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Labrador Retrievers: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Labrador Retriever temperament, personality, and behavior. Labrador Retriever Main Page » Labrador Retrievers: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em Labrador Retriever FAQ Labrador Retriever Health Labrador Retriever Training Buying or Adopting a Labrador Retriever Links My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the Labrador Retriever, including these excerpts: "The Labrador Retriever is one terrific family dog -- given enough vigorous exercise (jogging, biking, hiking, swimming, fetching) and not just a walk around the block once a day. He is kindly, good-natured, and tractable and takes most things in stride, but too much confinement and not enough companionship can lead to rambunctiousness and destructive chewing. Most Labrador Retrievers are friendly with everyone and everything, though compared to Golden Retrievers, Labs tend to be more conservative. Also more independent -- though quite biddable and responsive to obedience training, Labrador Retrievers can have a noticeable stubborn streak. Some have necks like bulls and barely notice tugs on the leash. You must control his tendency to chew on objects and to mouth your hands - provide a box filled with toys that he can choose from to carry around in his mouth. A Labrador Retriever remains a spirited teenager for several years, requiring patience and training to manage." History His name to the contrary, he originated in the Canadian province of Newfoundland as a hunting dog who retrieved shot ducks from the water. Labrador Retrievers are sharply divided between field and show types. Show dogs are heavy and blocky, while the field type is lighter-boned, much more agile and athletic, and in my opinion, far more natural-looking. Size 21-25 inches and 50-80 lbs

Labrador Retrievers What's good about 'em What's bad about 'em If you want a dog who... Is large and bouncy, with an enthusiastic attitude toward life Has a short easy-care coat in your choice of three colors Has a cheerful, tail-wagging nature Thrives on vigorous exercise and athletic activities Is steady-tempered and dependable with everyone Is peaceful with other animals Is eager to please and very responsive to training A Labrador Retriever may be right for you. If you don't want to deal with... A careful search to avoid all the neurotic Labradors Vigorous exercise requirements Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young or not exercised enough "Separation anxiety" (destructiveness and barking) when left alone too much Mouthiness -- carrying and chewing objects, mouthing your hands Shedding A multitude of serious health problems A Labrador Retriever may not be right for you. If I were considering a Labrador Retriever... My major concerns would be: Unstable temperaments. Labrador Retrievers used to be one of the safest breeds you could buy, but sadly, this is no longer the case. Obedience instructors and behavioral consultants are seeing more and more Labrador Retrievers who are neurotic, hyperactive, or dominant/aggressive. It's the unfortunate result of popularity that the typically glorious Labrador Retriever temperament can no longer be taken for granted. Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Labrador Retrievers MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by becoming destructive. Bored Labradors can make a shambles of your house and yard. If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or biking or swimming, or to get involved in agility (obstacle course), or advanced obedience, or tracking, or a similar canine activity, I do not recommend this breed. Bounciness. Young Labrador Retrievers (up to about three years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people. If you have small children, or if you or anyone who lives with you is elderly or infirm, I do not recommend Labrador Retriever puppies. The temptation to play roughly is simply too great with many young Labrador Retrievers. Separation anxiety. More than most other breeds, Labrador Retrievers need a great deal of companionship and do not like being left alone for more than a few hours. They tend to express their unhappiness through destructive chewing and barking. If you work all day, this is not the breed for you. Shedding and doggy odor. For such a shorthaired dog, Labrador Retrievers shed more than you might think. Their hairs come off on your hands when you pet them, and stick tenaciously to your clothing, upholstery, and carpeting. Be prepared for vacuuming. Serious health problems. From joint and bone problems, to eye diseases, to heart disease, to cancer, Labrador Retrievers are risky in the health department. To keep this breed healthy, I strongly recommend following all of the advice on my Labrador Retriever Health Page. Not all Labrador Retrievers are alike! There are energetic Labradors, and placid Labradors. Hard-headed Labradors, and sweet-natured Labradors. Serious Labradors, and good-natured goofballs. Introverted Labradors, and Labradors who love everyone. If you acquire a Labrador Retriever puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." If you're considering an adult Labrador Retriever... There are plenty of adult Labrador Retrievers who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you. When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS. If you would like to link to this review, here is the HTML code: <a href="http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/labradorretrievers.html">Labrador Retrievers: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em</a> Copyright © 2000-2008 by Michele Welton. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without the permission of the author.