Just one look at the happy face of this dog might already make it obvious enough what made the Labrador retriever most popular breed 28 years in a row. But besides those gorgeous coats, adorable faces, and bouncy, playful natures, this breed is perfectly suited for a family pet and one of the smartest dog breeds . Having made the list 28th year according to American Kennel Club data, Labs topped the list having beat out beagles, poodles, rottweilers, German shorthaired pointers, golden retrievers, French bulldogs, German shepherd, yorkshire terriers and more!
Here, we’re going to look at the behavior and nature of the much-loved Labrador retriever, and what lends it the best temperament to serve as your loyal companion and family dog for many years to come.
Basic Labrador retriever facts
Originally bred for water retrieving, Labrador retrievers are sturdy, well-built dogs with strong bodies, that often grow up to 60 cm and 38 kg (for the average adult male). Intelligent, with a high capacity for learning and training, and with an excellent temperament, they’re best recognized by their body shape and their floppy ears, as well as their short, dense coat which can come in black, yellow, and chocolate varieties.
Another fact that makes the Labrador retriever a great family dog is that their grooming and tidying needs aren’t as demanding as other dogs. Their short coats are easy to care for, and they’re not prone to drooling, barking too much, digging up the garden, or even snoring. They are, however, a shedding dog, with yellow labs tending to shed more than black or chocolate labs.
About welcoming Labrador retriever puppies home
It takes around six months to a year for a Labrador retriever to reach adulthood, though some continue to grow until they reach two years of age. While Labrador retrievers are always somewhat energetic and playful, those tendencies tend to present most strongly in lab puppies.
While still young, they are very bouncy puppies and very enthusiastic for play, exercise, and stimulation of all kinds so they can be somewhat demanding in the first year. Furthermore, while Labrador retrievers are not prone to excessive barking, puppies do yip often but will grow out of it with the right kind of gentle curbing. Energetic as they are, Labrador retriever puppies can be naughty and may be prone to trying to access areas they shouldn’t or to chew on things they’re not allowed to, be this can be curbed, too.
About the Labrador retriever temperament
So long as their needs for stimulation and exercise are met, Labrador retrievers are very compassionate, affectionate, and dedicated dogs to live with. As a breed that has been designed to work, they love having jobs to do, which makes them a particularly great breed for training.
Playful, intelligent, and relaxed (providing they get the stimulation they need), they are rarely aggressive, making them a perfect fit for families, training, and working. Home environments with families apt to give them plenty of attention are where these dogs truly shine. Furthermore, the benefit from having an owner as their “pack leader” and gladly follow direction, eager to please their owners not just for treats but simply because it’s part of their primary drive.
While not the most energetic breed out there, Labrador retrievers are high energy dogs, which means that they need room to play, and time dedicated to walks, exercise, and play, and they benefit greatly from toys that not only encourage physical interaction but mental stimulation, such as treat puzzles. Without the right level of stimulation, it is not uncommon for Labrador retrievers to exhibit destructive tendencies such as chewing, digging, and barking.
Labrador retrievers and other pets/children
Labrador retrievers are known as excellent family dogs and a great choice for first-time owners, so long as you take care to ensure their needs for exercise and stimulation are met. They have one of the strongest family drives known among all dog breeds and are incredibly loyal and trustworthy pets as a result. So long as they know their place in the “pack”, they can be great companions for other pets and children alike.
Labrador retrievers do not frequently show signs of aggression but can be protective of their family. As such, socializing them from an early age is important to ensure that they react well to strangers, but they are generally known to be friendly, affectionate, and easy-going, retaining their playful puppy nature for longer due to their long maturation period.
Though not commonly aggressive, Labrador retrievers, especially Labrador puppies, are known for “mouthing” at people. This isn’t a cause for concern, but if you do want to get them out of the habit, it can be done easily enough by ensuring they have a favorite toy they can hold instead.
What it’s like to live with a Labrador retriever
Endearing as they are, Labrador retrievers have their own needs, as do all breeds of dogs. As mentioned, they are both energetic and intelligent, so without stimulation, this energy can become destructive, leading to chewing, digging, and other potentially unwanted behaviors.
In terms of upkeep, Labrador retrievers are convenient dogs to live with. So long as their needs are met, they are not prone to excessive barking or digging, and are not known to drool or chew too much, making them great indoors dogs. They have a soft, short double coat that is easy enough to groom, but they are prone to shedding. A weekly grooming is normally enough for them, but during the shedding season, daily grooming is recommended.
As pack animals with a very strong family drive, they are playful and very well suited to the home, but they form very strong bonds with their owners. As a result, they are prone to separation anxiety when left alone for too long and should be trained to ensure they can handle time on their own.
Is it time to welcome a Labrador retriever into your own family?
To make sure that you welcome a real Labrador retriever to the family, with the characteristics you expect, it’s best to ensure you look at a professional Labrador retriever breeder. Whether you want a yellow lab, chocolate lab, or black lab, get in touch and we can help you find the perfect fit for your family.
