It won’t surprise you that here at Labrador Site HQ there are lots of things we love about Labradors! In this article, our team endeavor to choose just 15 of the very best things about Labrador Retrievers. From the virtues they’re famous for, to the charming quirks you only find out about when you really get to know them. We’re sure that by the end of the list, you’ll love Labs nearly as much as we do!
Labrador Love
Labrador love has spread far and wide across the entire world! In fact, they’re so lovable that they’ve been America’s favorite breed for over 20 years! It’s pretty clear that something about this breed has captured our hearts. But what is it about Labs that makes us adore them so much? The options are endless, and we’re sure you can add to our list. But here are just 15 of our favorite reasons to love Labradors. From their endearing personality to their messy tendencies!
1. Labrador Kindness
When you are at your lowest ebb, and feel the brush of soft whiskers on your hand or the heavy press of a broad head on your lap, you know that your Labrador really cares.
Recent studies have confirmed what Labrador owners have known for years. Dogs understand when we are sad. They can even read human emotions from our facial expressions! They are often able to be more gentle and even calmer around more vulnerable people.
This is part of the reason that Labradors are such popular candidates for therapy dogs and other doggy care roles. Labs just know exactly when we need them the most, and are always willing to lend a comforting paw! We don’t need to look far for the love of Labradors. And nothing can cheer you up more than some Labrador cuddles.
2. Labs are Eager to Please
Labradors are incredibly willing to please. Whether your Labrador is as bright as a button, or a bit of a dozy darling, you know he really wants to make you happy. Following you wherever you go, bringing you his toys and flashing you that endearing expression. His willingness is lovely for you, and really enforces the bond between the pair of you.
This eagerness to please also makes Labradors really trainable. Labradors love working with you to learn new tricks and commands. They just want to do whatever they can to bring that smile to your face!
3. Labrador Foolishness
We’ve painted quite a noble picture of the Labrador breed so far, but it’s not unusual for a Lab to be described as a bit of a class clown! Labradors aren’t afraid to look foolish. Or, to mess around and be silly. Your faithful friend will not mind one bit if you laugh at him. He will probably just try harder to make you smile.
Their playful personalities make them popular and perfect for families of all ages. Kids will love their cheeky sides just as much as adults! After just days in the family, everyone will be shouting: “I love my Labrador!”
4. Labrador Enthusiasm
Labs love the world and everything in it. They want to be a part of the action. Whatever is happening today, they are up for it! Whether it’s an exciting new adventure together, or a walk around the back yard scooping poop, they are equally enthusiastic and keen to be a part of it.
This means Labrador owners always have a loyal and enthusiastic friend to take with them on any new journey! And, there’s always a smiling, happy face at home to welcome them back with excitement.
5. Labrador Forgetfulness
Labs can be adorably forgetful. Young Labradors especially often forget what they are supposed to do. Training takes time, and they need our help in remembering what we taught them yesterday. But it’s part of their doggy nature, and we love them for it. A little patience when your Lab is young and his memory will improve.
This forgetfulness would be frustrating for some, but it’s easily forgiven when you see the face full of Labrador love.
6. Labradors Love Fun!
Labradors always look on the bright side. They are masters at enjoying themselves. It doesn’t have to be sunny, you don’t have to give him very much. He’ll have a great day, every day, just because he is a Labrador and he is spending his day with you.
Labs love playing with fun toys, or will even enjoy a nice game of fetch with you. It’s so easy to keep them entertained. And, that’s just another of the great things about Labradors!
7. Labrador Forgiveness
Labradors forgive us all our faults. If you snap at your Labrador when you are tired, he will forgive you in a heartbeat. If you are late with dinner or take a shorter route on the walk, he won’t mind later on. He never bears a grudge and he never will.
Labrador love is unconditional. So, you never need to worry about losing it. You don’t need to look far for the love of Labradors. A Labrador friend is a friend for life.
8. Labrador Grubbiness
Labradors make a mess. And we love it. Well, maybe we don’t always love this bit, but it is a part of what Labradors are. And it can make for some hilarious stories!
They are simply never happier than when they are wet and muddy and we can’t help but smile at their grubby faces for it. We’d rather have a mucky Lab than a smart little lap dog any day. Do you have any funny memories of your Lab making a complete mess?
8. Labradors Contribute a Lot to our Lives
We owe our Labradors so much. How can we not admire a breed of dog that has contributed so much to human lives. Not just in our homes with their constant companionship and the strength they give us, but into the world of assistance dogs where they dominate with their loyalty and intelligence.
Labradors always leave a lasting impression for this reason. They leave huge paw-print shaped marks on people’s lives. You can see this legacy in the lives of anyone who’s owned one of these lovely dogs. And even in the media! Such as the wonderful Labrador, Fidel, that starred in the film In Bruges. Just a brief Labrador cameo was all that was needed to capture people’s hearts.
10. Labrador Loyalty
A Labrador is the ultimate friend. He doesn’t care what you look like, he isn’t interested in how clever you are, or how many human friends you have. You are his everything, his whole world for his whole life.
We only get an average of 12.5 years with our wonderful Labradors. Which all Lab-owners agree is much too short. But, during those years, you know your Lab companion would do just about anything for you.
11. Labrador Confidence
Labradors are rarely shy. They are not interested in hiding behind your legs. They would much rather be in on the action. This trait is extremely lovable, especially for Labrador owners who are shy! They know that their Lab will guide them through any situation with ease. And, they’re more than happy to lend us some of that confidence!
12. Labrador Bravery
Labradors are courageous dogs. From their work in military danger zones and with the police, Labradors contribute world wide. They protect us from explosives, drugs, disease, and many other sources of danger. They will do anything for their human friends and family too.
Plus, they’re well known for working as gun dogs. They aren’t at all scared of the loud noises that accompany the job! Some Labs may be more nervous than others. But a well socialized Labrador is one of the most fearless things in the world!
13. Labrador Intelligence
Labs might seem dopey at times, but they are seriously smart cookies. They are able to learn vast quantities of commands, and can learn to carry out complex tasks. How else would they make such excellent working dogs and service dogs?
Their sharp minds help them work in perfect harmony with their human handlers. And, it makes training all the easier for families that are simply welcoming one home as a new pet!
14. Labrador Athleticism
Labradors are fabulously fit dogs. The stereotypical picture of a Lab might be one that’s a little chubby. But, this breed is one of the most athletic and capable ones out there! They can keep up with you on your daily run, compete in agility events and work hard all day in the field. Their structure has been maintained over the years to be the pinnacle of health, and they are all the happier for it.
15. Labradors are Super Friendly!
A Labrador is everyone’s friend. They will welcome family members and strangers into their home, and probably even their bed, without blinking an eye. They will happily greet fellow walkers, making new friends wherever you go. In fact, does that tail ever stop wagging?
I Love my Labrador!
What do you love most about your Labrador? We bet your Lab fits every single one of the characteristics we listed here. But, what’s your favorite thing about endless Labrador love?
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References and Resources
- ‘The Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2019’, AKC (2020)
- Muller, C. (et al), ‘Dogs Can Discriminate Emotional Expressions of Human Faces’, Current Biology (2015)
- Adhav, L. ‘Remembering Fidel: The Celebrity Labrador of Bruges’, Town & Country (2016)
- O’Neill, D. (et al), ‘Longevity and Mortality of Owned Dogs in England’, Veterinary Journal (2013)
The Labrador Site Founder
Pippa Mattinson is the best selling author of The Happy Puppy Handbook, the Labrador Handbook, Choosing The Perfect Puppy, and Total Recall.
She is also the founder of the Gundog Trust and the Dogsnet Online Training Program
Pippa's online training courses were launched in 2019 and you can find the latest course dates on the Dogsnet website
I have a female black lab mix. Her name is Camryn. She is 9.5 yrs old now. I adopted her as a rescue when she was almost 3. The first month I had her I would stare into her big brown eyes overwhelmed and not quite sure I would ever learn to train her. I have a feeling that as she stared back she was feeling the same about me. We figured each other out while we weren’t paying attention. She’s my best friend, she makes me laugh, and responds to commands when she feels like it. She is scared of her own shadow but has a resounding bark that would make would be Burglars think twice before breaking into our place. If one ever does, however, I think she’ll just be eager to share her ball or bone. She loves watermelon a lot and will sell her soul for a Ball Park Frank. She’s my first dog- I never knew it was possible to love her this much and I never want to let her go. That same crazy love is how I know that when it’s time I will. If that day the pain of losing her is the most intense I’ve ever felt, I’d choose her again a hundred billion times. Best friend and companion I’ve ever had on this earth. Labradors are priceless. Worth all the effort. Worth the learning curve and worth the sacrifice – including that irresistible couch cushion that she found “tasty” the first year. ❤️
The best companion man can have,
The strongest friend when she is sad,
The leader at the breach is he,
Yet first to let the prisoners free,
A sympathetic heart beats there,
Yet one which is never lost or scared,
And yet so silly, bright and fab,
Nothing loves like a black lab!
After reading these wonderful posts and comments maybe the the headline should be…. The Endless Reasons we Love Labradors…We love our boy.
I lost my dearest friend a black Labrador at the end of the last lockdown. She had been ill for the last four weeks. She has been such a joy to me and I miss her following me everywhere in both house and garden and on walks. I miss her so much the house is so empty. She lived until 13.5 years and caused no trouble at all in those years. An amazing friend. I live alone so I would now like to give a home to an older lab wanting some love.
I too lost my black labrador Alfie at the start of the lockdown, he was 15 years old and a beautiful boy. He was so kind and helped through several difficult times in my life. I still miss him ever day.
I have a new black lab puppy, named Lenny, he is 6 months old and hard work at the moment! You forget how much work is required with a pup , the patience and consistency with training. Hope you find another labrador and he/she fills your heart with love.
I know the pain you feel. Your dearly beloved Lab wouldn’t want you to feel sad. I lost a my childhood Lab many years ago & I didn’t get another dog until 10 years ago. That dog had a similar nature & brought so much joy into my life. He was an older Kelpie cross rescued. He loved me like I was the centre of his world as I loved him. He passed a little while ago & I’m looking for another dog because they are all special in their own way. Please don’t hesitate in getting an old rescue dog!
we lost our lab 2 years ago she was 13 years old we had her for the last 5 years of her life prior to that she had been a working dog but due to Arthritis had to retire she was a freebie. She was a marvellous companion always ready for a walk and to play with the grand children, clean around the house everything a lab is known for. We were devastated when we lost her. When my wife was ill Tara was her constant companion she knew when the wife was having a bad day it was uncanny
We now have Frank a 15 month old Black Lab he didn’t make the grade as a gun dog so he came to us, he is a younger version of Tara our previous dog with all the same traits, the house was empty till he arrived .
We will get another Lab early 2017
My daughter brought Lucy, a chocolate english lab home January of 2015. Lucy absolutely took everyone’s heart over in short order. Tail always wagging, always ready to play frisbee, fetch, tug of war, swim, take a bath, go for a walk and on and on.
The next year we went back to the same breeder and brought Lucy’s little sister Brangus also a chocolate home.
Personailty wise they are both so different but just both equally completely sweet lovable girls.
These are our first Labs after a lifetime of boxers, great danes, german shepards and mixes of all sorts. They were all good dogs but there is something so special about a Lab.
I really like the site. It is my go to location for all aspects of the Labrador life.
I have a question. My lab puppy is 4 months old. She is doing great with housetraining, however, when we have a visitor, or even just one of us coming home she pees. I’m guessing from excitement. I really don’t think she realizes that she’s even doing it. Does anyone else have this problem? And, what can I do about it? Or is there anything? Thanks in advance for any advice.
Hi Ginny, it’s a temporary problem, this is the article you need 🙂 https://www.thelabradorsite.com/my-puppy-wees-on-visitors/
I used to have a female golden Labrador retreiever called freeway as my beloved soul-mate and true love, I hadn’t had much luck in looking for love until I found her and she was the best thing that ever happened to me in my life, sadly she died almost 11 years ago at the age of 13 & a quarter years.
But whist she knew me she taught me the following lessons in life.
1. The importance of having friends and keeping them in your life, life is too short without having friends.
2. The meaning of true love as in the feeling that someone has your best interests at heat and won’t let you down or leave you because she cares for you as much as you care for her (see below for more of an explanation).
3. How to become a more loyal person in terms of not just what you say but what you do and how to become a more patient person in an impatient world.
4. She taught me how to become a more fun loving person and how to play with her without making her mad at me for leaving her out of having fun.
5. Selflessness she taught me how to become less selfish and more open to helping other people in need and how to ask for help in life from those around me.
6. She always wanted to know if I loved her because she was so loving and she never questioned me about cheating on her because she knew that I was her one true love.
7. She also taught me that although not evey dog likes me but they are never evil, every dog has a heart of gold even if they gaurd it like fort Knox so to speak and don’t openly share it with strangers.
8. She taught me the best way of keeping safe in life is to always be on gaurd and to stay safe by only trusting those around me and to know when to back off from a situation that makes me uncomfortable.
9. She showed me that having a dog is much better than never having one as a friend and how to become one with her and enjoy life to the fullest extent possible, as specially as life is short.
Daisy is my 3rd black lab. She is everything that was described above. She is the best dog in the world. 🙂
I lost my black lab Daytona to kidney failure. She was a rescue and the center of my world. It happened very quickly and devastated me. My husband and I decided to join a local rescue and adopted our twin, litter mates, Coco and Wonka. I said I could not do black again so we did chocolate. They have filled a huge whole in my heart. No matter how bad a day they are there to love and kiss and nothing comes better than two.
How do I love thee? let me count the ways….what a lovely list but 10 points are just not enough for our wonderful Labradors! I hope you don’t mind my adding a few more 🙂
IMPECCABLE MANNERS. My girl has the manners of a Victorian gentleman. Some have developed with training but some seem to have been innate; she has never pushed on the stairs, rarely at the door. She waits to have her feet wiped when we come in. She’ll flirt with passers by but she waits for an invitation to say hello. When treats are being given out other dogs snatch and push but she waits patiently at the back with that sweet smile on her face. She has never tried to steal from my plate and won’t steal another dog’s ball. Once she jumped on the sofa to fuss my now ex and when I joked where was I going to sit she actually scooched over to make room!
CHILDREN. They love her, and she loves them! I’d swear she prefers little 2-legged friends to other dogs and every child in the neighbourhood knows her name and loves to throw her ball with her. Labradors are great, gentle, ambassadors for helping those who are afraid.
SAFETY. For all of her gentle, patient, kindness I still find her to be a great guard dog too. She has great instincts when somebody is acting strangely nearby (she’s flushed a few weirdos out of bushes) and though she is very rarely vocal if she gets “spooked” (i.e. she can hear a noise but the cause is hidden) she will be bold and challenge it. I don’t think burglars would get in without us knowing!
I’m glad you mentioned the clowning, my girl does makes me laugh and I’d swear she laughs with me. She has a great sense of humour 🙂
I have 3 year old black lab and I love his personality he’s so loving when I’m down and excited when I get home from work
My black lab, Molly, is a rescue dog. I found her incarcerated in the big house and saved her life.
Shortly after that, she literally saved mine.
Now I’m saving hers again because she’s diabetic and requires injections and special diet. It’s just been a cycle that keeps giving round and round, and it’s all my privelege.
I don’t think there is anything as loving, caring, curious, fun and easygoing as a Labrador (mine is CHOCOLATE) AND SUPER INTELLIGENT.
But miss my old yellow lab.
Amazing that I came upon this website tonight–when truly in need. I’m having a real tough time and awfully torn. Our still beautiful (huge) and regal black lab just turned 15 last week and has become more and more incontinent in the last days. He’s having a harder time getting outside–those rear legs not coordinating. The hardest part is that he’s still eating, enjoying his dog biscuits and wagging his tail for us. He does not seem to be in pain, but I know he doesn’t like falling down or finding himself lying in his urine either. I’m finding consolation in the “why wait for the suffering” comments.. I’m thinking I should do something before lots of family (including little grandchildren)arrive for Easter. But then I can’t believe I’m really thinking this. The thought playing God and deciding his exit is overwhelming. We are fortunate to have a traveling vet in the area who euthanized our previous dog 15 yrs ago—and think I’m ready to give her a call to do the same. I am so, so sad and conflicted!! Any words of wisdom and encouragement would sure be welcomed
Hi Betsy, sorry to hear you are facing a tough decision, you may find this article helpful https://www.thelabradorsite.com/knowing-when-to-let-go-of-your-labrador/
We adore our boy! He is all the above and more.We have had the same wonderful experience with every dog we have had in this family.Retrievers,Springers and Labs .All lived to the maximum ages,with the exception of my beautiful Springer who had cancer of the spine.Dogs are wonderful Animals,beyond all expectation.I love them.
hello!! i have a yellow lab luffy(named after the manga character monkey d. luffy), he is adorable and fun and he acts like the character he is named after . just like a ball of energy he comes and lightens the house . he is a sweetheart to my grandparents who were scared of dogs earlier on .. he has become the most integral part of the family . and we all love him dearly
Hello Pippa, our family loves our beautiful HarleeQuinn, a 14 month black english lab. She’s everything all the other posts have described. She entered our lives at 8 weeks and can honestly say there is not a single day she has not made me laugh. She’s the smartest dog we’ve ever had and very loving. I enjoy your website very much. We live in the US and appreciate the tips and also links to US site references. Invaluable.
Thanks Pat, glad you are enjoying the site 🙂
We have one chocolate lab named dutch, he is 2 years old and a wild man. We also have my black lab Riley she is 11 years old, I love her to bits. She isn’t doing so well and has a fatty tumor on her side. It’s going to be a sad day when she is gone.
Our Sugar is now 14 years old and unfortunately has to be put down on Saturday. She is our family’s whole world and we are going to miss her – her sweet, gentle nature and irrepressible optimism and her absolute believe that there will always be more food in her bowl 🙂
Helene
Very sorry for your loss Helene.
It is allways sad to say goodbye to our beloved friend.We have had seven over thirty five years.None went naturally,the decision had to be made to stop them suffering.They know you love them,they know its a hard call for you.I hope all goes well and that you keep her forever in your hearts..
Pippa, First, Let me say I really enjoy your website and have learned so much about our lovable Labs. I have one Lab, Ollie. (See my picture on my email) He is my first Lab. I now can’t believe it has taken me this long to be a Lab pop. He is now 15 months old. Your 10 reasons are spot on! I can honestly say my Ollie has made me laugh EVERY DAY since I brought him home. He even seems to be patient with me as I learn to understand him. So, how about those characteristics: Humorous, Smart, Empathetic and some how patient with a first time pop!
I fostered a 3 month old Chocolate – Golden cross who is now about to turn 3. I didn’t think there was another home quite good enough for such a wonderful dog that he became a failed foster and is here to stay.
I have two Harley and Token.
Over the years we have had 3 others, Missy, Sally snd Shadow! Love my labs to pieces! 🙂
I have a two year old black labrador. He’s very handsome! I love it when I am sitting next to my husband on the sofa, and he comes and sits across both our laps at once! Never knew a lab was supposed to be a lap dog!
Pippa, I have asked on hear a couple times about my working cocker. After adhering to total recall 3 times now my Mental little cocker still does not come back straight away.Any help please.
🙁
Which exercise did you get to Terry? At which point did you get stuck?
I have been to the end twice,within 9 months.!
Is it poss I could email you? If not you have mine .
Many thanks
I have 4 now, my 2 OAPs Hardy and Hudson are about to be 11 and 10, and my 2 youngsters, Reed and Cooper who are 2 and 20 weeks.
Centre of my universe and perfect in every way!
everything about my lab i adore
Sweet soft ears and loving eyes. Of the three Labs I’ve know in my lifetime all three were sweet, kind and loving dogs. Mallee has passed on to hopefully chase those dummies he loved so much and Atticus now lives in another state but is aging gracefully. Izzy our latest lab was brought to us after a chance meeting on Craigslist and has given us so much love and joy we don’t know how we ever lived without her. Labs are the BEST, hands down.
I’ll never forget the day when my yellow lab wanted to be my pillow because i was very sick with high fever!!! I was lying on the sofa and he came and lick my forehead, then when i got up to pet him a little he throw the pillow on the floor and replaced the pillow with his body. All he wanted was me to lie on his belly and lick my forehead to get better!!! The next day i lost him because a psychopath put poison all over the neighborhood… He was the perfect lab!!!
like it.. can not express
i love my lab jz because i put loads in to her and i get so much back from her pure love she is 12 yr old and stil makes me laugh even tho she got athritis but we manage it with herbal medication love her to much my little angel means the worldto me forever x
What I love most about my lab……his kind loving heart of gold! He is a 100 pound cuddlier! He has brought so much joy to our lives after losing our 10 year old lab, 5 years ago. Can’t imagine a day without our boy..Bry!!
I love my chocolate lab Willow because she is faithful, funny and so intelligent – with more than a tiny bit of cheekiness! She brightens every day, no matter how bad it has been! I love how every time she sees me she acts like it has been ages, even when it has just been 10 minutes! I should get mad when she tries to jump in the bath with me (!) but I can’t help but laugh when she puts her whole head under the water! How she actually talks to me and my partner when we get home form work, we joke that she is telling us how her day has been and what she has been up to 🙂
I can’t imagine my world without her, she is a true friend and will always be one of the great loves of my life! <3
Just because …….:-)
My nine month old lab came into my life when I was about to give up n depressed..and now everyday is like a new gift of happiness thanks to his pranks and loving antics. Cant imagine life without him.He’s always with me wherever I go.
My wife and I adopted a chocolate Lab named Abby about three years ago.
I simply can’t imagine life without her.
Labs are just amazing dogs.
Hi Pippa, I have a lab couple, the female being fawn and the male black.. (and planning to get the third one).. The one word that describes them aptly would be difficult for me to describe.. Because they are cute, lovely, messy, silly all at the same time.. and they love each other so much as well.. Once when Smokey( the female lab) was ill and wont eat, Boozo (the male one) too stopped his favorite thing to do, ie, eating.. and Smokey wouldn’t sleep without putting her head on Boozo’s back.. So much do they care..They mean the world to me..
We just found out our lab Ashka hasliver cancer. This is our first pup she turns 10 on Friday. We are going to out her to sleep on Monday as we know she is pain. We love her so much she always up for a fight chasing me around the house and always good for a cuddle and a smooch. We are going to miss her.
Very sorry to hear that Peter. Best wishes, Pippa
Thank you we are going to enjoy our last week with her as we want to have quality of life rather than for our sake hanging on.
I love my lab to bits but I think the best thing about them is there ears and the way they always flop around when they run
I have Two Labs One Chocolate 20Months Old and one golden 9 month old. They are my world I work early and get home early so I’m mostly on my own with them in the day and they make me laugh constantly they are always full of life and always playing and will do anything to make you laugh, they also are so loving and loyal, a couple of months ago my girlfriend and I lost our baby we were both gutted and when we came home our labs wasn’t bouncy and very calm they instantly new when I walked threw the door that they were something wrong, they just followed me about and when we both sat down just came over and laid on us both and comforted us, I think they new that they had lost a part of the family too, later on they got back to there old tricks and made us laugh they were what got me and my girlfriend threw a bad time and I would not change them for the world. they are a brilliant breed and I think I will spend the rest of my life with a lab( or two) by my side…..
I just adopted a 3yr old Yellow Lab, called Lucy. She has brought so much joy into my family. She is so gentle with my elderly parents, and loves to play hard with me. Our lives have been enhanced so much by her.
How lovely, I wish you many happy years together 🙂 Pippa
I think you covered all the main wondrous benefits of owning a lab – Rusty I adore as he is always at my feet, even when the others are off playing he much prefers to be close by to me. Barney my wonderful stray rescue boy is a truly independent spirit. You get the feeling he knows what it is to live in the big scary world and he’s grateful for his loving home. So his loyalty comes with a different attitude and while he is still “naughty” sometimes I wouldn’t change him for the world.
i have the most handsome choc lab he is 5yr’s old & he’s called Diesel, he is the most loving but at time’s want’s his own space, which we so give him, his brother’s are a fisty patterdale terrier & a beagle, & they all fit together like it is ment to be, i am a chronic asthmatic & i had a bad turn a few weeks ago i was on the floor could’nt breath Diesel my choc lab stayed by my side & kept licking & ,pawing me, which kept me awake & allow me 2 ring an ambulance, he is my star. he just knew wot 2 do, he deserves a medal x
Well done Diesel for keeping you safe. He must be your hero! Pippa
I love everything about my boy, never a truer friend , he is nearly 8 but still acts like he is 2 but would not change that for the world he makes me smile and laugh all the time.
He sounds lovely Fay 🙂
His love of a muddy puddle and water.
I got a rescue lab pup at a rodeo, her mother and her where very much beat and found in a dumpster.. Ever since she came home with us she is just a ball of energy. We also have a blue heeler and you would think those to where born together. :).. We have had Dali for almost 2 years and she is barely past my knees.. I think she might be a mini lab..is there such thing?
Hi Lizzy,
There are ‘dwarfing’ genes that occasionally crop up in Labradors, but with a rescued Lab of unknown ancestry, the most likely explanation for small stature is that her father was a small dog.
Pippa
This is our 2nd lab.! yep we must be mad – but I wouldn’t change it for a second. Yes they are like human dustbins and yes mine will eat the yuckiest muck around and leave it to me to clear up afterwards!He is a real softie and at just 3 he is only just starting to be a bit ‘grown up and brave’!
I wouldn’t change him for anything.
Hi I have three dogs a springer spaniel a wire haired daschund and a black lab,they are all great friends.My lab was born with elbow and hip dysphasia ,he is now five,He is such a lively boy and loves to fetch tennis balls,I can’t throw them for him ,as it jars his joints so I spend lots of time hiding them so he can find them.It has been very difficult to stop him running too much and playing with other dogs as he is like most labs very sociable.I have always had recall problems ,I bought your book total recall and found it very helpful ,today he came back to.the whistle while playing with another dog!!!!
Hi Vanessa, sorry to hear your lab has joint problems, but glad the book has been helpful. Happy New Year 🙂 Pippa
I have two amazing Labs! They mean the whole world to me. Scotch is a yellow 1 year old Lab and Brandy is a 9 month old Choco Lab, sooo adorable!
I just love to spend all my free time with them, playing, goofing around and wrestling, it is so much fun! I have seen so much love and consideration from those babies. Recently I found out that Brandy was born with hip dysplasia and the news just killed me. That day, when I was looking at him and crying, promising that I would do anything to keep him safe and make him feel comfortable, he just licked me, turned his head like a small owl, and smiled at me with his gorgeous green eyes and made me laugh. I just felt that he wanted me not to pity him and tried to cheer me up. I do not think there are many humans now a days who would do such a sweet thing. And Scotch was getting his brother food and drink and allowing him to nip and bite him just for the sake he felt there was something wrong with Brandy, I just cant explain really. I would simply give away my life for my babies, no matter what it takes
Sorry to hear about Brandy’s Hip Dysplasia. Hope you are able to get some good treatment and pain relief for him. Best wishes, Pippa
Aren’t Labs Something?? I bought my first lab, and english chocolate lab female. She was a leftover puppy, from the breeder that we had just bought an English Cream Golden Retriever from. I paid more for the English Cream Golden, than I did for the last chocolate lab that they had. He weighed in at $1,000.00, while little Snickers cost us $650.00. My Wife wanted to give away the English Cream Golden. He’s barky, and was dominant for a while after Snickers came. We had to get a behaviorist to come to our house for 6 weekly sessions. Yukon hated Snickers so much, since we guess, he was here first for about 3 months, before Snickers came. He would growl at me, just trying to wipe off his paws. Leadership exercises got the respect back, and now he is a good dog. But Snickers was never mean. Chocolate Labs are so special, and I’ve been told that it’s not just the Chocolates that are great dogs. The black, yellow, chocolate labs are all SWEET!!!! But I’ve only owned this English Chocolate Lab. You’re right, it’s fun to spend all of your free time with the babies. My two dogs are very special, and fun to be with. Dogs are so much more fun to be with than people. Dogs love you no matter what. Dealing with people today, is a rat race. I lease apartments, and dealing with tenants can be a PITA!!!! But when you get home to your RETRIEVERS, you forget all about the stressful day that you just encountered. LOVE THOSE LABS AND GOLDENS!!!!
This June, my husband and I have lost our almost 12 year old boy Monty to cancer. What did we love the most about him? Everything! My husband brought him over from US when he moved to Germany. Monty was his only friend in a foreign country and never ever got sour with him when he had to stay late in the office. Often the two would just sit their small and at the beginning empty apartment and cry… Five years later when I married the two of them and moved from Serbia to Germany, Monty was everything to me! I didn’t speak a word of German, knew none and was at home the whole day. Often I would burst in tears and this Angel would push my hands away from my face and kiss me until I start laughing… I loved him with every atom of my body and miss him more and more with every second! next Friday we are getting a chocolate Lab (you know, the stupid kind of Lab… ???) and our excitement is enormous! But, the more I think of our life with the future member of our family, the more I miss Monty…
It is very hard losing an old friend isn’t it. Hope you have a lot of fun with your new puppy, he’ll make his own place in your heart. Pippa
Nina,
There’s nothing stupid about a chocolate lab (wait till you see a liver colored one!). Perun is going to be a wonderful addition to your lives. Much love, many hugs, and kisses from my babies.
~suzi
P.S. You know Monty will always be in your heart, as Shadow will always be in mine.
You will love your Chocolate Labrador Retriever. We have an English Chocolate Labrador Female named Snickers. English Chocolates are shorter in size, but still have the broad head. We have an english cream golden retriever, also. What I’ve learned about labs has amazed me. They are so sensitive, and loving. Our golden retriever is very dominant, and the second golden retriever that we’ve owned. Both goldens were extremely dominant. But our chocolate lab female is so sweet. She never meets a stranger, and loves and cries for anybody that she sees. When we first got her, about two months or so into owning her, I scolded her for bringing sticks into the yard, while I was trying to mow. I threw a stick at her, not hitting her, but she felt threatened, I guess. She went into our wooded area of the fenced-in backyard, to hide from me. I finished mowing about an hour later, but Snickers never came back down to our house. I went up in the woods to find her, and she was sitting in a corner of the fence crying by herself. She was scared to come back home. I picked her up in my arms, and told her that I would never scold her again. She licked my face all the way back down to the house. When I sat her down, she ran fiercely to Yukon our golden retriever, and then ran back to me, and sat down. I never SCOLDED her again. I love that chocolate lab more than anything in this world. She never had to fear me again. I LOVE CHOCOLATES!!!! Her sweetness has finally rubbed off on our Yukon Boy, Golden Retriever. HER AFFECTIONATENESS IS CONTAGIOUS!!!! Best dog that I have ever owned. Yukon has dropped his dominance, and has learned that Snickers is GOOD, and that he has to be GOOD, TOO!!!! BEST OF LUCK WITH YOUR NEW CHOCOLATE!!!!
Hi Niki, I read your post and I’m hoping you might give me some advice. We have an 18 month old male Labradoodle and are looking into getting a Labrador puppy. If you wouldn’t mind I’d love to know the sex of your dogs, how old they are, and how well they get along.
My two (well, labrador and Labradoodle) and they are the most caring dogs I have ever meet, they know when something isn’t right and both give you cuddles as if to say all will be ok. I love them to bits!!
They sound like wonderful friends 🙂
I have 3 labs Molly Millie an jack they are my world so so faithful an so much fun I just love them to bits
Three! How lovely 🙂