If you are in the market for a pure breed that is an excellent home or hunting companion, then you have to consider the possibility of owning a Labrador Retriever. It is considered one of the worlds most popular breeds and is currently the most widely AKC-registered dog in the US. The Lab, as they are nicknamed, is without a doubt one of the most affable, energetic, gentle, good-natured, and intelligent breeds that you will find anywhere in the world.
Additionally, they rank highly on the companionship meter and integrate well with any age bracket. They are extremely patient and exhibit a high tolerance level for children. All of these personality traits make them outstanding companions as well as excellent service dogs. When obtaining and raising a Labrador Retriever, there are three key aspects to be aware of. Let me elaborate.
1) Labrador Retrievers are like a box of assorted chocolates. You never know what you gonna get as Forrest Gump so succinctly stated. In other words, no two Labs are alike. They come in a variety of colors such as black, chocolate, golden, and silver just to name a few, and despite the vast array of difference in their personalities, Labs all exhibit the following common interests:
hunting retrieving running swimming
Occasionally, you do run across a contradiction such as a puppy that fears the water or one that does not have the typical oral fixation or obsession characteristic of the majority of members of this breed. Instance’s of these occurring are few and far between, so there is not much likelihood that you will encounter one like this.
However, there is one thing that you can say with the utmost certainty where Labs are concerned. Every Labrador Retriever is a very special animal and with the proper attention, love, and training, you will have a wonderful companion that will afford you with the ultimate in affection and loyalty until they breathe their final breath.
2) Labs are the epitome of the natural-born hunter and tracker. Unlike all the other canine hunting breeds, Labrador Retrievers do not have to wait for their masters command to seek out the fallen bird. Not only are they intelligent enough to know exactly where the bird has fallen, they are more acutely aware of their surroundings more so than any other canine that hunts or tracks its prey.
It is a misconception of some owners that Labs are too needy, as they will commonly sit at their masters side, patiently awaiting the next command. Understanding this part of their nature will dispel that misconception, as well as help you realize that, as a hunting dog, this is what they have been bred to do.
3) Thorough training is a requirement with Labs. Despite the Labs inherent capabilities for locating and retrieving their prey, they have to be skillfully trained at specific commands in order to follow the specific commands of their masters. The benefit here is that they will never give up searching, even if the direction to hunt in has not been specified. In so many words, this dog will take the responsibility for completing the job it started.
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