Labrador Retrievers
What's good about 'em
What's bad about 'em
- 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.
| 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.
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