Click here to learn more about this breed, the Labrador Retriever
A Little Bit of my own observations and thoughts about the Labrador Retriever
To Me, a Quite Remarkable Dog and for the following reasons:
The Labrador Retriever is and has been the number one registered dog (with AKC) for many years. It is not merely the number one dog, it dominates this position by huge margins. For example in 2006 there were 155 different breeds of dogs registered and accepted by AKC. Lab's numbers came in as number one with 41,132 litters of Labs registered. The numbers for the following 3 breeds were, 33,040; 23,492; 19,070; There is an obvious decline in the numbers as we drop down. by the time we reach merely number 14 dog it drops dramatically to 10,791 not even one fourth of the number of Labs being registered each year. The number 26 dog registered only 4,960 litters a year. From this point on there is a steady lessening of registered dogs. By the time we reach the smallest number 155th dog breed there are only 155 litters registered.
So what does this say and what does it mean, all these numbers? First there is a reason Lab's maintain these high numbers. It is due to their versatility and adaptability, their all around ability to do so many things well. The Labrador Retriever is a working dog with no end to his potential which ranges from hunting dog, rescue dog, service dog for the impaired, to loving family pet. He can live indoors and be happy in front of a fire place, devoted to his family, loves people, not aggressive with other animals or humans, is easily trained, wants to please, is intelligent, gentle and kind and easy to groom and maintain. Or he is just as happy running across fields and serving as a gun dog retrieving fowl from water. Although loving he is a "tough" dog and easily handles briar's, thickets and the great outdoors. This is the reason the Lab has stayed in the number one position for so long . It is easy to see why this dog holds appeal for so many .
But what do these numbers imply for the dog itself? Obviously each year there are a LOT of Labrador Retrievers born. Unfortunately not all planned by responsible breeders or placed in responsible homes. Therefore many will end up in a shelter or rescue group down the line for no fault of their own.
This is the part that boggles my mind. I can not for the life of me understand with so many dogs of this breed being bred in such large numbers and for so many years how this dog has managed to remain true to his breed. I am not saying there are no "bad Labs out there, or no problems due to genetics and poor breeding plans" . However, in my personal experience I have seen very, very few . Oh the appearance may be a mite different, the movement not quite right, even genetically imposed health issues with some. Still most Labs are still "Labs" .. goofy happy dogs wanting to please and love on someone. It almost seems that in spite of human failure and responsibility toward this breed the Labrador Retriever comes out on top with a resilience , I for one can not contemplate or explain.
Only one word of caution comes to mind for anyone who is considering adding a Lab to the family. That would be "responsibility". Like most medium to large dogs, Labs need training, routine, and structure to become good family members. They want to please but someone needs to teach them what "does please" . Otherwise due to their size and intelligence if left on their own may become bored. This can lead to chewing, digging, and many other undesired behaviors. (they are big and tough, very able to gleefully destroy a bunch of stuff pretty easily if not taught a better way)
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