For 31 years, the Labrador retriever was the most popular dog in the United States. While this breed is currently #2, with the French Bulldog claiming #1 in 2022, the Labrador Retriever’s long streak is a testament to the popularity of this breed. Labrador Retrievers come in a range of three colors: black, yellow, and chocolate. If you’re considering adding a lab to your household, read below for more information on this beloved breed.
Personality
The Labrador retriever is a popular choice due to their outgoing personality. This breed is highly social and loves to be surrounded by people. You will often find your lab making new friends, human or dog, as this breed has no concept of stranger danger! While labs are usually extroverted, they are equally happy to join you on the couch for a mid-day nap or movie night.
Labs are especially quick learners. They love to learn commands and are very attentive to their owners. This quality makes labs an excellent choice for service dogs. They are adaptable, do well in changing environments and, like all service dogs, can be trained to keep calm and focused on their job.
Energy Level
Labrador retrievers were originally bred as working dogs. As a result, this breed requires a high level of both physical and mental stimulation. This breed will happily join you on weekend adventures whether it’s taking a long hike or going for a swim at the lake.
Since their energy levels are high, it’s important to ensure this breed gets enough exercise to avoid destructive behaviors. A good guideline for new lab owners is the “5 Minute Rule” to keep their pups active. This rule states that for every month of age, add five minutes of exercise to your dog’s routine. If you have a 6-month-old puppy, then they would require 30 minutes of play time a day. For adult labs, most require 80 minutes of activity a day. However, depending on your lab’s personality, this exercise requirement may increase or decrease.
Health Concerns
This breed is generally healthy but can have a couple of predispositions for health problems. Common health issues are hip dysplasia, obesity, and ear infections. These health issues can be avoided by portion control, maintaining exercise levels, regular ear cleanings, and drying off their ears after water activities. A healthy lab has a life span typically lasting between 10-12 years.
Diet
Due to this breed’s predisposition to gaining weight, it’s important to focus on a healthy diet. Labs do well with a high protein diet to support their energy level and muscle growth. One helpful guideline is to provide 1 gram of protein for every pound that your pup weighs. If you’re unsure of where to start, Dog Food Advisor has an excellent article on the best dog food for labradors, found here.
With their social personality, intelligence, and energetic lifestyle, it’s no surprise why Labrador retrievers are one of America’s most popular breeds. If you enjoyed this article, feel free to check out our Instagram, Peak City Puppy, for service information, fun trivia, and more!
