Which lives longer, the German Shepherd Dog or the Labrador Retriever?

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

Which is healthier, the German Shepherd Dog or the Labrador Retriever?

On the Breed Health Score the German Shepherd Dog scores 59/100 and the Labrador Retriever scores 79/100. The Labrador Retriever scores higher.

German Shepherd Dog vs Labrador Retriever

The German Shepherd Dog has a median lifespan of 11.3 years and a Breed Health Score of 59/100 (grade C); 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.

German Shepherd Dog

59grade C

Labrador Retriever

79grade A

Median lifespan

11.3 yr

13.1 yr

Size

large · 22-40 kg

large · 25-36 kg

Flat-faced

Longevity

Conformation

100

Hereditary burden

Health Score

59C

79A

Conditions

Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Degenerative myelopathy Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency GDV (bloat)

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.