Labrador Love: Discover 15 Things We Love About Labradors
It won’t surprise you that here at Labrador Site HQ there are lots of things we love about Labradors! In this article, our team endeavor to choose just 15 of the very best things about Labrador Retrievers. From the virtues they’re famous for, to the charming quirks you only find out about when you really get to know them. We’re sure that by the end of the list, you’ll love Labs nearly as much as we do!
Labrador Love
Labrador love has spread far and wide across the entire world! In fact, they’re so lovable that they’ve been America’s favorite breed for over 20 years! It’s pretty clear that something about this breed has captured our hearts. But what is it about Labs that makes us adore them so much? The options are endless, and we’re sure you can add to our list. But here are just 15 of our favorite reasons to love Labradors. From their endearing personality to their messy tendencies!
1. Labrador Kindness
When you are at your lowest ebb, and feel the brush of soft whiskers on your hand or the heavy press of a broad head on your lap, you know that your Labrador really cares.
Recent studies have confirmed what Labrador owners have known for years. Dogs understand when we are sad. They can even read human emotions from our facial expressions! They are often able to be more gentle and even calmer around more vulnerable people.
This is part of the reason that Labradors are such popular candidates for therapy dogs and other doggy care roles. Labs just know exactly when we need them the most, and are always willing to lend a comforting paw! We don’t need to look far for the love of Labradors. And nothing can cheer you up more than some Labrador cuddles.
2. Labs are Eager to Please
Labradors are incredibly willing to please. Whether your Labrador is as bright as a button, or a bit of a dozy darling, you know he really wants to make you happy. Following you wherever you go, bringing you his toys and flashing you that endearing expression. His willingness is lovely for you, and really enforces the bond between the pair of you.
This eagerness to please also makes Labradors really trainable. Labradors love working with you to learn new tricks and commands. They just want to do whatever they can to bring that smile to your face!
3. Labrador Foolishness
We’ve painted quite a noble picture of the Labrador breed so far, but it’s not unusual for a Lab to be described as a bit of a class clown! Labradors aren’t afraid to look foolish. Or, to mess around and be silly. Your faithful friend will not mind one bit if you laugh at him. He will probably just try harder to make you smile.
Their playful personalities make them popular and perfect for families of all ages. Kids will love their cheeky sides just as much as adults! After just days in the family, everyone will be shouting: “I love my Labrador!”
4. Labrador Enthusiasm
Labs love the world and everything in it. They want to be a part of the action. Whatever is happening today, they are up for it! Whether it’s an exciting new adventure together, or a walk around the back yard scooping poop, they are equally enthusiastic and keen to be a part of it.
This means Labrador owners always have a loyal and enthusiastic friend to take with them on any new journey! And, there’s always a smiling, happy face at home to welcome them back with excitement.
5. Labrador Forgetfulness
Labs can be adorably forgetful. Young Labradors especially often forget what they are supposed to do. Training takes time, and they need our help in remembering what we taught them yesterday. But it’s part of their doggy nature, and we love them for it. A little patience when your Lab is young and his memory will improve.
This forgetfulness would be frustrating for some, but it’s easily forgiven when you see the face full of Labrador love.
6. Labradors Love Fun!
Labradors always look on the bright side. They are masters at enjoying themselves. It doesn’t have to be sunny, you don’t have to give him very much. He’ll have a great day, every day, just because he is a Labrador and he is spending his day with you.
Labs love playing with fun toys, or will even enjoy a nice game of fetch with you. It’s so easy to keep them entertained. And, that’s just another of the great things about Labradors!
7. Labrador Forgiveness
Labradors forgive us all our faults. If you snap at your Labrador when you are tired, he will forgive you in a heartbeat. If you are late with dinner or take a shorter route on the walk, he won’t mind later on. He never bears a grudge and he never will.
Labrador love is unconditional. So, you never need to worry about losing it. You don’t need to look far for the love of Labradors. A Labrador friend is a friend for life.
8. Labrador Grubbiness
Labradors make a mess. And we love it. Well, maybe we don’t always love this bit, but it is a part of what Labradors are. And it can make for some hilarious stories!
They are simply never happier than when they are wet and muddy and we can’t help but smile at their grubby faces for it. We’d rather have a mucky Lab than a smart little lap dog any day. Do you have any funny memories of your Lab making a complete mess?
8. Labradors Contribute a Lot to our Lives
We owe our Labradors so much. How can we not admire a breed of dog that has contributed so much to human lives. Not just in our homes with their constant companionship and the strength they give us, but into the world of assistance dogs where they dominate with their loyalty and intelligence.
Labradors always leave a lasting impression for this reason. They leave huge paw-print shaped marks on people’s lives. You can see this legacy in the lives of anyone who’s owned one of these lovely dogs. And even in the media! Such as the wonderful Labrador, Fidel, that starred in the film In Bruges. Just a brief Labrador cameo was all that was needed to capture people’s hearts.
10. Labrador Loyalty
A Labrador is the ultimate friend. He doesn’t care what you look like, he isn’t interested in how clever you are, or how many human friends you have. You are his everything, his whole world for his whole life.
We only get an average of 12.5 years with our wonderful Labradors. Which all Lab-owners agree is much too short. But, during those years, you know your Lab companion would do just about anything for you.
11. Labrador Confidence
Labradors are rarely shy. They are not interested in hiding behind your legs. They would much rather be in on the action. This trait is extremely lovable, especially for Labrador owners who are shy! They know that their Lab will guide them through any situation with ease. And, they’re more than happy to lend us some of that confidence!
12. Labrador Bravery
Labradors are courageous dogs. From their work in military danger zones and with the police, Labradors contribute world wide. They protect us from explosives, drugs, disease, and many other sources of danger. They will do anything for their human friends and family too.
Plus, they’re well known for working as gun dogs. They aren’t at all scared of the loud noises that accompany the job! Some Labs may be more nervous than others. But a well socialized Labrador is one of the most fearless things in the world!
13. Labrador Intelligence
Labs might seem dopey at times, but they are seriously smart cookies. They are able to learn vast quantities of commands, and can learn to carry out complex tasks. How else would they make such excellent working dogs and service dogs?
Their sharp minds help them work in perfect harmony with their human handlers. And, it makes training all the easier for families that are simply welcoming one home as a new pet!
14. Labrador Athleticism
Labradors are fabulously fit dogs. The stereotypical picture of a Lab might be one that’s a little chubby. But, this breed is one of the most athletic and capable ones out there! They can keep up with you on your daily run, compete in agility events and work hard all day in the field. Their structure has been maintained over the years to be the pinnacle of health, and they are all the happier for it.
15. Labradors are Super Friendly!
A Labrador is everyone’s friend. They will welcome family members and strangers into their home, and probably even their bed, without blinking an eye. They will happily greet fellow walkers, making new friends wherever you go. In fact, does that tail ever stop wagging?
I Love my Labrador!
What do you love most about your Labrador? We bet your Lab fits every single one of the characteristics we listed here. But, what’s your favorite thing about endless Labrador love?
More About Labradors
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The Labrador Handbook looks at all aspects of owning a Labrador, through daily care, to health and training at each stage of their life.
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References and Resources
- ‘The Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2019’, AKC (2020)
- Muller, C. (et al), ‘Dogs Can Discriminate Emotional Expressions of Human Faces’, Current Biology (2015)
- Adhav, L. ‘Remembering Fidel: The Celebrity Labrador of Bruges’, Town & Country (2016)
- O’Neill, D. (et al), ‘Longevity and Mortality of Owned Dogs in England’, Veterinary Journal (2013)
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