keep him going any longer. I just wanted what was in his best interests and hope i mad the right decision.
I am relieved that we decided to do so when we did as to see him deteriorate would not bear thinking about.
I took some photos of the pair of us in a park opposite the vets moments before his appointment. and these i shall cherish them forever.
He slipped away so peacefully on the 4th April 2011. and looked so beautiful as if he was in the most deepest sleep. His ashes were returned to us yesterday in a lovely beechwood casket which perfectly complemented the colour of his coat. He is back with us now and i hope he is in peace now.
I am remembering more and more memories of him as everyday passes, and these alone bring a smile to my face.
My beautiful boy i will love you for ever and shall never forget you. hope you are resting now and shall see you again one day I’m sure, my mate.
JAKE
I’m sorry to all above about your losses. I grew up with a chocolate lab, Daisy, and she was my rock. I was very very ill as a young child and she never left my side. Her loss was devastating, it came the day after my parents announced their divorce. Today I have two labs, a chocolate Moosey, white Karma. They really make my life complete. Moussey has started to develop some joint pain and I’m just hoping that between me, the vet, and Karma that we can keep her strong for years to come.
awww im sorry to hear about jake liam… i aslo have a black labrador named jake he is gorgeous, but recentley he had a fit due to the warm weather which was to much for him to handle as he is an old man now (13)… we rushed him stright to the vets and they said that it is common in labradors as is arthritis…they said that he may never have one again or they will be regular..so they gave us some atibiotics, and i asked them to look in his ears as they hav’nt been checked in a while… it happened to be that he had ear infections in both ears poor boy… so we took him home and he started to have little fits where he like lost his balance and was’nt with it for a while i thought that it must be his ears.. with seeing him loose his sense of balance… so we took him to the vets for a third time the next day, and they gave us some drops… we have been putting them in now for a week and he is so much better..when ill we took him around the steet near our house for a walk thats all he could manage .. but today for the first time in two weeks he has been to the park and he loved it…. bless him i thought we had lost him but he is still with us and i hope that he will be for many more years …. good old labradors xx
Estelle Aversa says:
March 16, 2009 at 3:34 am
My heart is heavy as I type this, I have felt everyone’s pain about their ailing dogs. I too, have a sick chocolate lab named Coco. Her vet thinks it’s a brain tumor…..as do I. She is 12.1 years old. The MRI to confirm this would cost $1,400! We opted for the meds, for seizures. We’ve had Coco since she was 8 weeks old, she is my first pet and I love her as a child. We have all been a mess and are fearful of the future for her. I don’t think I’ll ever have another pet…the heartache of their short life is so devastating. We all know they have short life spans but when their puppies we think the time will last forever. Well, the end is near and I think I’ll need therapy after all is over. I hope and pray she goes in her sleep, but as I read on this site I know the reality. God bless you and your four footed children!
I left this comment almost two yrs. to the day that we put Coco to sleep. As it turned out Coco did not have a brain tumor, as her vet suspected. It was vestibular disease, and she recovered nicely after a couple days! The next two yrs. were tough. She started knuckling on her left back paw. The vet said it was a spinal problem. She started pooping while she was lying down. She would fall in her pee and poop because her legs were weak. Her tail barely wagged anymore and she couldn’t take our daily walks. Sunday, she had a seizure:( All night she panted and was breathing weird. The next morning she could not stand. I could see in her eyes that she was done fighting. So, I made the hardest decision I’ve ever made in her care. I had her euthanized. She was my companion for 14 years, she gave me joy and unconditional love. I will miss sweet face and love her forever.
Liam, I understand your pain. I had the same experience as you with my girl, Coco. She also ate until the end. I was using a belly brace to hold her up to walk in the mornings and some nights. Like Jake, she still had her wits until her last day. She went peacefully and tomorrow we will pick up her ashes from the vet. I can’t wait to have her home again. I don’t think life will ever be the same without my furbaby.
It’s nice to share these stories and know that others are going thru the same emotions and experiences. I’m sorry for your lost, I understand how devastating this is for you.
Thankyou Katie! I hope your Jake remains well for years to come. and am sure has had a brilliant life.
I forgot to mention that we also have a chocolate lab by the name of Macy. She celebrated her 8th birthday yesterday and is also lovely and very affectionate. She misses Jake too. They were great friends and he was all she had ever known. Iv’e noticed grey starting to grow on her face lately, and rightfully so as she is not a baby no more.
They never did have a litter together although i would of loved for them to, not to say that he didnt try! lol.
I miss my boy terribly. I reminisce about him everyday and think about all the joy, laughter and happiness he brought into our lives. He truly was a blessing. I will miss the way his ears used to perk up when I walked into the room and give out a little shout, as if to say ”Hello, Im Here!”.
Little evidence of him around the house still remain. Like his blanket hasn’t yet been touched, food bowl still remains. and his fur is still evident in the cracks on the garden floor. but his memory will live on in my heart forever.
I look at photos of him everyday and even his spirit in them final shots shines through. He never let his handicap get him down even up until the very end. But I guess there comes a time when you have to call it a day!
I watched Marley & Me a few days after Jakes death. I never could watch it when he was still with us. But I wanted to as the emotions of him were still raw. I wanted to see if they perceived the whole euthanasia subject correctly and amazingly it was very similar and just as peaceful.
People who haven’t loved a pet will find it strange how people deal with the passing of a family companion. But its nice to come somewhere and read about people that are going through a similar situation as you.
But when it comes to Labradors i could not recommend and praise them any more than I do. Perfect creatures.
I find writing about him very therapeutic and have written numerous passages about him. But he is in peace now and that is all i wish.
love you my boy