Labs are one of the most friendly and intelligent dogs in the world. Labrador Retrievers can be classified as ‘working dogs’. They have been used as guide dogs for the blind, deaf and other handicapped individuals because of their trainability, temperament, intelligence, and social disposition. Labradors have been utilized in nursing homes and as companion for emotionally challenged children and adults. The armed forces and many police squads use the Labrador for tracking criminals and finding drugs, weapons, bombs, and even people buried in snow slides.
Here are 11 reasons why you might want to share your life with one.
#1 Always Ready To Play
Labs are willing to retrieve anything, from downed ducks, to sticks, to that Frisbee you accidentally flung in the bushes.
#2 ALWAYS Ready To Swim
Water? WATER? WAAAAAAAATTTTTEEEERRRR!!! *splash*
As they were originally bred to help retrieve fish and pull fishing lines to shore, Labs instinctively love water, so if you love to swim, there’s no better buddy than a Lab to take with you to the beach. Try to keep your Lab OUT of the water when you are within the range of their senses. It'll be hard.
#3 Selfless And Kind
Labs love to help out. That's why they make such great seeing eye dogs and companionship dogs. They will do anything for anyone who is kind to them. This CAN however mean that they also want to "help" you in the kitchen, bedroom, laundry... They are known to make great paperweights as well. Anything important missing, check under the Lab.
#4 Easy To Train
Intelligent but looking for a leader, Labs have been bred to follow human cues, and if they receive the proper training and attention, they make very well-behaved pets that can perform many more commands than “sit”, “stay” and “roll over.” They are also easy to train with hand cues in addition to verbal commands.
#5 Has A Nose For Security
Customs and Border Protection Agencies often use Labrador retrievers to detect contraband, especially plant and animal products being imported into the country.
#6 Good With Kids
Labs are a very gentle, patient breed, and with the right socialization and training, get along famously with children. They share a similar love of life, excitement and love of playing outdoors. As with any pet, however, it’s never a good idea to leave your Labrador retriever and your kids together alone and unsupervised. You never will know who instigated the ruckus. You will sure know that there was a ruckus caused though.
#7 Good With Other Pets
Especially if introduced as puppies, labs are known to generally get along well with other dogs. As with any changes to your family/pack, it’s important to watch for signs of aggression early on. If introducing an adult dog, consider choosing a neutral space such as a park for the first meeting to sidestep any territorial instincts.
#8 Generally Healthy
Generally, Labrador retrievers are a healthy breed. Typical issues can include hip and knee dysplasia, and eye problems, which are all unfortunately common in most dog breeds as they age. You can expect to share 10-12 wonderful years with your Lab, God willing.
#9 Soft Mouth
As their name indicates, Labs were bred to retrieve downed prey such as ducks, grouse, rabbits etc. But a dog’s usual instinct is to bite down on flesh. Not so for the Labrador retriever, a breed with incredible control of jaw muscles that can be taught not to bite down. You can train this further if you want to, very easily as you snuggle with your Lab. Simply by placing your hand cross-ways into the gap at the back of the jaws. They will gnaw at the start but quit pretty quickly. As a result this is another great reason for them to be around kids. Even if the little angels torment the Lab to the point of frustration, they are unlikely to bite. The same cannot be said for a terrier for instance.
#10 Super Helpful
Labrador retrievers have a long history of being service dogs, whether by detecting contraband or acting as seeing eye dogs or helping people with day-to-day tasks. Labs have been shown to have the most success as guide dogs worldwide. Guide Dogs of America reports that 70% of their guide dogs are Labs.
#11 The Best "Machine" In Your Workout
Love exercise? So does your Labrador retriever. Labs are known to have boundless energy and they can keep going…and going…and going. In fact, it’s important to watch your dog for overheating or exhaustion as Labs are not the best at knowing when to quit. But if you’re looking for a daily partner who loves to run and play as much as you do, you can’t pick a better dog than the Labrador retriever.
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