5 min read
9 Reasons You Shouldn’t Own a Labrador Retriever
Thinking of welcoming a Labrador Retriever into your home? Before you do, it's important to understand that these popular pups aren't perfect for everyone. In this article, pet journalist Amber Hankins examines a few reasons you may want to consider a different dog breed.
I know what you’re thinking. Aren’t Labrador Retrievers one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S.? Aren’t they the most kind, gentle, and loving dogs you could have? Yes and yes, but that doesn’t mean they are for everyone!
In fact, for some dog owners, it may be the complete opposite! So while yes, they’re adored by many, they also have some “flaws” that could wreak havoc for some.
If you’re going to take the leap into becoming a Lab owner, you need to make sure you are fully aware of what you’re getting into! While these popular pups are one of America’s top dog breeds, here are some of the top reasons you may want to avoid adopting a Labrador Retriever.
Contents
Labs Need Plenty of Exercise
Labs need exercise and plenty of it! If you have a busy lifestyle (or are not at home often), a Lab may not be for you. This breed needs a significant amount of daily exercise, including long walks, and playtime. A big reason why?
They were bred to run, work, and swim, so they need to burn off their pent-up energy! If they don’t, it could lead to negative behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, and digging. So prepare to help keep their bodies moving (and yours, too!), as they’re known to be “busy-bodies” that are hard to keep up with!
Prepare For Lots of Shedding
Lots and lots of shedding! Get out the lint roller and be prepared to find hair, well, everywhere! Labs are considered “notorious shedders,” meaning they shed a significant amount of hair throughout the year.
So much so that during seasonal changes, they “blow their coat,” and shed their undercoat in big amounts. This makes them one of the heaviest shedding dog breeds. It also means grooming them often to manage all the hair.
Just imagine what owning a black Lab could do for a white shirt. Eek! So, think about it. And then, think again. If you are partial to a well-kept home or a closet full of hairless clothes, a Lab may not be for you!
Destructive Behavior (Sometimes)
As much as they need exercise (see #1), Labrador Retrievers also need to be around people due to their highly social nature. If left alone for long periods, they may develop separation anxiety, distress, and boredom,. This can lead to furniture chewing, excessing barking, and pacing back and forth.
This could be enough to drive some dog owners crazy! So if your everyday routine requires you to be away from home often and you aren’t certain you can fulfill these needs, consider choosing a different breed! It’s okay if they don’t fit your lifestyle. Just find a breed that does!
Potential Health Concerns
If you own a Lab, you could spend lots of time in the Veterinarian’s office. Labs are prone to developing arthritis, ear infections, skin irritations, hip and elbow dysplasia, certain cancers, and allergies.
They are known to have trouble with their hips, shoulders, elbows, and knees and easily develop ear infections because of their floppy ears and love of water.
And that’s not all. They also love food, (and eat pretty much anything) which makes them more prone to obesity. As a result, regular checkups are needed!
They Can Get Pretty Large
They grow up to be quite large! If you have a small living space, you might want to think twice about owning a Labrador Retriever. How big do they get? Well, a full-grown Lab weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about 22.5 to 24.5 inches tall as a mature male. At their largest, it’s not uncommon for fully grown males to tip the scales at close to 100 pounds!
They’re considered a medium to large breed, so not the biggest, but certainly not the smallest, either! With their size on the larger end of the scale, owning a Lab could also be problematic as they have such an energetic nature and need to keep moving in larger, more open spaces! A small apartment with little to no yard would certainly not be on this list.
Hello Prey Drive
Labrador Retrievers are born with natural hunting instincts, which means they have a strong prey drive. Because of this, it leads them to chase small animals and pretty much, anything that moves – no, really! We’re talking about leaves, balls, cars, toys, bikes, sticks, and more.
You can imagine how exhausting that might be! Simply put, they are hard-wired to chase and like to be constantly on the go, it seems. Therefore, supervision and leash training will be a necessary part of their upbringing and care, so make sure you are up for the challenge!
Prepare to Spend Money
“Cha-ching!” Remember those health and wellness checkups we told you about? Well, the cost of those visits adds up! On average, you could spend about $1,000 to $3,000 a year to care for your Lab’s health, diet, unexpected bills, or even grooming and pampering.
This number also includes costs for food, meds, routine visits, and other pet care items. Owning a Lab isn’t cheap, so if you are set on owning one, just be aware that you may have to open up your wallet to do it!
You’ll Need to Invest in Training
Professional training sessions may be needed! Because of a Lab’s inherent personality and natural instincts as described above, your efforts as an owner may not be enough when it comes to getting them to listen and obey!
That’s when the professional services of a dog trainer could be needed, which means devoting time and effort on your part to make it happen. The good news?
Labs are typically known to be eager to learn and quick learners, so your efforts at home may be enough for basic obedience. Complex tasks, however, would likely require a professional. Regardless of the method you choose, early socialization is crucial to keep your Lab well-adjusted.
You Just May Fall Madly in Love!
They’re just so darn cute and perfect that you may fall madly in love! Not the “con” you were expecting, was it? Seriously though, the negatives of owning a Labrador Retriever are so few that they’re considered a pretty perfect breed for dog owners of all ages and stages in life.
The downside? Owning a Lab comes with a warning – if you decide to get one, you might be in “doggy heaven.” So much so that you feel the need to get another one as a companion! So if you are a strict “one-dog” household, (or at least you think you are for now) a Lab may not be the best pick… at least, yet!
Labradors Are Full of Love
While adorable and popular, Labrador Retrievers are not for everyone, so let’s consider this! If you’re thinking about bringing home a Lab puppy, be sure you are aware of their energy levels and social demands. In other words, Labs want and need your attention, especially in their younger years!
If you prefer more of a “couch potato” dog that would rather lounge and “chill,” as they say, this breed may be a lot to handle. However, if you are set on owning a Lab, consider adopting an older one that might be more gentle and relaxed.
Regardless, any dog breed you consider bringing into your home is certain to have its flaws. Do your research, think about your everyday lifestyle, and know the characteristics of a dog that might work best for you. Labrador Retrievers are special in many ways, but the last thing you want to end up with is “doggy breed regret,” for whatever reason. So, “paws,” think, and choose wisely!
7 Things to Consider Before Agreeing to Foster a Dog
Before you agree to bring a foster dog into your home, there are a number of factors to consider. Pet journalist Amber Hankins shares everything you should expect before you start the foster process.
