Labrador Retrievers are undoubtedly the most popular dog breeds that many American dog lovers seek after. These dogs have maintained their #1 spot on the American Kennel Club (AKC)’s annual list of most popular dog breeds since 1991. Sadly, despite the Labrador Retriever’s numerous positive traits, it is also one of the most common dog breeds found in shelters because many owners purchase them due to their popularity. Therefore, it is prudent to ensure that getting a Labrador Retriever is the best choice for you before bringing one home. Below are some points to consider before getting a Labrador pup.
- Training requirements
Training your dog is undoubtedly one of the essential tasks to accomplish as a canine owner. Dog training demands time and skill, so you must consider whether you have enough time in your schedule to teach your pup basic commands like “stay” and “fetch.” If you lack the time and expertise, consider whether you can afford to enroll your pup in a formal training class. As per an American Pet Product Association National Pet Owners Survey, only 4% of dogs in the country were enrolled in a training class in 2015. Nevertheless, these classes have become more popular over time due to increasingly busy dog owners, so you can always register your pup in one. Also, there are numerous online resources you can rely on nowadays to train your dog the right way from the comfort of your home. For instance, you can follow this link to learn tips that will come in handy when training your canine.
- Labrador problems
Labrador Retrievers are heavy shedders due to their thick double coats. Their undercoat, in particular, sheds the heaviest, particularly during coat blow periods every spring and fall. This shedding is a natural process that helps your Lap develop a coat to ensure its comfort throughout the changing seasons. You can groom your Lab pup once a week to limit the hair it sheds on your carpets and furnishings. Also, consider vacuuming your home regularly if these hairs get all over the place.
Furthermore, remember that heavy shedding can bring about pet dander, so keeping a Lab may not be ideal for you if you have allergies. Additionally, this breed has a “typical dog smell” that may not be pleasant for you. Luckily, you can readily invest in quality dog shampoo to get rid of this distinct smell. What’s more, Labs have a terrible habit of chewing things, so your home’s furniture might suffer as a result. Therefore, buy your pup enough toys for chewing to prevent it from destroying your furniture pieces.
- Cost
Cost is undoubtedly a huge factor to consider when making any significant decision, including purchasing a pet. Labrador Retriever puppies can be quite expensive, with prices ranging between $400 and $1,500. These prices can even be higher if your pup comes from an excellent bloodline. However, the expenses associated with owning a Labrador Retriever puppy go beyond the dog’s mere purchase price. As such, be prepared to spend up to $3,000 in the first year of owning your dog on toys, leashes, harnesses, grooming tools, and food. Furthermore, you may need to make certain home adjustments to accommodate your dog and hire a trainer if you lack time to train your canine.
Additionally, your pup will require a first round of vaccination shots, and you may need dog health insurance to offset the substantial treatment costs in case your furry friend gets sick. However, the estimated annual cost of keeping your Labrador from the second year and beyond hovers at around $1,890. Therefore, make sure you can afford to bear this expense over the dog’s estimated 10-12 year lifespan before going in for one.
- Available space
Space is a huge consideration when purchasing dogs, particularly with active breeds like the Labrador Retriever. This energetic breed requires enough indoor and outdoor space to play, run around, and stretch its legs. Consequently, getting a Lab pup might not be the best option for you if you live in a cramped apartment or flat. Keeping a Lab in a small home is even more challenging if you are away for most of the day since it will quickly get bored due to inactivity. As such, you may return from work to find poop and pee puddles everywhere, damaged furniture, knocked-over stashes of books, and other signs of disorganization and boredom. Therefore, ensure that your home has ample backyard or garden space for your Lab to run and play before getting one. Alternatively, it is also acceptable to get a Lab if your home is accessible to a dog park or some other recreational facility suitable for dogs.
- Family realities
Family realities are a primary consideration when getting any dog, so keep this in mind. You and your loved ones may want a Labrador, but it might be the wrong time to get one, depending on a broad range of circumstances. For instance, if you have two or more tiny kids around the house, you will likely struggle to cope with adding a Labrador Retriever pup to the pack. Puppies are just like toddlers, so simultaneously taking care of the two can be tricky. Besides, your kids can easily step on, climb on, or trip over your tiny Labrador pup, so it is a bad idea to bring one home under such circumstances. On the other hand, if you live alone or have adult or teenage children, managing your Lab will be easier since more people will help out.
- Your pup’s mental maturity
The question ” At what age do Labradors calm down?” is a popular query on leading search engines like Google and Bing from many worried newbie Labrador owners. Indeed, Labrador Retrievers exhibit puppy-like behavior even when they are fully grown. Although Labs reach peak physical maturity at about 18 months, complete mental maturity can take two to four years. As such, your pup will be boisterous as a puppy even if they are physically gigantic, so it is best to consider if you have the patience for continuous repetition during training. However, remember that you will not have a big baby on your hands forever since the commands you teach it are not entirely ignored during its maturity phase. Therefore, you will likely suddenly notice your canine following all your orders to the letter and being calmer once it reaches the age of five.
- Subtype and coat color
Decades of breeding have led to various Labrador Retriever subtypes and coat colors, so it is best to consider which option is best for you. To begin with, variations in temperament and receptiveness to training exist between the different subtypes. The American Field and American Show Labrador are well known for their athleticism and high energy levels. Therefore, these pups are best for you and your family if you have an active household. Comparatively, the English Labrador is more laid back and docile, so they are ideal if you are a hunter or couch potato. The British Lab is the middle ground between the American and English in terms of temperament. Therefore, you can train it to be an energetic hunter and a calm, friendly, family dog.
Furthermore, numerous Lab owners report temperament variations between the three primary coat colors. In general, Black Labs that represent the breed are lively, athletic, and are best-trained for hunting and sporting activities. Comparatively, Yellow Labs are the perfect family dogs since they are goofy, while Chocolate labs are renowned for their stubbornness and may be difficult to train.
