In VetCompass data on 33,320 UK Labradors, ear infections (otitis externa) were the most commonly recorded disorder, with overweight and joint disease also frequent. Chocolate Labs had more ear-infection and skin hot-spot records than black or yellow Labs in that study. Answer page →
The best data on what Labs get sick with comes from VetCompass. Researchers there analyzed the anonymized veterinary records of 33,320 UK Labradors (McGreevy et al., 2018). Its top findings line up with what US vets report: ears, weight, joints and skin dominate.
*Cost level is our relative scale: $ under a few hundred dollars, $$ hundreds to low thousands, $$$ several thousand. See the vet cost guide for published estimates.
What this means for owners
Weight is the biggest lever. Extra weight feeds into arthritis, ligament tears and a shorter life. Measure meals with our calorie calculator.
Ears and skin are the most common nuisance, especially for chocolates. Dry the ears after every swim.
Orthopedic surgery is the big financial risk. A cruciate repair or hip surgery can run into the thousands. That’s the main reason many Lab owners insure while the dog is young.
Many inherited conditions can be screened before you buy. Ask for OFA hips, elbows and eyes plus DNA results (what health tests to ask breeders for).
Teeth and chewing
Dental disease is common in dogs as they age, and hard chews can fracture teeth. Use the AAHA thumbnail test and VOHC-accepted dental chews; our guide to safe chews and bones for Labs explains both.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common health problem in Labs?
In the VetCompass study of 33,320 UK Labs, ear infections (otitis externa) were the most commonly recorded disorder.
Are chocolate Labs less healthy than other Labs?
They had more ear infections and skin hot spots and a shorter median lifespan in the VetCompass data, likely linked to breeding practices.
Best Pet Insurance for Labrador Retrievers Best pet insurance for Labs: how Trupanion, Embrace, Lemonade and Fetch handle a Lab's big risks, and the policy clauses to check.
Health Tests Every Lab Breeder Should Show You The OFA/CHIC health clearances for Labradors (hips, elbows, eyes, EIC) plus recommended DNA tests (CNM, PRA-prcd, HNPK, SD2, DM) and how to verify them.
How Long Do Chocolate Labs Live? A UK study of 33,000+ Labs found chocolates lived a median 10.7 years vs 12.1 for black and yellow. What explains the gap and what extends a Lab's life.
Chocolate Lab Size, Weight and Appearance How big chocolate Labs get: AKC breed-standard height and weight for males and females, coat and color shades, and show vs field build differences.
