Are you planning to get into a marathon with your Labrador Retriever? Then “how fast can a Labrador run?” may be a question that has kept running in your mind.
Continue reading to learn how fast can a Labrador run and other matters relating to your Lab’s running abilities.
Are Labrador Retrievers good running companions?
As a gun dog breed with a colorful history, Labs are physically trained to be fit and strong.
Consequently, as long as your Labrador Retrievers are in good health, you can expect that they can keep up with you when it comes to running.
The fact that most of them can grow up to 21.5-24.5 inches (depending on sex) and are known for their high energy levels also helps them become an athletic breed.
Can my Lab run fast?
Not many people are aware of this, but Labradors have a surprising turn of speed.
As a matter of fact, Labrador Retrievers have an average running speed of 14-18 mph. They can also sprint with an astonishing burst of speed at around 35 mph.
Their incredible body mass and composition enable them to play and run pretty quickly.
It should be noted, though, that how fast can a Labrador run will also depend on factors such as your dog’s health and weight.
Are Labs long-distance runners?
As a gun dog breed that bred to be working dogs in the shooting field, Labrador Retrievers have the endurance and stamina to run long distances.
In fact, with muscular bodies, they have the endurance and agility to run the whole day.
How far and how fast can a Labrador can run is dependent on a number of factors, including:
1) Age
When our canine companions’ age, chances are high that they will run at a slower pace.
Dogs reach their senior years at the age of seven. It is a natural part of their ageing for them to walk and run slower, as there can be health concerns, such as having stiff joints.
In contrast, Lab puppies cannot run fast. It is necessary to wait until a puppy is around 10 months old before training them to run fast.
During the earlier puppy stage, their body and legs have not developed enough yet for them to run, as they are still ungainly.
2) Fitness level
How far and how fast a Labrador can run is dictated by your dog’s fitness level.
For instance, if your Labrador Retriever is obese, it will be difficult for them to run fast.
For these canines to run fast speeds, you need to train them to increase their skills and stamina.
Just as with humans, Labs that exercise regularly will likely develop their running skills. They can also become more fit if they get to run often.
3) Size
Aside from the factors we have mentioned above, how fast can a Labrador Retriever run also relies on a couple of components in their stride.
These components include the length of their single-step cycle and the frequency of their steps.
This generally means that larger Labs will be able to take fewer and longer strides than the smaller ones.
4) Weather conditions
Though Labradors can withstand cold weather conditions, strong rains, and the summer heat, their speed will change accordingly.
How fast can a Labrador run will depend, for example, on the terrain, the cold, the heat, and wind, among other factors.
5) Energy level
A run during the early morning hours after a good night’s rest may make your pet Labrador run faster.
During the day, a dog’s energy level varies because they might be full, hungry, or sleepy.
If it is late afternoon, if the dog is not tired, it might still be able to run fast.
Before taking your dog for a run, make sure that the weather conditions are tolerable as canines do suffer from heatstroke and may also be adversely affected by the cold.
It is also a good idea to keep the other factors in mind so that your dog will be able to perform well and enjoy themselves.
Tips to prepare your Labrador Retriever to run
If you want to ensure a safe and enjoyable running experience for your Labrador, and at the same time, make them perform at their utmost best, below are some tips to help prepare your Lab for running:
1) Health check
It is a must to take your dog to the vet regularly. If you are in doubt about your pet’s capability to run, it is best to first consult the veterinarian.
Keep in mind that a healthy dog has the capacity and capability to go on a run.
2) In stages
Our canine friends have to build up their running skills gradually. It takes training and practice to make a Labrador run fast.
To make your canine companion fit, it has to done in stages by adding a mile to the run after a few days.
Making your pet run long distances right away might make the dog feel the strain, so make sure to gradually increase the distance that they run.
3) Sprinting
Labradors are capable of fast bursts of speeds when sprinting, and to make them do so is good training for fast, long-distance running.
It is possible to make them run after a ball or a frisbee to add a challenge when preparing them for running long distances.
4) Grooming
Dogs that have long nails will find it more difficult to run. Though a pavement may work to file their nails, it is not an ideal thing to let their nails be if you want to know how fast can Labrador run.
Keep their nails short and make sure that they feel refreshed before and after the run.
5) Hydration
Dogs suffer from dehydration. Before taking them for a run, make sure to bring along their water bottle.
It is also a good idea to bring along hydration salts for mixing into their water, just in case your Labrador is dehydrated, panting too heavily, suffering from the heat, or exhausted.
To conclude
Their speed, background as field dogs, and energetic attributes make Labs great for running.
However, there are a lot of factors that can affect how fast can a Labrador run.
Refer to the suggestions above if you are looking to prepare your Labrador Retriever for running.
