Top Dog Why Americans love Labrador retrievers.

Slate ^ | July 14, 2005 | Brendan I. Koerner

[libstripper]

Not too long ago, Labrador retrievers were considered a tad exotic. In the 1950s, the sporty mid-size breed was a suburban rarity, popular mainly among upper-crust Anglophiles who liked the idea of owning a dignified hunting dog. Today, however, Labs are the Levi's jeans of purebred dogs. They've topped the American Kennel Club's list of registered canines for 12 years straight. And not just topped, but dominated: The number of registered Labs is nearly three times the number of golden retrievers, the second most popular dog on the list

[SilentServiceCPOWife]

My sister has a Lab-Newfoundland mix. He's huge and his bark rattles the windows, but he's a big, lovable baby.

[uvular]

Years ago, we had a 1/2 Golden Retriever and 1/2 Basset Hound named Ernie. He had the coat of a Retriever and the body of a Basset. Sounds odd, but he looked quite handsome and carried himself like a showdog! Have 2 purebred Bassets now, but Ernie is still 1st in our hearts.

[RepoGirl]

My family had a Golden Retriever. He was arguably the cutest puppy I've ever seen and one of the sweetest dogs. They're an excellent breed: funny, smart, and good with kids. The only thing that I noticed about him, and other goldens, was that they have a very oily coat (which makes sense, since they're water dogs). Sometimes, especially when he got older, that oil got a bit... ripe. He also had a short, curly coat instead of the long, silky coats.

Aside from the Rottie I have now, he's up there among the greats.

I'd have a golden again without hesitation. They're only flaw, at least his was, is that they're absolutely USELESS for protection. I mean, my Rott is a wimp and a princess, but she's Mike Tyson compared to our Golden...

[hobbes1]

LOL...All men have......Needs... ; )

[rabidralph]

Looks like a bundle of mischief.

[avg_freeper]

"but he's all lab once he gets in the water!"

Our lab hates baths so I figured she might be the exception and not like the water. I've thought of buying her a kiddie pool and see if she'd be interested though. (yes, I am that pathetic)

[HairOfTheDog]

He looks great in that picture, but of course, if you are also a lab owner, you know the picture is a little white lie... he was not actually nearly that dignified ;~D

[cicero's_son]

I think all dogs hate baths! Mine certainly does. All we have to do is turn on the hose, and he starts slinking around the yard, tail between his legs, about 1 inch off the ground. It's amazing how small he can make himself look when he wants to!

[HairOfTheDog]

They all hate baths.... it's not the same thing as real water at all. ;~D

[Thermalseeker]

I don't agree with the author that Labs are so popular because they're trendy. Instead, it's because they make such wonderful, entertaining companions.

I concur. I've had several Golden's, a few Beagles, a couple of German Shepards, and now 3 Labs. My yellow female is by far the smartest dog I've ever had. I also have 2 of her puppies and they are equally smart, although still a bit on the young side and still "excitable". All are from hunting stock.

[yarddog]

Someone dumped a pregnant Lab off here a couple of years ago. I couldn't understand why they would do so as she was the best natured dog I have ever owned.

I named her sweetie because that is what she was. She had 8 gorgeous pups. Most probably had a different daddy as they were all different.

I put up a sign and was surprised how easy it was to give the pups away. I kept the one who looked like the Momma. He is just like her, sweet natured, maybe a little too friendly as he wants to lick and jump up on everyone who comes by.

[eyespysomething]

Our lab dislikes water.

[Calpernia]

They are among the favorite in training as Guide Dogs.

[Ditter]

We have had many dogs and among them was 1 Bloodhound. Sally got to 150 pounds as well but she wasn't stupid. She was very trainable and loved to go for walks on the leash. She was very sweet but drool is the reason I would never have another one.

Labs are wonderful dogs, we have had several tho not recently. We are into Jack Russels and have had 8 in the last 15 years. We have 3 right now. None have been the hyper jumpers that you hear about but one was mean as a snake. One that we have now is VERY smart and working on his doggie PHD.

[conservonator]

The breed is being destroyed by its popularity; once prized for its calm, affectionate demeanor by suburbanites (I and other hunters value these traits along with field abilities) many labs have become high strung, increasingly aggressive due to quantity over quality mind set of puppy mill breeding and backyard breeders.

I hope the general population looses interest in the breed soon.

[Hatteras]

I've got a sweet 4 year-old female Black Lab who whispers sweet nothings to me with her big brown eyes.

[crude77]

I am on my second full blood lab. If there is to be a third, I will look into the adoption rescue. They are great dogs.

[ahayes]

I hope you paid the pit bull's owner's vet bills.

[newfrpr04]

she looks like my dog, we got from the adopt a pet. only they say he is shepard/lab... yet he looks like this dog. he's the best. Is there a way to determine breed mixtures?

[CedarDave]

The dark side of "dog" breeding:

Hybrid wolves attack Arizona family