We see show-type Labs come out to the hunting retriever tests who won't pick up a bird or even a bumper. They've had the desire to retrieve bred right out in favor of good looks . . . which to somebody who wants to use a Lab for the purpose intended, aren't good looks at all: too short-legged and WAY too fat!
On the other hand, a mellow show-type Lab is a lot better bet for a couch potato family dog than one of my high-octane, revved-up, hyperactive roughnecks. That's why Marley was such a Very Bad Dog for his family -- he should have been out doing 200-yard blind retrieves, that would have settled him right down.
But - with all that said - I HATE PETA. They aren't interested in animals at all, just their radical political agenda to which animals are merely a means. I would encourage my Labs to bite them, but they might catch a disease.
We agree. Good retrievers and good herd dogs are difficult to breed for, and the required instincts are quickly lost if bred for anything other than work. It MAY be that well bred Labs and Border Collies are more than the average owner can handle, but that is a good reason for the average owner to get a mutt from the pound. I have a well bred Border Collie who loves to play, but who also loves to sleep on our feet.