Selection guide - Adopting labrador from rescue group

Consider adopting a Labrador from a rescue group. Most of these dogs are already housebroken and finished with the chewing stage. There's usually nothing wrong with the dog; the owners didn't research the breed and later discovered that they and the dog were incompatible.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Learn about the health problems

Learn about the health problems associated with this breed: hip and elbow dysplasia and some eye disorders.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Labradors don't really reach adulthood until they are three years old

Understand Labradors don't really reach adulthood until they are three years old, unlike most breeds, which reach it around the age of two.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Are Labrador retrievers smarter than golden retrievers?

Labradors are one of the smarter breeds around, and golden retrievers are even smarter than that.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Do Labrador Retrievers bark a lot?

Bored Labrador Retrievers can, but excessive barking is not generally typical of the breed. Labrador Retrievers often give a warning bark in response to an unusual event that they feel needs your attention, such as "Hey, a car pulled into the driveway!"

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Do Labrador Retrievers jump fences?

Labrador Retrievers are not renowned for this as a breed, although individual Labrador Retrievers can be clever at escaping. Some can be good at opening doors and latches. A six-foot fence properly grounded will keep a Labrador Retriever from jumping, although many Labrador Retrievers will never jump a four-foot fence perimeter. Because they can chew a lot, take care that your enclosure cannot be chewed through. Labrador Retrievers can also be good climbers, so check for possible footholds the dog could use to haul himself up. A Labrador Retriever that is bored and/or under exercised may turn into an escape artist par excellence.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - What is the difference between Golden Retriever and Yellow Labrador?

The Golden Retriever is a separate breed from the Labrador Retriever, although there are similarities. Sometimes the term is used informally to refer to a Labrador / Golden Retriever mix.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Do Labrador Retrievers bark a lot?

Bored Labrador Retrievers can, but excessive barking is not generally typical of the breed. Labrador Retrievers often give a warning bark in response to an unusual event that they feel needs your attention, such as "Hey, a car pulled into the driveway!"

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - What kind of work can Labradors do?

Besides hunting, doing field trials, and being terrific pets? Quite a bit. Many Labrador Retrievers are used as Service and Therapy dogs, for example. Still others do very well in Search and Rescue work, as well as making excellent Bomb, Narcotic, and Arson dogs. Their nose, disposition, and trainability make them particularly suitable for these types of activities and the breed has a distinguished history in these endeavors. Interestingly, in comparison to other breeds, such as Goldens, there are relatively few Labrador Retrievers in obedience competition. No one is quite certain why, although of course several theories have been advanced, from Labrador Retrievers are a little too "disobedient" (a necessary ability in Service work -- to disobey an unsafe command), to most people with Labrador Retrievers being involved in other activities such as Hunt Tests.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Labrador Retrievers are popular, aren't they?

Yes. Since 1991, Labrador Retrievers have been the top registered dog with the AKC. At the end of 1997, President Clinton got a chocolate Labrador. This means that there are a lot of people out there breeding Labrador Retrievers hoping to make a few quick bucks (as opposed to improving the breed). You need to be very careful about where you get your Labrador Retriever. Disreputable breeders are the primary source for hyper, ill-behaved and ill-favored Labrador Retrievers.

Labrador Retriever - Dog Lover