Which lives longer, the Boxer or the Labrador Retriever?

The Labrador Retriever has the longer median lifespan: Boxer 11.3 years versus Labrador Retriever 13.1 years (McMillan 2024).

Which is healthier, the Boxer or the Labrador Retriever?

On the Breed Health Score the Boxer scores 47/100 and the Labrador Retriever scores 79/100. The Labrador Retriever scores higher.

Boxer vs Labrador Retriever

The Boxer has a median lifespan of 11.3 years and a Breed Health Score of 47/100 (grade D); the Labrador Retriever lives a median of 13.1 years with a score of 79/100 (grade A). On the overall index the Labrador Retriever scores higher. The Labrador Retriever has the longer median lifespan.

Boxer

47grade D

Labrador Retriever

79grade A

Median lifespan

11.3 yr

13.1 yr

Size

large · 25-32 kg

large · 25-36 kg

Flat-faced

Yes

Longevity

Conformation

100

Hereditary burden

Health Score

47D

79A

Conditions

ARVC (cardiomyopathy)Aortic stenosis Mast cell tumours BOAS Degenerative myelopathy

Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Obesity Osteoarthritis Exercise-induced collapse

Full profiles

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How to read this. The Breed Health Score combines longevity (65%), conformation (20%) and hereditary burden (15%); see the methodology. Median lifespan is from McMillan, K.M. et al. (2024) "Longevity of companion dog breeds", Scientific Reports (584,734 UK dogs). Data CC-BY 4.0. These are independent estimates for comparing breeds, not veterinary advice. Build your own with the interactive compare tool.