page contents

Dogs

All About the Labrador Retriever

The Paw Print

Essential Pet Blog

Yellow labrador retriever sitting in a green field with yellow flowers

If you’re looking for a dog to please just about any crowd, look no further than the Labrador Retriever. That’s probably why they’re ranked the most popular dog breed in the United States for 28 years and running (according to the American Kennel Club). The Labrador Retriever’s friendliness and intelligence coupled with its athleticism and grace make it the perfect dog for anyone with space for a large pup.

Whether you’re looking for a hunting companion, a running partner, or simply another member of your family, a Lab can easily fit the bill.

All About the Labrador Retriever

Appearance

The Labrador Retriever sports a short, dense coat in three distinctive colors: yellow, brown (chocolate), and black. They were built for the water with their thick coats, webbed feet, and heavy tails which they use for propelling themselves in the water. They’re slightly shorter and on the longer side, with a thick, muscular build.

Black labrador retriever lying in green grass

Personality and Temperament

Much like the Golden Retriever, the Labrador Retriever is well known for their kindness and loyalty. The Lab loves people, other animals, and just about anything that crosses its path. In fact, the only duty the versatile Lab might not be well-suited for is guarding, due to their “never met a stranger” personalities.

The Labrador Retriever is a working dog at its heart, happily running right alongside its human companions. Like other retrievers, Labs excel at hunting and other sporting endeavors, but also enjoy a variety of other activities. If you’re looking for a great friend to accompany your active lifestyle, a Lab would certainly do the trick.

In addition to their sweet disposition, Labs are also very intelligent. This, coupled with their eagerness to please their people, makes them highly trainable. Alternately, a bored Lab can be a recipe for destruction. Many Lab owners can attest to their dog’s keen ability to find trouble if they decide to go looking for it. Infamous Lab antics include (but aren’t limited to) counter-surfing for abandoned food, trashcan rummaging, and making meals out of non-food items.

chocolate labrador retriever shaking water from jowls

Caring for a Labrador Retriever

Labs are fairly low-maintenance in terms of grooming. Regular brushing can keep their thick coat looking nice and help cut down on shedding. If you’re considering getting a Lab, be prepared to meet this athletic breed’s exercise needs- both physically and mentally. Getting outside for a regular walk or run can help keep your Lab at a healthy weight. When allowed to lead an inactive lifestyle, the Lab can quickly become obese.

chocolate lab laying in green grass

If you’re looking for the dog that has it all, it’s hard to beat a Labrador Retriever. Do you have a Lab? We would love to hear from you- stop by our facebook page and tell us all about it!

To learn about the Essential Pet brand and our trusted products, please visit www.21stessentialpet.com

Please share this post