4 Reasons Why You Need a Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is among the most popular dog breeds in the world and the most popular dog breed in North America. These dogs have qualities that make them excel in so many different areas. They are capable of making incredible working dogs and were originally used by fishermen in northern Canada, where they helped reel in fishing nets from the sea. They also have been used for bomb detection and search and rescue missions.

Another area where the Labrador Retriever excels is as a therapy dog. Labrador Retrievers are used in many different types of therapy, including emotional support, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. They are trained to provide comfort and companionship to people with various conditions, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, autism, and more. Clearly, the Lab is incredibly versatile, but what qualities make them so desirable as a house pet?

#1 - Friendly and Outgoing Nature

Anyone that has or knows a Labrador Retriever will undoubtedly know how friendly these pups are. They will greet familiar and new faces alike with a cheerful and upbeat attitude. Labs always seem to be in a great mood which can add a lot of positivity to your household. Having one of these doggos around lifts the spirit of everyone around them, which, as mentioned earlier, is why they do so well as therapy dogs. Labs are also friendly toward other doggos, so taking them to the dog park should never be an issue. They will be more than happy to interact and play with humans and dogs alike.

#2 - Highly Intelligent

The Labrador Retriever is among the most intelligent dog breeds in the world. Some dog breeds are very smart but can also be stubborn and difficult to train. This is not the case with the Labrador Retriever. These pups are super willing to learn new tasks and are eager to please their owners as much as possible. If you train your Lab from an early age, they should be able to perform a wide array of tricks and have excellent recall skills. Their high level of intelligence will amaze you; these pups really understand when we communicate with them.

#3 - Energetic & Playful

This is the one aspect of the Lab that must be considered before bringing one home. They love to run and play and need to exercise daily. If you do not have time to exercise your dog a lot, then the Lab probably isn’t for you. For most dog owners, playing fetch with their dogs or taking them on a nice long walk is one of the greatest pleasures. These are activities that both you and your dog can enjoy together. The Lab is always ready for a friendly game of fetch, going for a long hike, and even loves to swim. The additional exercise you will do with your Lab will also positively impact your physical and mental health!

#4 - Healthy

Labs are very healthy breeds that are not typically predisposed to any serious health conditions. In general, larger breeds have a shorter lifespan. However, these pups weigh up to 80 pounds and usually live 10-12 years. With proper care and regular veterinary checkups, some Labradors have been known to live into their early teens. Just like with humans, health brings happiness. Having a healthy dog really is a blessing. If your Lab comes from a responsible breeder, there is an excellent chance that it will live a happy, healthy life!