Characteristics & Temperament
• Loyal • Friendly • Tolerant • Affectionate
The Labrador Retriever is the nation's number one breed ... and for good reason. The Labrador is an adaptable, loving, intelligent and even-tempered dog. A true family companion, the Labrador integrates himself into every aspect of the family life with ease and enthusiasm.
While the Labrador is a reasonably low maintenance dog, please do not underestimate the time and attention he will require and demand from you and your family. The breed is intended to be a companion and helper to his human family members – he will not be ignored! To achieve his fullest potential, your Labrador will need to be incorporated into your family activities as a full participant.
Their best feature is their temperament. Labs are loving, people oriented dogs. They are happiest when they are with you. Labs are retrievers and will bring you things they find laying about your house or yard. They tend to be quite patient with children and wonderful family dogs. They are not guard dogs. They may bark protectively, but will generally not act more aggressively. Labs are wonderful people dogs, more likely to lick someone to death than hurt them. They tend to be stable, not easily upset by strange things or occurrences. They will take many things in stride.
Labrador Retrievers are people- and action- oriented dogs, and can become bored if left to their own devices. Untrained, they can be unmanageable due to their size and enthusiasm. Unexercised, they will often turn to destruction or escape to alleviate boredom and excess energy. They require attention and love as much as food and water. Labradors are easy to train which makes obedience work a fun way to interact with your dog. Labradors also require plenty of exercise -- this is especially true since most Labs love to eat! Ensuring they get proper exercise, training, and attention will give you a happy, healthy Labrador.
Other Lab Characteristics that You Should Know About - It can’t all be good!
Shedding - they shed - if you are an absolute neat freak they may not be for you
Energy - they have lots for the first 2-3 years - be prepared to do a lot of walking!
Biters - labs can nip and bite until they are 8 months - 1.5 years old. This means fingers, toes, furniture etc.
Clumsy - labs tend to be the comedians of the dog world - they knock things over with their tails, they bump into you, they walk into walls, they knock children down without meaning to.
Mouthy - they like to steal socks and underwear and carry them around the house, they will nip at your long shirt or pant cuffs....this is what the breed has been bred for...so accept it as is!
Garbage Cans - labs eat everything from dead frogs to cat poo to fermenting veggies from the garden.