Are Labradors Good Pets? Top 5 Reasons They Are

Labs are a popular breed and if you are considering adopting one you must be wondering, are Labradors good pets? We’ll examine the top 5 reasons they are great pets and some problems too.

It is always good to research the breed before adopting and adding a new member to the family. You are considering adopting a Labrador and want to know everything about their character traits.

Table of Contents

Are Labs good pets? 

Labradors are known as family dogs. They are friendly and loyal and just want to cuddle. They rarely show aggression towards people.

If they are provoked enough, Labradors will get aggressive. Labradors are also known for being very active.

Is a Lab a good family dog?

Labradors are almost perfect as family dogs and as well as a companion to live with.

1. Cuddles

Labradors like to please their parents and hence to cuddle their way to show affection and love.

So when you want a companion and a protector at the same time, you must adopt a Labrador because they prove themselves good pets.

2. Loyal

You will not deny that almost all dogs are loyal, but Labradors are known as the most loyal breed in the dog world. 

3. Calm in nature

Adopting a pet means adding a new family member to our life, which should not be aggressive, and Labradors prove themselves the best pet because of their calm nature.

Almost all of the Labradors are friendly, and they don’t even bark at strangers. If you want them to guard you, then you will have to train them to be aggressive dogs because they are not wired angry.

4. Easy to train

Another point that clearly shows that Labrador is a good pet is easy training. The quick learning and conservative nature of Labradors make them easy to train no matter what is the lesson.

Most trainers are now training Labradors out of the box, which means adding new behavior in this breed that is not in them by birth.

5. No harm to kids

As mentioned above, Labradors are a friendly and loving breed, so there is no harm in keeping them as pets when there are kids at home.

Labradors are highly protective of the kids and care for them just like parents.

Labrador dog problems?

Owning a Labrador comes with some problems.

1. Big size

Labrador’s big size is an overall advantage, but it turns into a problem when a parent handles it during a bath or training session.

When Labradors jumps in excitement, it may injure you or the kids at home. Also, Labradors need a lot of food to feel energetic, making it hard for parents to manage a budget.

2. Energy level

Labradors are active dogs, and this energy is not acceptable 24/7 by some dog parents. When owners are busy and don’t have enough time to spend with their lab, the dog may get into behavioral issues because of their energy demands.

So they may get themselves into chewing furniture and digging holes in the lawn. Otherwise, they will gain weight and becomes lazy.

3. Frequent shedding

Before adopting a Labrador, make sure you have a vacuum because you’re going to need it! The presence of a double coat forces them to shed it with each upcoming season.

At the start of winter and summer, Labradors shed all of their dry and loose hair and carry brand-new coats. Although a fresh coat is nice to look at, who will clean up the fur from all over your home? 

And the major issue is that you neither can reduce the shedding nor stop it. So all you have to do is to prepare yourself mentally before each shedding phase.

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4. Not a guard

Though Labradors are loyal, selfish, and as well as protective of family, they are not wired to be guarding dogs.

They never bark at strangers and even become a friend with each person in their surroundings. However, Labradors can’t ditch their calm and friendly nature and hence end up with bad guarding skills.

However, lengthy and tricky training sessions may turn your sweet and cool Labrador into an aggressive one.

5. Diet plans

Labradors include themselves in the large breed category, which means they also eat a lot of food to match their energy level. They are energetic and more prone to lose weight which makes them weak, so healthy food is recommended.

The Labrador breed should be served a diet rich in nutrients and essential minerals to help with their level of energy. Also, when the meal is homemade, it should have all the complex nutrients in it. Labradors are not going to feel full with cheap dog foods.

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6. Health issues

Labradors are more prone to get health issues such as elbow and as well as hip dysplasia along with weight issues. Moreover, they may also suffer from kidney and urinary infections. When not cared for properly, you may notice a reduction in their life span.

Although they are, for the most part, solid, their medical problems will increase when they become heavier.

Consulting a vet and seeking help is always a good idea to prevent your lab from health issues.

Are Labrador’s high maintenance?

Yes, Labradors are high-maintenance dogs because of their structure. When we mention maintenance, it’s not just about grooming, health issues are also included in the same discussion.

As we know, Labradors are more prone to get hip dysplasia, so they need proper care and exercise. Along with this, the regular shedding season again makes them high maintenance.

Their demand for quality time and excessive exercise may make them complex to manage when dog parents are busy.