Large13.1 yr avg
Labrador Retriever
AKC · Sporting
View breedComparison
Labrador Retriever vs Rottweiler
Side-by-side comparison from peer-reviewed sources. Lifespan and health figures draw on Royal Veterinary College VetCompass and AKC breed data.
At a glance
Side-by-side
The numbers that most change day-to-day care. A citrus border marks a meaningful advantage.
Large
Labrador Retriever
Lifespan13.1 yrrange 13–14
SizeLarge
Weight55–80 lb24.9–36.3 kg
Height21.5–24.5 in54.6–62.2 cm
Senior at6 yrgeriatric at 10
AKC groupSporting
Energy5/590 min/day
Trainability5/5
Shedding4/5
With kids5/5
With other dogs5/5
Giant
Rottweiler
Lifespan10.6 yrrange 10–11
SizeGiant
Weight80–135 lb36.3–61.2 kg
Height22–27 in55.9–68.6 cm
Senior at5 yrgeriatric at 8
AKC groupWorking
Energy3/545 min/day
Trainability5/5
Shedding3/5
With kids3/5
With other dogs3/5
Health
Common health issues
Top 3 prevalence-ranked conditions for each breed. See each breed's full health profile for screening schedules and source data.
Labrador Retriever
- Moderatetypical onset ~2 yr
Elbow Dysplasia
Description and veterinary guidance for Elbow Dysplasia land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
- Low prevalencetypical onset ~7 yr
Cataracts
Description and veterinary guidance for Cataracts land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
- Low prevalencetypical onset ~1 yr
Congenital Cardiac Defect
Description and veterinary guidance for Congenital Cardiac Defect land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
Rottweiler
- High prevalencetypical onset ~2 yr
Elbow Dysplasia
Description and veterinary guidance for Elbow Dysplasia land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
- Moderatetypical onset ~7 yr
Cataracts
Description and veterinary guidance for Cataracts land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
- Moderatetypical onset ~2 yr
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Description and veterinary guidance for Osteochondritis Dissecans land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
Synthesis
Which is right for you?
The Labrador Retriever tends to live about 2.5 years longer on average than the Rottweiler (13.1 vs 10.6 years).
The Labrador Retriever is large while the Rottweiler is giant — a modest difference in day-to-day care.
Energy levels differ significantly. Labrador Retrievers need substantially more daily exercise than Rottweilers — plan for 90+ active minutes per day with the Labrador Retriever.
Labrador Retrievers rate higher for household-with-kids compatibility (5/5).
Rottweilers carry a heavier breed-specific health burden (1 high-prevalence conditions vs 0 for the Labrador Retriever). Budget for screening accordingly.
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