Got an 8-year-old lab that has done everything I've asked him to do. Great pal. Good hunter. Lots of drive. I know he will go as long as I will let him. But... I've got to wondering how long he can go in sometimes very harsh conditions (ice and cold). I am thinking he can probably go as long as age 10, which would give me two more seasons in the duck blind (he'll go longer for pheasants, I'd guess). What do y'all think? Is freezing water and ice for a 10-year-old too much? When might you retire your faithful pal?

I hunted mine until 10. It got to the point where the recovery was too much to justify hunting her. After 1 day out she would spend several days barely able to walk.

Depends a lot on the dog but 10 is pushing it in the cold weather. if its just one day a week ya but not 2-3 days in a row.

kinda like tinman said. you just gotta know your dog and be able to tell when it's whipped.

My dog Trigger hunted pheasants at 13 (he could go for about 40 min at a time). My dog Brandy hunted ducks at 12.

Both Black Labs. They were both in great shape their whole lives. I had to put them both to sleep in 2014...tough year.

I'm in the same place Charlie. My female is 7 and I am going to start a new dog after next year. Her dad is 12 and some days he runs around pretty good but and I use him to pick up a few doves but don't subject him to the mud and vegetation down here anymore. I think the size of the dog would play a major role as would their physical condition.

Around ten mine started showing his age. He never lost his drive but his hips/back just wouldn't let him go like he wanted to. It is hard to leave them at home when they want to go so badly.

Mine is 11. Closed out the season with 14 days straight. Hunts hard but shows a little limp. Last year on pheasant he was a little slow. Plan to hunt two dogs next season as much as I can. 1 year old in training now to do the heavy lifting with the old man for an easy one or two. Can't bring myself to leave him home while he still has it in him.

Mine is 12 and did some moderate hunting this year. She still gets around like she is two years younger. Even my vet is amazed at how she gets around for her age. I will lighten the load on her this year and just send her for the easy ones.

One of snapper's last retrieves this season.

charlieboy, he is in good shape. Takes Glucosamine every day. I have not let him jump out of my truck in a few years and he gets a few retrieves just about every day. He has never been overweight (read no treats or table food). Mostly he is crazy for a fetch.

msm, good pics. thanks for sharing.

over - keeping them in shape helps. easier to keep 'em in shape than get 'em in shape.