11 Pros and Cons to Owning a Labrador Retriever 

You know the expression, “puppy dog eyes?!” When you think of a dog breed with a certain twinkle, a certain spark, what comes to mind? If you’re like so many Americans, (and like me) you automatically think of the Labrador Retriever.

For the past 30+ years, the popular breed has topped the American Kennel Club (AKC) list, and for good reason. Lab lovers would agree – the pros certainly outweigh any cons of owning a Lab, but let’s take a closer look! 

The Pros: Built-in Best Friend

Maybe you’re known as an introvert? Perhaps you have a quiet, to-yourself type of personality? If so, this might be the dog for you! Labs are known for their pleasant personality. They’re affectionate, friendly, and love you, even on your worst days!

Labs are great with children

Just call a Lab puppy a little bundle of love, as you can be sure they’ll win even the smallest of hearts – your kids! They’re gentle, and their sweet nature means they’re one of the safest breeds around your tiny tots. Even as they grow into their adult years, their trusting nature is something special.

Labs Are Great Listeners

When you get home at the end of a long day, sometimes all you want is for someone to listen. Not to talk back or share their opinion, but to just be there. If so, there’s a dog for that! You guessed it – the Lab! So go on, share your feelings, and let them hear you out. The best part? No judgment!

Labs Are Easy to Train

Labs are smart, and it doesn’t take long for them to pick up on your cues. When I was a kid, we had a Black Lab named Maggie who knew her commands at an early age. She’d paw at the door when she needed to “do her business,” and again when she wanted to come back inside. Simply put, Labs are quick learners and highly motivated – but they are energetic, thriving on activity and attention.

They Make You Feel Better

Life throws us twists and turns along the way, but coming home to a dog who is always happy to see you no matter what, is what you call therapy! Yes, labs are therapy! They’re loyal and eager to please – when you’re happy, they’re happy. I call it “joy for the soul,” and honestly, that’s something we all need.

They Make You Compassionate

I remember every night as a kid, our black lab Maggie would crawl up on my lap with my sisters and me, and we’d rock her to sleep, listening to music. Yes, even as an adult dog! She loved it, and we did, too. Because of her, I learned patience, love, companionship and so many other qualities that only a Lab can teach.

The Cons: First, the Shedding

Ah, the dreaded black hairs and lots of them! Growing up, I didn’t dare wear white to school! I knew I was bound to find a “Maggie hair” here and there, so I kept a lint roller on hand! The upside? I felt that Maggie was with me wherever I went!

They Eat… a lot!

It is known that a quarter of all Labrador Retrievers have a genetic mutation that makes them hungrier and less able to feel full. What does that mean? Well, dogs with the mutation are more likely to beg for food and scavenge for scraps. Our Lab Maggie begged a lot.

She’d place her paw on my leg at the dinner table, just waiting to be fed or for a piece of chicken to fall. Oh, and she LOVED digging in the trash can.

They Aren’t The Best Guard Dogs

Talk about friendly to a fault! They’re so sweet and so loving that if you want a dog to help “protect your house,” this breed may not be it. However, with the right training, they can alert you if they sense danger. Just don’t go trading in your security alarm system for a Lab quite yet! 

Labs Have High-Energy Nutritional Needs

No, your Lab isn’t being high-maintenance, and no, you don’t have to spend a fortune, but you should be sure a Lab’s diet is reflective of the high-energy needs of the dog, such as beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, eggs, and fish. Labrador Retrievers don’t do well with products that don’t offer complex dietary nutrients. The safest bet? Check with your vet to determine which foods are best and which you should probably avoid.

Early Socialization is a Necessity

If you get a Lab as a puppy, they’ll need to be exposed to a variety of different places, people, situations, and other animals between the ages of two and four months. This is crucial to help them learn appropriate skills like playfulness and respectful greetings. As for their adult behavior, it helps develop their personality into a loving companion who is well-adjusted and ready to interact with the world! 

Making Your Decision

So by now, you may have decided on a solid “yes” or “no” regarding your decision to own a Lab! Whether you feel it’s the right breed for your family or not could depend on several factors, including your lifestyle and whether you can handle all the extra Lab hair on your clothes and couch. Kidding! Well, sort of! It’s certainly a factor to keep in mind, but remember, it’s just one of many factors.

With any dog breed, there are bound to be pros and cons, but there’s a reason Labs continue to rank high on the “top dog lists” every year. One look into a Labrador Retriever’s kind eyes, and I promise, they’ll have your heart, just like my Maggie. Families love these friendly furry faces, and with their human-like nature, you can be sure they’ll love you right back.