Large13.1 yr avg
Labrador Retriever
AKC · Sporting
View breedComparison
Labrador Retriever vs Siberian Husky
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
Large
Siberian Husky
Lifespan11.9 yrrange 11–12
SizeLarge
Weight35–60 lb15.9–27.2 kg
Height20–23.5 in50.8–59.7 cm
Senior at6 yrgeriatric at 10
AKC groupWorking
Energy5/590 min/day
Trainability3/5
Shedding4/5
With kids5/5
With other dogs5/5
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/.
Siberian Husky
- 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/.
- Low 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/.
- Low prevalencetypical onset ~2 yr
Patellar Luxation
Description and veterinary guidance for Patellar Luxation 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 1.2 years longer on average than the Siberian Husky (13.1 vs 11.9 years).
Both are large breeds, so housing footprint and exercise planning read similarly.
Both breeds have similar energy requirements — roughly 90 minutes of daily activity keeps either satisfied.
Labrador Retrievers tend to pick up obedience work faster (5/5 trainability).
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