5 Things to Consider Before Bringing Home a Labrador Retriever (Bonus tip at the end!)

Labrador Retrievers are Very Friendly

Labrador’s are generally very sweet and loving pets.  They connect with their owners on an emotional level, which is why they are perfect as emotional support dogs or service dogs. However, this means that they are usually not suitable to be left outside by themselves all the time. They want to be where their people are, so if you want a dog that is more aloof and independent a Labrador Retriever might not be a great fit. Otherwise, you’ll be dealing with a lot of whining.

That being said, if you want a dog that will love you and your family unconditionally then you can’t go wrong with a Lab! They are also especially good with children, making them great family pets.

Labrador Retrievers Are Pretty Healthy (Usually…)

Labrador Retrievers are usually pretty healthy dogs. Responsible breeders will normally have their dogs screened for issues relating to things like hip and elbow dysplasia. However, they are prone to some issues relating to heart disorders, muscle weakness, and eye conditions. One rare condition found within this breed is something called exercise-induced collapse (EIC) which can happen in some young adults. This condition is quite rare but it’s important to be aware of it all the same.

All of these issues can be screened during a regular veterinarian exam. Make sure to ask about a hip, elbow, and eye evaluation to ensure some of the most common issues don’t appear to be present. You may also want to inquire about an EIC DNA test to see if your pup is at risk of EIC.

Labrador Retrievers Shed a Lot

One of the only downsides to Labrador Retriever ownership is the shedding. Labrador Retrievers shed A LOT more than most short-haired breeds due to their double-coats. If you can’t stand dog hair all over your furniture, clothes, and well…everything, you may not want a Lab. They also require regular grooming and bathing, here’s how one dog mom dealt with bathing her dog. They also tend to be pretty dirty and slobber all over the place. Still, the love and compassion they bring can make all the brushing worth it!

Labrador Retrievers are Very Patient (But Require Lots of Exercise)

Part of what makes Labrador’s amazing family dogs is due to their patience. Labradors will put up with almost anything. They are perfect dogs if you have kids since they’ll put up with the tail pulling, fur grabbing, and ear yanking of little ones without any harsh reaction. 

This breed is known for always being up to try new things, invent new games, play around in the afternoon. Their personalities develop to compliment that of a loving family, making them a perfect companion. However, Labs can be full of energy! A healthy Lab will require anywhere from 45 minutes to 90 minutes of exercise a day. If you are always busy and can’t exercise your Lab they may burn their energy in less productive ways (like chewing your furniture or digging through your trash!).

Labrador Retrievers Need Help With Their Eating Habits

Labradors are very food motivated, even more than most dogs. If you’re not getting your dog outside for a couple of walks a day along with some playtime, then obesity may become an issue. You also need to be careful with how much you’re feeding your Lab, as they will eat however much you give them!

There can also be some issues if you’re trying to feed your lab with others since they’ll attempt to steal the food of others. It may be helpful to ask your veterinarian how much food your labrador should be consuming every day to better manage their food consumption and weight.