In the United States, the Labrador Retriever lost his crown to the French Bulldog during the American Kennel Club’s popularity rankings in 2022. However, the breed maintains a strong hold on the hearts of the British people.
The 2023 nationwide Dogs Trust survey revealed that the Labrador Retriever remains one of Britain’s top dogs. The results come as no surprise since the Lab has topped dog registrations in the UK for many years now.
But polls and canine registrations aside, why are Labrador Retrievers so popular in the UK?
“Every dog is a winner, but the Labrador is the top dog,” ITV presenter Sara Cox affirmed. “They seem to understand humans like no other breed.”
“What attracts me most to Labradors is their happy-go-lucky, bouncy, tail-wagging personalities,” shared presenter Ben Fogle. “They project a euphoria that I find contagious.”
From the mouths of Lab owners, there is much to love about Labrador Retrievers. Let’s take a look at the breed’s origins and characteristics to understand why they are so popular.
How Labradors Came to Be
The modern Labs as we know them come from the Newfoundland dog breed, which originated in Canada.
The fishermen on the Canadian island of Newfoundland were the first to develop these purebred dogs in the 1800s. They wanted a smaller version of the Newfie that could assist them. Labrador Retrievers mainly served as working dogs who fetch fishing nets and even fish that escape hooks.
Labs love swimming and they are very good at it because of their webbed paws that act as natural flippers. Their otter-like tails act like boat rudders when in the water.
Because of the kind of work they do, this Gundog has tremendous stamina and powerful haunches. Their strong back legs allow them to jump from great distances into the water, typically up to 27 feet.
Their coats, which come in colours of black, yellow, and chocolate, are a bit oily, which helps them float.
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4 Reasons Why Labrador Retrievers Are So Popular
1. Incredibly Friendly
Why are Labrador Retrievers so popular in the UK? Well, if there was a dog breed competition with a Best in Congeniality award, these pooches would definitely win.
Outgoing and with a constantly happy disposition, the Labrador Retriever breed likes to make friends with everyone, including other animals. Eager to please, helpful, and fantastic with children, Labs know how to adjust to various creatures.
As such, they can live with smaller pets. These vivacious canines also like to play the entertainer and bask in the attention! It is no wonder they often rank in the top spot for popularity.
2. Easy to Train
Labs are smart and can be house-trained quickly. They also learn new skills fairly fast. It explains why they are one of the breeds of choice for police work, search and rescue, and guide dogs.
They can compete and win dog shows. Whilst they are easy to train, they are not too smart to be stubborn.
3. Wonderfully Versatile
Labrador Retrievers can take on various roles and can work as assistance dogs, sniffer canines, hunting companions, or dog sports specialists. They thrive in a variety of environments, although they like cold settings.
Whilst the Lab is a popular dog breed of choice for families, he can also live with individuals residing in apartments.
4. Energetic and Healthy
Labs are like batteries on four legs. They never seem to run out of energy! They like to be active and have a sturdy body and health to go with it. They can live to around 12 years and are easy to care for. Their coats are low-maintenance too.
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How Do Labrador Owners Find Having Such a Lively and Warm Companion?
“I have lost count of the number of times I have returned home after a hard day’s work and my spirits are lifted by the tongue-lolling, excited greeting I receive at the front door,” Fogle shared. “These loyal black dogs have been my guardian angels over the years, silently guiding and directing me.”
Another owner of a black Lab said that his exuberant pet gave him many interesting challenges in managing his liveliness. However, he adored the dog and found him a fantastic and uplifting companion.
“One of my favourite activities was taking Dexter to a sprawling dog park where he’d ramble over hills as if on some private hunt,” said owner Michael Lev. “He’d return happy, tongue wagging. His temperament was remarkable.”
“He got along with cats. He barked at visitors . . . but never once growled at anyone,” he added.
FAQs About Why Labrador Retrievers Are So Popular
1. How Popular Are Labradors in the UK?
Labradors are extremely popular in the UK. The breed ranks top 1 of the most favoured purebred dogs in the country followed by the Cocker Spaniel and Border Collie.
Other popular purebreds include Jack Russell Terriers, Golden Retrievers, and Greyhounds.
2. Are Labradors the Nicest Dogs?
Labradors are the nicest dogs you will ever meet, but keep in mind that a dog’s breed does not immediately ascertain his temperament.
Like other canines, Labrador Retrievers need to receive proper socialisation and training for them to build good manners and habits. Without these processes, these pooches may display unwanted behaviours.
3. What Colour of the Lab Is the Calmest?
There is no definitive proof that coat colours affect a Lab’s temperament or personality. For you to have a calm Labrador, you must put in the effort of socialising and training him early. This way, he is not easily shaken by unprecedented changes in his environment.
4. Do Labradors Bark a Lot?
Labradors do not bark a lot, but they can be moderately noisy canines. Consistent training helps minimise nuisance barking in Labs.
Conclusion
Labs are high-energy dogs and are best suited for families or people who engage in a lot of activities. As they love to sprint, they also need room to run.
Homes with gardens are good havens for Labradors, although they can also thrive in confined spaces. They should be taken out on daily walks to help manage their abundant energy reserve.
Overall, Labrador Retrievers are great family dogs for many types of owners, even first-time ones. Just be careful with their diet—Labs love to eat!
You can use their great love of food to your advantage. Using treats in training helps them to learn new tricks quickly, but don’t rely solely on edibles as rewards.
Do you have a Lab? If you are looking for one, find one amongst these pets for adoption/sale!