DogExpress
Are you planning to own a Labrador retriever? It would be really great to know everything about this dog breed before you make any decision.
These dogs are easygoing, friendly, and very energetic. Here, you will find several reasons why Labrador retrievers are one of the best dogs for first-time owners.
They are America’s favorite dogs and are counted on the top in the list of most popular dog breeds around the world. They are a family-friendly and tolerant breed that loves to be comfortable on the couch as much as they act around with their endless energy.
They have a misleading name because they do not belong to Labrador but hail from Newfoundland. English nobles brought this dog breed to the United Kingdom in the 19th century and set about humanizing and normalizing them.
In addition to these points, this dog breed can be one of the best pets for active families who are always ready to spend quality time with their pets and even build plans during the working day.
Despite their good nature, these dogs can be pretty bouncy and can knock over small kids. But, when they get proper training and environment, they can become excellent pets.
Just continue reading to learn more about this amazing dog breed.
Labrador Retriever Quick Stats
- They are quite popular in the top 10 dog breeds in the United States.
- They serve a sporting purpose.
- The weight of these dogs ranges from 55 to 80 pounds.
- They have friendly, active, and intelligent temperaments.
This dog breed has earned a well-reputed position as one of the best dogs for first-time owners for years. From its rich history as one of the preferred working buddies to finding its fantastic place in the hearts of millions of people around the world, this dog has the ability to make friends wherever he goes.
Let’s know everything else about Labrador Retriever.
They love the water
We can also say that these dogs are made for it. They have a thick tail that is used as a great rudder, while their webbed feet help them in fast swimming.
Don’t forget their thick waterproof coat that works great in keeping them happy even when they swim in cold water. All of these qualities are enough to make them great competitors in dock diving hearings.
They are hunting dogs
These dogs had started their life as duck retrievers, and when they got back to the United Kingdom in the 18th century, the British people bred them as game-hunting mates. Today, they are excelled in a variety of settings and serve as excellent retrievers.
These include waterfowl hunting, game hunting, and others, usually for many hours at once. You can also find these dogs work excellently in retriever field hearings.
They have high energy levels
These dogs are quite popular for their running, swimming, and working abilities. You must also know that if a Labrador retriever does not get adequate exercise or the required activities, including a long walk every day, he may end up with destructive behaviors, such as chewing on objects or escaping the yard.
Puppy training and obedience sessions are essential
As you have already learned about their strong characteristics and high energy levels, so it is important to give them proper training and socialization. Fortunately, due to their intelligent nature, these training classes can be great fun for both – a dog and its owner.
They are bred for versatile sporting dogs
Their qualities, such as intelligence, obedience, and zeal to please, make these dogs do their best at a variety of dog sports and events. In addition to showing their Excellency in dock diving and hunting trials, these dogs also work great in agility, rally, and obedience.
Their color does not indicate their character
Some people believe that yellow Labrador retrievers are the laziest dogs among others of the breed. Some claim that black labs are great hunters. But, the fact is that not a single claim is supported by an expert or study. Just like humans, each dog is also different.
When it comes to labs, some breeders develop plenty of skills in their owned dogs, while some focus on the conformation to the breed standard. But, to your knowledge, not even a single difference depends directly on the dog’s color.
They need plenty of exercises
When we talk about lab training, it is not just confined to teaching them new skills; rather, it also consists of great sources of exercise.
These dogs need lots of physical and mental stimulation as it helps in keeping them happy and also makes them stay healthy. It means they need exercise every day as it also helps in avoiding making them overweight.
Possible health problems in Labs
Though these dogs are relatively healthy, they tend to suffer from certain health problems more than other breeds. Luckily, these problems can be avoided or reduced with proper care and some health tests.
If you are thinking of owning a Labrador retriever, you need to be aware of these health conditions. These include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, cranial cruciate ligament disease, and obesity.
They need general care and grooming
Like other dog breeds, these dogs also require a balanced diet and lots of love and care to stay healthy and live a happy life. If you own a lab, make sure to spend adequate time on the grooming.
These dogs are prolific shedders, so it becomes important to brush them regularly and also follow a regular cleaning routine. These acts will help you to see your dog always happy and healthy.
You can opt for popular breed mixes
If you are not sure whether a Labrador is the perfect dog for you or not, you can consider this breed mix. These include the American Bulldog lab mix, Australian Shepherd lab mix, Basset Hound lab mix, Beagle lab mix, and Border Collie lab mix. Make sure to know everything about these lab mixes before making your decision.
Final Words
Here is good news for pet lovers with a cat, labs are often good at cats. It means you can keep your cat with Lab if they are introduced carefully and brought up together in the company of each other.
If you are thinking of owning a dog, Labs serves as one of the best dogs for first-time owners as they are easy to train and are friendly to other dogs and people.
in Chandigarh, India. 
