10 Things to Know Before Getting a Labrador Retriever
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Once you become a Labrador Retriever owner, it becomes obvious why they’ve topped the list of the most popular breeds for an amazing 28 years straight. These friendly, loving, and working dogs are amazing. They are great around children and are truly family members.
My dog Jack (a black lab) was non stop all day, everyday. No matter if it’s raining, snowing or 100 degrees out… He was ready to rock and in this article I want to share with you the 10 Things to Know Before Getting a Labrador Retriever.
On the surface, Labrador Retrievers seem like perfect dogs for anyone and any situation, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth.
The History Of Labrador Retrievers and Origins
The Labrador breed was first brought to Britain from ships during trading between Canada and Poole in Dorsetshire in the 1830s. The Newfoundland region of Canada is where the Labrador Retriever’s earliest roots can be found, just across our northern border.
The Labrador Retriever was eventually developed by being breed with St. John’s water dogs by European settlers in Newfoundland.
What Were Labrador Retrievers Bred To Do?
Following their return to England in the 1800s as duck retrievers, labs were bred by the British as hunting partners.
American Labrador Retrievers V.S English Labrador Retrievers
Many people are unaware, but there are actually two different types of Labrador Retrievers.
The American Labs have longer legs, a longer muzzle, a narrower head, and an athletic, agile build.
While the tails of British Labs are thick and straight, those of American Labs are more likely to be thinner and occasionally curve upward. The coat of the British Lab is typically thicker.
However, there are more distinctions between the two Labs than just height, coat, and shape.
Breeders and breed clubs generally agree that British Labs are calmer, quieter, softer, and less active than American Labs, which are more active, energetic, and driven. (English Labs often still have a lot of energy.)
The American Labrador Retrievers have more energy and drive because they are bred for work and field trials. They are significantly more active and are usually always on the go. This also makes them more common for hunters, farmers, and people who are looking for a more active dog.
You will commonly here American Labrador Retrievers referred to as field or working dogs, while English will be referred to as show dogs.
But without any further ado, let’s breakdown the 10 Things to Know Before Getting a Labrador Retriever.
1. Labs Love To Swim
Labs were actually designed for it! Their webbed feet enable them to swim quickly, and their thick, waterproof coats keep them comfortable even in cold water, like the icy Newfoundland waters where they were first bred in. Their thick tail, which is sometimes referred to as a “otter tail,” serves as a propeller. These characteristics make Labs excellent Dock Diving competitors, hunters, and swimmers!
There coat allows them to flourish in the damp November weather. There waterproof coat allows them to swim , even when we think it is to cold for us humans to swim. This makes labs perfect animals to be in the woods, hunting with the dog owners.
2. They Are Working Dogs
Following their return to England in the 1800s as duck retrievers, labs were bred by the British as hunting partners. They can now work for long periods of time in a variety of environments, including waterfowl hunting and game hunting, and are excellent retrievers. In both the Retriever Field Trials and Retriever Hunting Tests, Labs consistently place highly.
3. They Love To Play Fetch
Like, they LOVE this. They will do this all day. My Jack would play fetch all day and night. This is just in there DNA. They love to retrieve and were bred to do it. This is what also makes them such good hunting partners.
If you’re thinking about getting a Labrador Retriever, be ready to play a lot of fetch everyday.
4. They’re Super Dogs
Seriously, these dog’s are so smart. They can do almost anything you train them to do.
Labrador Retrievers intelligence, desire to please, and hard work make them valuable partners in many different fields. They are among the most popular breeds for work as service dogs, search and rescue operations, bomb and drug detectors, and therapy dogs.
5. They Need A LOT Of Exercise
Labrador Retrievers need a ton of daily exercise. My Jack didn’t care if it was a blizzard, a hurricane or 100 degrees outside, he wanted to be outside playing, walking and hanging outside.
They were created to run, swim, and work. Labs who don’t get enough exercise, such as at least one long walk each day, may develop bad habits. They need to burn this energy and without proper exercise, many times chewing on things around the house or trying to escape the yard be common.
Most labs won’t let you get away without giving them some exercise (they will just go crazy.)
If you have a dog that is doing this, ask yourself: Are they getting enough exercise? If not, this could help drastically in your dog’s behavior.
6. They Are Amazing Family Dogs
Labs have one of the best temperaments of any dog breed, being intelligent, hardworking, kind, loving, playful, and gentle. The American Temperament Test was administered to more than 92% of labs, and they all passed with flying colors.
Given these characteristics, Labs make excellent family pets, offering devoted company to both adults and children.
Most owners of Labs complain about their dogs’ excessive friendliness and enthusiasm. Chewing, jumping up, and running off to greet strangers are significant problems that some families deal with. Fortunately, running away and jumping up can be easily fixed by training from a young age. Furthermore, chewing can be controlled with toys and diversion.
7. Training and Obedience Classes Are Highly Recommended
Labs are easy to train due. They are so smart and the easily learn what is allowed and what isn’t allowed, with proper reinforcement. This is thanks to their history as cooperative working companions.
Treats and food is the most effective motivator for Labradors. Although some dogs will work contentedly just for praise, a Labrador Retriever will always prefer food. The best way to create a close bond and have a well-behaved dog is to use positive reinforcement techniques, which are now used by all of the top dog handlers.
These strong, bouncy dogs have so much energy, proper training and socialization will be needed. Fortunately, due to their eagerness to please and intelligence, dogs and their owners can both enjoy training sessions.
8. Labrador Retrievers Come In Three Colors: Yellow, Black, and Chocolate
Field (or working) Labradors have a different appearance than conformation (or show) dogs.
They are available in three different colors: yellow, black, and chocolate.
But, do these colors actually affect their temperament or personality?
No, it doesn’t matter what color a Labrador’s coat is. Despite the widespread belief that a Lab’s color determines their personality, no research has ever proven this to be true.
No scientific evidence has been found to support the claims that black Labs are the best hunters and yellow Labs are the most lazy of the breed. Each dog is unique, just like every person, and while some breeders focus more on conformity to the breed standard, others develop their stock for its abilities in the field. However, none of these variations are based specifically on the color of the dog.
The color of Labrador Retrievers are sometimes linked to the various different professions and purposes of the dog.
For example, often times you will hear people say the black Labrador’s are associated with gundog and hunting work. The yellow Labrador’s being service and guide dogs for the Blind. The chocolate Labrador mainly being show dogs or home dogs.
The most common color of Labrador is black. With the exception of a permitted small white patch on the chest, they are typically all-black with no other colors, markings, or spots. You are more likely to see black Labs because the black color in Labs is the dominant color gene.
Just remember, there is no difference in the dog’s behavior, personality, temperament, training ability, hunting work or anything for that matter when it comes to the color of the lab. There is no evidence to support the claim that the color of Labrador Retrievers effects them or makes one dog better for specific tasks.
9. They Are Extremely Adaptable Sporting Dogs
Labradors perform exceptionally well in a range of dog sports thanks to their intelligence, obedience, and eagerness to please characteristics. In addition to dock diving and hunting trials, they frequently excel in agility, rally, and obedience.
10. Health Issues Of Labrador Retrievers
Despite having a generally good health, Labradors do have a few health issues that they are more likely to develop than some other breeds, which you can read more about on our info hub.
Fortunately, most of these can be prevented by taking action and staying on top of your dog’s health issues, feeding them appropriately, and taking them to the vet. If you are considering purchasing a Labrador puppy, you should be aware of the following issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Cataracts
- Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease
- Obesity
The not so good stuff:
Labrador Retrievers are a high risk of developing cancer. I have unfortunately had 2 Labrador Retrievers, both who have crossed the rainbow bridge due to cancer. My dog Jake, a yellow lab who my family had when I was a young boy, and Jack, who was my dog who passed away from cancer on his spleen.
The cancer is called Hemangiosarcoma. Although heart/spleen tumors or skin tumors are the most frequent, hemangiosarcoma, an extremely dangerous and quick-growing cancer of the blood vessel walls, can cause tumors anywhere on a dog’s body. German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers are the breeds most prone to it.
How Much Exercise Does Your Labrador Retriever Need?
Labs need a lot of exercise to stay in top physical condition and to keep them from acting out. Unfortunately, they are prone to obesity.
The short answer: at least 60 minutes. The longer answer: Much longer! If of course, they’re up for it. If your dog is healthy and active, shoot for at least 60 minutes a day
I would put the Labrador Retriever ranked #2 for dogs that need the most exercise. I would put the Belgian Mailion #1.
Labrador Retriever FAQ
Are English or American labs more expensive?
They are usually around the same price.
Which type of Labrador is best?
This depends on what kind of dog you’re looking for. Are you looking for a dog that is going to keep you active, who will join you on hikes, who want’s to play all day, who you’ll be taking hunting? If so, then American 10 times out of 10. If you’re looking for a more laid back lab, then English would be recommended. (They are still very active, but not as active compared to American Labs.)
What is the lifespan of an Labs?
Lifespan of Labradors have an average life expectancy of between 10 and 12 years.
How smart is a Labrador?
Poodles, Retrievers, Border Collies and Shepherds are generally the most intelligent canines and can learn up to 250 different words, signs, and signals. The most intelligent dogs, according to him, will instantly obey commands 95% of the time and will comprehend new commands in five repetitions or less.
Do Labradors choose one person?
Yes, they are slightly more sentimental toward a single person. Usually, but not always, that favorite person serves as the “pack’s” primary caregiver or leader.
Most owners are usually not even aware that their Lab has a strong preference for one particular individual. There is plenty of love and affection to go around, which is one of the charms of Labrador Retrievers. They should never feel excluded or less loved as long as each family member spends quality time with their pet.
You should not worry to much about this, and there really is no need to be concerned.
Conclusion
Labrador Retrievers are truly incredible dogs. They’re loving, energetic, full of life and extremely loyal companions.
As someone who has had Labrador Retriever there whole life, I can not recommend these dogs more to anyone looking for a dog to join there family, active lifestyle, or become a hunting partner.
These Labrador Retriever are incredible smart and can do anything you teach them to.
As always, Jacktra is committed to teaching, showing and making an impact to millions of dogs lives. Make sure to keep using Jacktra, to help make an impact and as always, take advantage of every day with your dog!
