My cousin had a Golden Lab who really was just that — a Golden/Lab mix. His name was Noodles and he was a wonderful dog. He had a coat that was longer than a Lab, but shorter than a Golden — just a little fluffy. Unfortunately, he died of cancer, suddenly. The kids noticed a lump on his chest when they were petting him, and he had only days to live.
It’s so sad that our big dogs live such short lives.
Goldens — 10-15 years
Labs — 10-15 years
Great Danes — 8 years
Bernise Mtn. dogs — 8 years
GSD — 10-12 yrs.
Rotties — 8 yrs.
My previous Goolden died at 15 1/2, and I’ve known one who lived to 16. My current Golden is approaching 10, and I’ve just noticed that he has developed some stiffness to one hind leg when he gets up from a nap. Just developed this week, and I’m hoping it is temporary. I just don’t know what I’d do if I lost him. He’s the perfect dog.
Yes, big dogs especially, die too young. My oldest so far was 13.