The Labrador Retriever is iconic. Even people who don’t own dogs can recognize this famous breed. It’s been recognized as the #1 most popular breed in America by the AKC for the last 29 years!
Originally bred for hauling in fishing nets and fetching ropes in Newfoundland, these dogs are now commonly used as hunting dogs and frequently excel as competition dogs, especially in obedience competitions. These dogs are incredibly easy to train and have a reputation as being sweet natured and very intelligent. These traits have lead them to become wonderful therapy dogs and assistance dogs for those with disabilities.
Make no mistake, these are very athletic dogs who still have a strong drive to work. They need between 30 and 60 minutes of intense exercise per day or they can become destructive. Chewing and barking are common behavior problems with this breed.
Also, these dogs are so often thought to be automatically great that some people feel that they don’t have to bother with training. But these dogs are large and highly energetic and will need some time put into training to instill good manners or they can become unmanageable in their overexcitement. Don’t worry too much though, these dogs are enthusiastic about learning and are one of the easiest breeds to train. Training also provides great mental stimulation for this intelligent breed.
These dogs are very social and thrive when in the constant presence of their families. They need social interaction and don’t do well when left alone for large periods of time. These are family dogs that do well with all members of the household, including children and other dogs. They will form strong bonds with their families, but are unlikely to fill the role of watchdog very well. There’s a common joke that they are more likely to greet intruders and give them a tour of the home.
They can be mouthy and are happiest when they have something to carry around in their mouth. It’s important to provide them with many appropriate and durable toys that they can carry and chew to prevent them from chewing other things, like your couch.
This breed is a medium-sized dog, weighing between 50 and 80 lbs. They come in three colors: yellow, black, and chocolate. There are also "rare" colors that are just variants of the yellow coat color. They are double coated, meaning they have a sleek outer coat with a thick, insulating undercoat. While they don’t need frequent bathing, their undercoat tends to produce a lot of shedding, especially during the spring and fall. Frequent brushing during these times will minimize the amount of shedding. Their chewing tendency means you’ll need to monitor what they put in their mouths as they can end up with broken teeth.
Overall, with the right training and exercise, these dogs make amazing family pets. They will always be a loyal and loving companion who wants nothing more than to spend time with you and play endless amounts of fetch.
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