When comparing Field vs Bench Labradors on health is there much difference in health? All things equal Food quality, Vet care, exercise, breeding/genetic screening...is there much difference in health and lifespan?
Hi @DogLuber33 Differential longevity is not even raised in a comparison of field and show Labs https://www.thelabradorsite.com/types-of-labrador/ Look for longevity of the grandparents and great grandparents of a specific dog if longevity is an issue. Of course, keep the dog's weight under control.
I have read that website and a few others but I was hoping to get some first hand experience from owners of both types on this forum. Thanks for the idea about the grandparents.
I'm not aware of any research, but obesity is a contributing factor when it comes to many canine health diseases - including cancer and joint disease. And bench or show labs are far more predisposed to obesity than field bred labs. This is not just about them being fed more, it's also about a gene for obesity...
