Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and for a good reason. They are incredibly intelligent, loyal, and energetic - and they never seem to run out of love to give! But before you adopt or buy your new best friend, there is much to know about this breed. In addition, their mischievous nature can surprise and catch you off-guard sometimes. Check out Labrador temperament aspects in the following blog post before adding a Labrador Retriever pup to your family.
History of the Labrador
The Labrador Retriever breed originated in Newfoundland and was bred to help fishermen by retrieving items that fell into the water, like lines and fishnets. They were also used as sentry dogs to guard property. The breed has grown in popularity for its loving nature and gentle disposition and has been topping the list of most popular dog breeds.
They are commonly kept as family companions, guides, service, and hunting dogs. They have even been used as a canine mine detector by police forces.
Labrador Retrievers have a life expectancy of 10-13 years. They typically weigh 65-80 pounds (29 or 35 kg), with the females weighing slightly less than the males. Labradors are considered "medium" when fully grown but can grow quite large.
Their coats are short, dense and water-resistant – remember they were used by fishermen? They come in standard approved kennel colours like liver, yellow, chocolate and black. They should only need moderate grooming with weekly brushings - but their coats shed seasonally, so you may want to invest in a quality pet hair vacuum cleaner if they join your household.
Be aware of the otterlike tail. It's been known to be wagging at over-average speeds. Say goodbye to the vases in your house or keep them out of reach. Again, we recommend above adult head height.
The below numbers show the unbroken faithfulness of the British people towards the Labrador Retriever. In Q2 2022, 12,226 Labs have been registered with UK Kennel Club.
Q1 2021 | Q2 2021 | Q3 2021 | Q4 2021 | 2021 total | Q1 2022 | Q2 2022 |
13,562 | 13,975 | 19,381 | 14,641 | 61,559 | 10,261 | 12,226 |
Source: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/media/2402/quarterly-breed-stats-gundogs.pdf October 2022
What is it like to live with a Labrador?
Labrador Retrievers make excellent pets because they are intelligent and eager to please. They do well with children as long as they treat them gently - but their playful nature can translate into a rambunctious playmate for your little ones! Since Labs love to run, chase and swim, expect them to need daily exercise. On walks, you will notice that they usually go for the most giant sticks they find on the road. Oversized things are fun. We have some huge oversized ropes that you can shop here.
These dogs have so much energy, and they were made to work. Exercise is a must. They are also prone to obesity if they're not given enough exercise, so be mindful of their diet. Owners often joke about how they have three stomachs: One for food, one for treats and one for smelly things they find on walks. This also means they can smell a sausage from 250 miles away.
Labs tend to be very social dogs and love spending time with their family. They can be pretty vocal when they want something (or are just excited!), but they are usually very gentle and loving. Like all dogs, Labs require obedience training when young - but they are typically relatively easy to train.
Labrador Retrievers are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a friendly, intelligent and loving dog. They make great family pets and are perfect for people who enjoy outdoor activities. However, before you bring your new friend home, be sure to do your research on the breed to ensure they are a good match for your lifestyle.
Lab characteristics in a nutshell
Affectionate and loyal
Can get easily bored
Awesome swimmers
Can be pully on the lead, so need early training and patience
Family pets
Potential diseases in the Labrador Retriever breed
Some potential health concerns associated with the Labrador Retriever breed include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye problems (such as progressive retinal atrophy), and heart disease.
Make sure you're aware of the costs and prepared to carry those for the lifetime of a lab.
All potential dog owners should research the breed they are interested in before bringing a dog into their home to ensure they are prepared for any potential health issues, especially the financial impacts of health issues.
Many dog owners are unaware of the danger in some pet toys and accessories that can worsen health issues when they innocently buy cheap products from the Far East. For example, avoid synthetic rubber play things like chew bones or tug o' war ropes from polyester; polyester collars could cause skin irritation while nylon leads absorb your pup's skin over time! It's just the way microplastics behave. Instead, swap those harmful materials with our eco-friendly pet products from hemp here at Hooman's Friend.
What else Labrador Retrievers should not be left alone in your backyard without supervision. Their excitable nature and tendency toward curiosity can result in them getting into trouble if you're not watching out! They can jump or climb fences easily (particularly if they smell food around) and will often try to escape for an adventure if given the opportunity.
Be sure to have a good fence around your yard and plenty of toys and activities to keep them amused while you're away. Labs are not low-maintenance dogs, but they are well worth the effort!
To learn more about other dog breeds, check related articles or sign up for our newsletter here. This will also trigger a code for 15% off your first order of our eco-friendly pet products. We are working hard to add all dog breeds as soon as possible to have a whole extensive library!
Fun facts
Fun facts about the Labrador are that they have webbed paws, making them excellent swimmers. The webbed feet also help keep snow from collecting between their toes. They are an allrounder canine and the most commonly used dog breed for guide dogs.
Owners voices
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Breed box
Size | Medium to Large |
|---|---|
Dog Size | 56-57cm |
Dog Weight | 30-34kg |
Bitch Size | 53-56cm |
Bitch Weight | 27-29kg |
Grooming | Easy |
Feeding Need | Medium |
Tendency to drool | Low |
Energy level | Demanding |
Tendency to bark | Low |
Tendency to dig | Low |
Attention need | Medium |