In 2023, the American Kennel Club released the previous year’s registration statistics, confirming the Lab’s unrivaled popularity for the 31st consecutive year. Labs are popular for several reasons, including a friendly, outgoing temperament.

1. I M P O R T A N T
I N F O R M A T I O N
A B O U T
R U N N I N G
W I T H Y O U R
L A B R A D O R
R E T R I E V E R

2. In 2023, the American Kennel Club released the previous year’s
registration statistics, confirming the Lab’s unrivaled popularity for
the 31st consecutive year. Labs are popular for several reasons,
including a friendly, outgoing temperament. Most Labs require about
80 minutes of intensive exercise every day, though some individuals
may require more. Before establishing an exercise routine for a Lab,
there are a few things pet parents should know.

3. Owners can start running with
their labs around 10 months old,
though it should be limited to five
to 10 minutes bursts. A similar
approach should be taken with
older labs, though discussing
exercise and physical activity for
senior dogs should be handled on
a case by case basis alongside the
dog’s veterinarian.

4. There are also physical conditions specific to the Labrador Retriever.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are not uncommon and issues with obesity
can make running difficult. Labs are also prone to developing
osteochondritis, a disorder that impacts bone cartilage at the joints.
Lab owners must be vigilant for signs of these conditions and consult
with veterinary professionals on the most prudent course of
treatment.
Once a Lab has been medically cleared for exercise, individuals can
start preparing for their run. An effective leash is arguably the most
important piece of equipment a person will use during a run. Most
public parks and hiking trails in America require owners to have dogs
on leashes at all times.

5. Individuals should use a standard leash as opposed to an extendable
or extra long lead, as the short length provides added control for the
person. Labs with docile temperaments may do well with normal
leashes, while more excitable individuals might require runner-
friendly dog leashes, which are made with bungee-style straps and
other flexible materials.
A pet parent taking a calm or older Lab on a short walk might do well
with a standard collar. Individuals going for long runs with a young,
excited Lab should discuss harnesses and robust collar options with a
trusted veterinary professional.

6. Like many canine health topics,
individuals will need to evaluate
their specific pet in order to get an
idea of their needs and physical
limitations. That said, it is advisable
to start with three runs per week
that last 15 to 20 minutes.
Individuals can extend runs by
about five minutes each week. The
upper limit for a run with a lab is
simply how long the dog remains
interested enough and physically
able to continue.

7. There are factors that can influence how
long a dog should be active outdoors,
including the temperature. Dogs absorb
and release heat through the pads of their
paws, meaning paved ground can quickly
become too hot even on a fairly temperate
day. For pet parents who live in warmer
parts of the US, this might mean taking
runs very early in the morning or after the
sun has set during the summer months. If
the temperature is above 80 degrees
Fahrenheit or if conditions are extremely
humid, individuals should avoid running
with their dogs altogether.