On Thu, 11 Dec 2003 15:57:11 GMT, "EGD"
wrote:


"Johnny" wrote in message
.. .
I've read here and there online that the average lifespan is between
12-14 years.. is that right? I first read 10-12 years and then checked
around more to find the average of 12-14 years. I haven't really payed
attention to my dog's age until reading this.. My parents bought her
from a breeder back in mid 91'.. which i guess would make her about 12
1/2 years old. I pretty much grew up with her (born 85') and for some
reason I always thought dogs live to around 20 years, probably from
something my parents told me when I was young. But anyway, to be
honest I'm really overcome with grief now. I know its the way its jsut
the way it is but my dog has always been active and heathy. Still now
she acts like a puppy, very happy and bright. People get surprised
when I tell them her age. I noticed recently that she groans a bit
once in a while when she lays down. Not always though so do you think
i can rule out any hip problems? I really don't know what i'll do if
she gets sick or develops something. I've grown very attached to her.
She's healthy now.. but what about next year or the year after? Its
unbearable to think about really. Has anyone here had a labrador live
longer than 15 years?

Thanks,

John


To add to that which others have said, I do feel genetics have a great deal
to do with life expectancy.
In my own breed, where life expectancy is usually an average of 7.5 years,
one "line" I had all lived to beyond 11 years and one to 16 which was almost
unheard of in the breed.
My other "line" was known to not have longevity, and sure enough, I lost
them early - yet all were obviously living in the same household, same food
etc.
Knowing a great deal about all dogs in a pedigree can go a long way in
telling one about the probability of long life.
EGD



thanks for the reply. I tracked down the breeders and unfortunately my
dogs mother died at around 12.5 from kidney problems. The father had
to be put down due to an accident. luckily no hip problems in either
of them. I noticed by looking at the pictures of their dogs (they
tooks lots of pictures) that they both seemed a bit overweight... I
try keep my lab as slim as possible as recommended by my vet.. Does
anyone know if kidney problems are hereditary? I think i'll have a
urine analysis on her done just for safety anyway.