Bumped into a guy today who I used to see walking his three Labs. The oldest, a male, was a beautiful black strong and energetic Lab. About two years ago I saw he was limping on his front leg - arthritic elbow. The guy didn't say it in so many words when I saw him this morning and asked after his older boy, but guessing he had to make the ultimate decision. He said he was 17!!!!! So, that means that up till 15, he was in perfect health. He looked and acted like a 6-year-old. The two remaining dogs are the older one's offspring. In excellent health. Such a pleasure to see Labradors with such good genes.
Our first Lab, Ginger made it to 16 and was quite active until 15. Tilly is 11 and still doing well, but she doesn't run any more, only trots. I think Cooper keeps her more active than she would be otherwise.
Wow! That's a fantastic age for a lab! Max is only 3 and he's already like an old man! Not like in his younger days when he had to run everywhere full speed, definitely enjoys the slower paced life
It's a great age. My friends had a Lab x Doberman who lived to 22. He was a bit creaky towards the end, and deaf, but still ran around like a puppy on his walks
My lovely Boogie (who I name myself after) lived to a happy, healthy 19 - just a few weeks short of 20.
What a great age, he must have been very fit and healthy. There was a Golden Retriever (failed Guide Dog) in our village who lived to be 18 years old, he was gorgeous. Again, very well looked after, fit and healthy. x
