Is A Labrador Retriever Right
For You?

The Truth About Labradors!

Labradors are by far the most popular dog in America, with good
reason!  They are a wonderful, devoted breed, very driven to
please, eager to learn, loyal, loving and smart.  They are
considered the perfect family dog.
But......
Lots of work goes into molding that perfect family companion.  
The puppy you bring home at 8 weeks is no where near that
stereotypical Labrador, which is probably why so many Labs are
being given up by their owners and abandoned in shelters.

Hopefully you have done your homework and are looking for a
reputable breeder to purchase your Labrador puppy from.  This
eliminates some of the potential problems,
because most of the Labradors out there shouldn't be bred for
one reason or another, and many of the breeders out there are
not raising their puppy litters properly.

Here are some basic facts about Labradors:

  • Most Labs have a puppy mentality until they are 2 years old

  • Labradors need a lot of socialization.  This means integrating
    your dog into your daily life and exposing him to different
    environments, people, activities, objects and other dogs.  

  • Labradors do not handle boredom well.  A bored Lab will
    find ways to entertain himself, which usually ends up to be in
    a destructive way!

  • Labradors do not do well being away from their people.  
    They crave human interaction and are not happy being left
    alone all day.

  • Labradors were bred to work beside their masters.  They are
    a dog who needs a job, regardless of how minimal the job
    is.  These are smart, people-pleasing dogs that need tasks to
    keep them stimulated.  

  • Labradors need exercise because they are an energetic breed.
    They need to be able to burn off that energy in a non-
    destructive way.  

  • Labradors enjoy and require structure and routine, and will
    do wonderful when they know what is expected of them.

  • Labradors shed a great deal and sometimes throughout the
    year the shed is quite profuse.  Nothing can prevent this
    shed, so if dog hair bothers you, this is not the breed for you!


You have heard the worst.  If you are not scared off, then maybe
a Labrador Retriever is right for you!

If any Labrador (even a puppy!) knows what is expected of him,
is adequately exercised, given some structure and enough mental
stimulation and socialization, you will have that perfect family
companion that Labradors are known for!