If you are a pet parent looking to expand the family or are planning on becoming one, chances are you're in a fix about the right breed to pick.
If you're leaning toward a labrador, you'll need to know what you will be dealing with! Here’s a list of the pros and cons of owning a lab.
Everyone deserves to rejoice in the wonders of being a pet parent. If you have finally decided on becoming a pet parent, bringing a Labrador into your life can be a great start. Although the experience is sure to be rewarding, it is natural to ask yourself, is a Labrador a good dog for my home?
Do they require constant care and attention?
As much as you may love these adorable dogs, ensuring a Labrador is the right fit for your home is only fair to the two of you.
There are pros and cons to everything, even to owning a Labrador.
Labrador Retrievers can be a great working dogs as well as a cuddly family companions. They’ve consistently ranked as America’s most popular dog breed and for good reason. Loyal and friendly, patient and intelligent, they are great family dogs. Let’s get started with the advantages of owning a Labrador!
Labradors are very easy to train. If you follow a few simple principles of positive reinforcement, you can play the part yourself.
For effective, long-term results, you should start training your Labrador right from the puppy stage. Labradors are intelligent, smart, and sensitive.
If you use the right approach to train them, you can make the learning experience enjoyable and rewarding for both of you in the long run.
A male Labrador stands at an average height of about 22 inches to 24 inches and can weigh anywhere between 60 pounds to 80 pounds. A female Labrador has an average height of 21 inches to 23 inches and can weigh anywhere from 50 pounds to 70 pounds.
They are just the right size—neither too large to manage nor too small and susceptible to accidents. They are also spared the genetic health issues that smaller-sized dogs tend to suffer.
Labradors have an average lifespan of about 10 to 13 years and stay fit and healthy for most of their lives. Because Labradors are naturally healthy, you do not have to go out of your way to bring them up.
Practicing simple steps like feeding them the right diet, making regular visits to the vet, getting them vaccinated, ensuring they are active, and loving them unconditionally can help them remain hale and healthy.
Also Read: Top Exotic Dog Breeds
Any list of the pros and cons of owning a labrador would not be complete without mentioning how active they are.
In fact, Labradors are one of the most outgoing, active, and enthusiastic breeds with unmatched energy levels. They are athletic and sturdy.
You should add include swimming, running, fetching, and lots of exercise into their routine. They need regular physical and mental stimulation so their energy is harnessed in the right direction.
How do Labradors help humans? Well, exercising your dog is bound to help you stay active too. While taking your labrador out on his morning, mid-day and nightly walk, you are likely to get your daily 30 minutes of moderate activity too!
When you have a breed as intelligent and wise as a Labrador in your house, the process of raising your pup is more likely to be enjoyable than stressful. Labradors are patient and always willing to try new things and techniques that are taught to them.
Did you know the labrador is the 7th smartest dog breed in terms of obedience and working skill?
Labradors have a special way of making us feel less lonely. They make for great companions and loyal friends who will always be by your side.
Labradors thrive on interaction and can easily befriend anyone they meet.
Here are a few drawbacks of owning a labrador that you must be aware of before getting one.
In comparison to other short-haired breeds, Labradors tend to shed a lot because of their thick and dense coat.
You will often chance upon doggy dander on your carpet and clothes, which can be difficult to clean.
If one of your reasons for getting a Labrador was to guard your house, a lab is not the ideal choice.
Labradors are very friendly and can easily become friends with people they should protect you from.
Labradors are very motivated by food and are more likely to obsess about food than other breeds. You may find them sneaking around the kitchen from time to time.
A recent study found that Labradors are likely to exhibit a mutation in the gene that indicates fullness. No wonder they are always hungry.
Left unchecked, overeating can lead to obesity and hip problems. Monitoring their eating habits and feeding them the right amount of nutritious food is crucial.
Labradors are one of the smelliest breeds. Because they have a very dense and water-repellent coat of fur, they tend to hold on to odor.
They produce more oil in comparison to other breeds, so it is incredibly important to clean and wash them regularly.
Also Read: Are Labrador Retrievers Good Apartment Dogs?
Now that you’ve seen this list of pros and cons of owning a labrador, do you think a lab is a good fit for you?
A digital marketing expert by profession, Andrews is a gifted writer and animal lover at heart. A self-confessed "pawrent", Andrews is well-versed in all things dogs. He uses his years of experience of raising puppies into show-quality dogs to help guide first-time pet parents. He believes in spreading the joy that comes with being a dog dad and advocates more families to adopt pets.
