Labrador Retriever: America’s Favorite for a Reason

The Labrador Retriever has been America’s most popular dog for decades, and only recently gave up the number-one spot to the French Bulldog. Spend five minutes with one and you’ll see why it held the crown so long.

The American Kennel Club describes the Lab as a strongly built, medium-sized sporting dog with a short, dense, weather-resistant coat. Translation: this is a working dog wearing the disguise of a family pet.

What they’re like

A Lab is friendly with everybody. Your kids, your neighbors, the plumber, the other dogs at the park. They were bred to retrieve waterfowl alongside hunters all day, so they have energy to burn and a mouth that wants to carry things. Socks, shoes, the remote, your sandwich. If it fits in a Lab’s mouth, a Lab will test it.

They’re smart and eager to please, which makes training easier than with most breeds. They also love water. Do not be surprised if your Lab finds the mud puddle before you do.

The health stuff nobody tells you

Every breed has its weak spots, and Labs are no exception.

Hips and elbows

Dysplasia runs in the breed. Buy from a breeder who screens for it, and keep your dog lean.

Weight

Labs act like they’re starving every hour of the day. A fat Lab is a common Lab, and obesity shortens lives. Measure the food.

Ears

Those floppy ears trap moisture. If your Lab swims, dry the ears after.

And here’s the honest part, the reason this store has the pages it has: big dogs, big vet bills. A torn ligament in a 70-pound dog is a four-figure repair. We learned that the hard way in our own family. Read the real bills from real dogs and you’ll understand why we went from “we’ll never need it” to telling everybody to price pet insurance while the dog is young and healthy.

What to have ready

If a Lab is coming home, here’s the short list, all in stock:

• A real bed. Labs are heavy sleepers and heavy on joints, so look at our Beds & Blankets.
• Food and water bowls that survive enthusiasm. Start with Bowls & Feeding.
• Toys that can take it. Labs destroy cheap toys in minutes, so check Dog Toys for the durable stuff.
• A solid leash and harness, because a full-grown Lab pulling on a weak leash is a lost tug-of-war. Collars, Leashes & Harnesses.
• Grooming basics. Labs shed, in volume, year-round. Dog Grooming.

The bottom line

A Lab is a lot of dog, in the best way: a lot of energy, a lot of appetite, a lot of love. Feed them right, keep them lean, walk them every day, and you’ll have a best friend for ten to fourteen years.

Thinking about protection for the big bills? Our pet insurance page compares ten companies side by side, with honest reviews and free quotes.

Looking at other breeds? See the whole breed library.