Is the Labrador Retriever the Best Family Dog?
Year after year, Labrador Retrievers have consistently ranked as one of the best family dogs. With their intelligence, and laid back demeanor they make an excellent choice when choosing a dog for your family. Here’s more about this breedâ¦
History: The Labrador Retrievers roots, depending upon which theory you adhere to, either started in England or Newfoundland. Most theories suggest that the origin of the Labrador Retriever dates back to Newfoundland in the 1700s, where they were originally considered a smaller version of the Newfoundland, and might even have been a partial cross of a now extinct St. Johns dog and the larger Newfoundland. By the 1800s, the Labrador began making its way to England and European countries, but compliments for refining the breed as a hunting and retrieving dog go to the English breeders. They are known for being black in color originally, with the first yellow and chocolate colored Lab’s being recorded around the end of the 19th century.
To this day the Labrador Retriever was and still is used for bird hunting and retrieval of birds in the water. Even though today the Retriever is a natural when used for bird hunting, they were in the past, excellent at retrieving fish too, and still show their love for a good swim. Said to have originated in Newfoundland, there are those who speculate that the Labrador name comes from the Canadian Province of Labrador. Popular among breeders in Canada around the 1800s, the Labrador Retriever only made it’s way to America in the early 1900s, where it was finally registered with the American Kennel Club in1917.
Description: Thriving in all types of weather, the Labrador Retriever has a thick, resistant to water coat, that comes in the various flavors of yellow, black or chocolate brown. Female Labrador Retrievers weigh in at around 55-75 pounds, while the larger male tips the scale at between 65-80 pounds. the height of the Labrador can range from 21-24 inches tall. Some of the beautiful features that this dog possesses include their muscular hind legs combined with an otter like tail, most often recognized while in their stance. They are also known for their proud, powerful looking head.
Life Span: 10-13 years
Common Ailments: May be prone to Hip and Elbow Dysphasia which might cause problems with mobility and arthritis in it’s later years. otherwise, this is a hardy dog breed. Another possible ailment known to this breed is called Retinal Atrophy which is a progressive disease that results in reduction or complete loss of vision.
Suitability with Children: Yes, a very even tempered breed as well as gentle natured.
Suitability with Other Pets: Yes
Living Conditions: Labrador Retrievers do best in a home with a large yard or with land. They are easily adaptable though, and would also do well in an apartment or with a small yard if received plenty of exercise on a daily basis.
Training: This breed is easily trainable as a puppy. Combining their intelligence with their easy trainability makes them one of the most powerful combinations as a superior working dog and excellent sporting dog, as well as a wonderful family pet. Remember that Labradors need consistency and reinforcement from the time they are puppies and they will grow into a strong and gentle family pet.
Exercise Required: High
Expense to maintain: Low
Breed Temperament: Being definitely a favored breed in America, just about every puppy in the pound will state they have some Labrador in their blood. If not, many owners will make the claim that they do because of their gentle nature despite their size, as well as their extreme intelligence and ease at training. There is no doubt about it, the Labradors loyalty, agreeable temperament and affectionate nature are what causes this to be one of the most popular dog breeds around.
Keep in mind that Labradors find their greatest happiness when they are outdoors sporting or exercising on a regular basis. While Labrador Retrievers can adapt to almost any living environment, owners will find they are most content when they are regularly exercised. If not regularly exercised, especially as a puppy, owners could find that they will turn towards destructive habits, like chewing furniture. Also, Labs that are not regularly exercised show a tendency to put on weight, as they sure love to eat.
All things considered, Labrador Retrievers will make a wonderful family pet with a little extra TLC, and along with the tender loving care, don’t forget the extra running, fetching or swimming!
When Richard Livitski isn’t busy digging up information on Labrador Retrievers, he’s working on his dog names website http://www.dog-names-and-more.com where dog names as well as other helpful dog related topics can be found.
Richard Livitski
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/is-the-labrador-retriever-the-best-family-dog-100019.html
November 25th, 2009 at 11:51 am
question about choosing a dog for family? LABRADOR RETRIEVER???
I have never owned a dog before. I have one year old sister and i need some helping choosing a dog that would be good for my family. I really like a labardor retriever. i want to buy one when they are a baby. can anyone tell me if this is a good family dog, easy to train and wont eat my baby sister. Can your tell me where would be a best place to get like a small puppy (labrador retriever)? how much does it cost to keep a dog. and to buy one and to pay for all the vaccines and stuff like that. . any advice and suggestions would be nice.
thank you
November 25th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Labs are a great family dog.
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November 25th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Yes there is something to be said about the bread of the dog, but even in a good family breed, you still have dogs with very bad temperaments. Go to the local animal shelters and rescues. They will have all kinds of dogs and you’ll be able to find the dog that works best for your family. Dont buy from a pet store or a breeder, dogs there are way too much money, and in my experience dont love you as much as a "pound puppy" will. If the shelters and rescues dont have the perfect dog for you, they all have waiting lists that you can be put on, say for a puppy under 6 months old, and then they’ll call you when one comes in. This may take a few months, but you’ll find one, the right one.
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I have a rotti/shepard mix and a sharpei/shepard mix both from shelters that are GREAT with my young son, and my cats and the foster kittens that I often have from the Humane Society.
November 25th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Provided that you find a good breeder who cares as much about health and temperment as looks you will be good to go with any breed. Even "good family dogs" like labs, if bred improperly can have horrible temperments and attack children or other dogs. You just have to make sure you find a good breeder.
Some things to consider with labs: they tend to be very boisterous during adolesence, and might knock your baby sister down out of excitement. Training will be very important to make sure the puppy knows how to act around your sister. They also need a lot of exercise to be happy and healthy, so you’ll have to make sure you take your dog for a long walk every day.
The best place to start looking would be akc.org (in US) or ckc.ca in Canada. Go to the lab clubs and they will have links to breeders in your area. Then find a breeder with adult dogs you like (remember, it won’t be a puppy forever) and whos dogs all have good temperments.
Now costs: in the first year your puppy will cost you over $2000, every year after that will be over $1000. This is not including initial purchace price or any emergency costs that come up.
Generally purchase price will be $500-900 depending on the breeder, how long they keep the puppies, whether the puppy is show or pet quality, and a number of other factors. Vaccinations will cost about $100-$150 with a check up for the dog every year. Spay/Neuter surgery is generally around $150-200 for a large breed like labs.
Never purchase a puppy from a pet store – ever. Check breed rescue and shelters if you’re not as concerned about getting a pup.
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November 25th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
First I recommend going to a shelter and looking. Any breed can make a good family dog for the most part with the right training and care.
Mix breeds tend to have less long term health issues. Purebred dogs are at risk of more gentic problems due to overbreeding.
If you go the shelter route you will pay far less than at a breeder or pet store.
Puppies have a ton of energy and are a little harder to train than a dog around 1 yr of age. Plus you have to deal with potty training.
Also a problem with large dogs is they dont always realize how big they are. My two year old is always getting bowled over by our rotty (who is obviously upset he does it) just because he doesnt realize his size and strength.
If it was me, I’d go for a near 1 yr old mix breed thats medium size (not too much taller than your sister.)
Vaccine prices depend on the vet clinic but there are more vaccines needed for puppies than older dogs. A medium sized dog will also eat less than a larger one saving you money on food.
Make sure when you are looking for dogs to bring your sister with you. Keep her safe, but you want to see how the dog will react to her before bringing it home.
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November 25th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Labs are great family dogs as long as they are properly trained and socialized as puppies. Check out this website, http://www.dogbreedinfo.com and take the breed selector quiz. Look through the results, read the information, and find a dog that suites your family. YOU CANNOT GET A DOG WITHOUT RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH!!!!!!!! Always remember this! Talk to people that have the breed you are considering, find information on the internet, meet some dogs of the breed, ask yourself if this would truly work in your family, and then make a decision.
As for getting a young pup, you could look at shelters and see if they have puppies, but that is not always the case. Check http://www.petfinder.com to find rescue animals near you, but if you cannot find anything that suites your family, then look into responsible breeders. You probably shouldn’t ship your dog, because this could cause trauma later on. If at all possible, look for breeders in your area. That way you can see the facilities, meet the parents and make sure that they are healthy and happy, and hand pick your puppy. A responsible breeder should be able to tell you the personality of each puppy, so that you can find one that fits your family.
Do not forget to research!!!!!!! I cannot stress how important that is when getting an animal!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good luck!
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November 25th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
They are good dogs. But very common. I prefer a Schnauzer, any size. They are great water dogs, and don’t have that oil coat that sheds all over. Labs/retreive are very over breed, so you stand a good chance of getting one that is mess up in the head.
But I will end with this, look at different breeds. There are so many great breeds of dogs.
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November 25th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
labs are good family dogs, i take my puppy 2 the park he or she can run arownd and play with your one year old sister i would realy sugjest you get a lab.
but me in a dushand person.
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my puppy
November 25th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
A LABRADOR RETRIEVER IS A VERY GOOD FAMILY DOG!!! OUR DAUGHTER HAS ONE AND SHE HAS TWO CHILDREN SIX AND 12 THE DOG IS A WONDERFUL FAMILY PET AND VERY PROTECTIVE.YOU CAN LOOK IN THE PAPER FIRST AND A LOT OF TIME PEOPLE WILL GIVE ONE AWAY!! SHOTS WELL WE DO THAT OUR SELF COST IS WAY CHEAPER ABOUT $6.00 AROUND THIRTY DOLLARS AT A VET OR MORE AND FOOD DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU CHOSE TO FEED THEM MY SELF I LOVE THE PET-AGREE DOG FOOD ONLY CHICKEN OR TURKEY RICE BUT NEVER BEEF IT WILL ALL GIVE THE DOG DIEA RREA WELL GOOD LUCK,
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November 25th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Look on http://dogbreedinfo.com/children.htm scroll down and click on labrador retriver. Also find out what others would be good with her.
Please adopt from a shelter. Look on here to find puppys near you:
http://www.petfinder.com/
I got my lab from the shelter a year ago when she was only 8 weeks old. She is lab and cockerspaniel. I have kids 3 year old and a 6 year old and my friends all have babies and toddlers. All my dog ever wants to do is lick them to death. You cant go wrong with a lab!!!! Just make sure to walk it every day.
Good luck
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November 25th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
I would search on-line for a Lab Kennel club in your area they can answer any questions you have about the dog they can also help you find a good breeder. Labs have a lot of energy and can be any where from 50 -150 lbs depending on the breeder so make sure you have the room and an energy outlet for him. DO NOT BUY FROM A PET STORE!!! Check out the parents they will give you a good idea on what the puppy will look like when he is big also what his temperament will be like.
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November 25th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
The solution might be an older Lab from a shelter. Young Labs are very bouncy and boisterous, too rambunctious for a baby. But once they are over the puppy stage, you couldn’t find a better family dog. Like any dog, you need to know that they have a good temperament first.
The other advantages of getting an older dog, is that it most likely will be housetrained already.
We chose an abused purebred yellow Lab from a shelter as our boys first dog, and he was a gem. He went everywhere with us and was dearly loved by the whole family. We finally lost him to old age, and that was a sad day for all of us.
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November 25th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Labs are great family dogs, but they do not stay small for very long. Plus there is a chance your sister may have allergies to pet dander. A labradoodle is hypoallergenic and has the personality of a lab. Do some research, below is a great resource for choosing a breed for you and your family.
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http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselectorindex.do
November 25th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Labs are GREAT family dogs, and I commend you for choosing such a great breed…petfinder.com has many different dogs, all from rescues, in your area.
If I were you, though, I would probably get a young adult (1-2 years)..to not deal with the housebreaking and training…a one year old and a rambunctious lab puppy together are a TON of work lol!
Plus you can exercise adults more rigorously (SERIOUSLY key to owning a lab…excersise them and they are worlds best dogs!) without worrying about damiging their joints and growth plates.
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November 25th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Go to Petfinder.com and type
Animal – Dog
Breed – Labrador Retriever
Age – Baby
and your other information and they may have a Lab Puppy that needs a home.
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November 25th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
go to akc.org and click on labs.. then click on breeder referral and then your state. a quality lab with full health guarantee will probably be near $1000.
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November 25th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Labs are one of the absolute greatest dogs. I have owned tons of different breeds and although I loved each dog I never fell in love with a breed until I got Labs. They are highly intelligent so yes they are easy to train. They are not known to be a dominant breed so they are great for the inexperienced dog owner. They are very versatile and highly affectionate. Their favorite thing is to be around you and family. They are one of the top breeds for service work because of their love of people and dedication to their masters. also for their intelligence and friendliness. I would never be without one ever. My 2 year old yellow Lab knows over 55 words and commands, and is the funniest dog ever. You can try your local shelters or a Lab rescue. I know in my area there are several Lab puppies in need of a home. IF you go to a breeder make sure it is a reputable one. As with any breed there can be poor breeding. Also there are 2 types of Labs, they are the exact same breed but lets say different styles. The English are the ones with blocky heads and you would see them in the confirmation show ring. They tend to be a little quieter. The American are taller, thinner and have a slightly longer heads. They are used in the field trials and hunting. They tend to have a little more energy for that reason. But regardless they all have the loving, affectionate Lab personality it is more the look.
My yellow is English and I got him from a "show" breeder and paid $800.00. But I got the hips certified he came from great lines and was carefully bred. My boyfriend black Lab is the American style and he got her from a rescue for $100.00. My dogs go in once a year for a checkup, which is necessary and with shots and test I usually pay $280.00 Depending on if they needed boosters. They also get heart worm tested.That usually covers the cost of heartworm meds and 6 month of flea stuff. I only use the best dog food well the most natural and that is about $50.00 for 3-4 weeks. I spoil my dogs so their treats chews and toys are $25.00 a week (but that is not necessary) Collars leashes brushes etc about $35.00 every month or so. Shampoos and vitamins lotion, etc about $50.00 every couple months. But keep in mind I am bringing most of the cost on myself because they are my kids. I like doggie health insurance it really helps if there was an accident (God forbid) or an illness and it does give you some reduction on regular vet costs.
If you are going to get a puppy I highly suggest you get a crate. It is safer for them and for your house and stuff. The intial cost is always the worst. But the unconditional love and companionship you recieve is well worth it. Labs are the greatest and as a family dog I can not say enough good about them. Check you rescue groupd first if not that find a VERY reputable breeder. Labs are the number one dog in the US and England so there is a lot of over breeding and poor breeding. Which will cost you more in the long run.You will never regret having a Lab.
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November 25th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
labs are great pets your all around family dog if my lab won’t eat my puppy who bites her ( really hard on the ears and stuff) then i doubt she will eat you sis. They are great first dogs…they can tend to be a little hyper, so they need exercise, they are fairly easy to train… they are very smart but they always have tennis ball on the brain mine is really obsessive like the one in the movie spanglish ( not wuite as bad though) it is actually a lot of money to keep a dog….350 and over just to buy the puppy and about 250 to 300 for shots plus food, toys, leash bed, bones, license, id tag, spay/ neuter which will be about 100 depending on where you go, microchip- good thing to prevent your pup from getting loss about 30 bucks, and then puppies do damage some things- you can do the math-…but be careful when the pup’s lil he goes through a teething stage…also they are a lot of responsibilty they cry during the night and have to be taken out so thats about 1/2 to hour of lost sleep and moreo and doghouses and kennals ( kennals are a necessity ) are very important the are probably around 50-60 bucks for a fullgrown lab one …you can look at http://www.petfinder.com and at your local animal shelter and also in the penny saver and classifieds ( in the newspaper ) for your dog there are two types of labs american (field)- more hyper and bigger but still great dogs- for a pic got to http://freetobeme11.blogspot.com
and then their are the english- not quite as cute ( have more blocky heads) smaller and mellow
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lab owner