Choosing the right breed of dog to suit your lifestyle requires careful consideration and thought. Each breed of dog will have different characteristics so it is worth thinking about factors such as how long you can spend walking the dog, the size of dog that you want and if you have a family then it is absolutely vital to choose a breed which is known for being good around children. The Kennel Club state that the most popular breed of dog in the UK is currently the Labrador and they have been a consistently popular choice for many decades. The breed is particularly known for its friendliness and patience which makes it the perfect choice of dog for a family with small children. A Labrador will also have a playful nature and will require firm training to curb their over enthusiasm but their intelligence and willingness to learn usually makes training easy. The friendly nature of a Labrador does mean that if you are looking primarily for a guard dog then a Labrador is definitely not the best choice. A Labrador may bark at an intruder but their playful nature means that they will normally greet all humans with enthusiasm as they delight in human company and attention.
A Labrador is not a small breed of dog. The Kennel Club specifies the height of a full grown male as 22 to 22.5 inches. A Labrador will require regular lengthy exercise and space to run around in during the day so they may not be the best choice for someone without a garden. Choosing a smaller breed may be the best option in these circumstances and Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels and Golden Retrievers are also very popular breeds in the UK. Labradors also thrive on attention and human company so they may not be the best choice of dog if you are out at work all day and they would be left alone.
Many breeds of dog can suffer from specific genetic health issues and unfortunately Labradors are no exception to this. Many can suffer from joint problems such as arthritis in later life particularly if they become overweight so taking out dog insurance to cover potential vet’s bills is very important. Regular health checks by the vet will also help monitor any potential problems or weight gain. This is also one of the reasons why regular exercise is vital for a Labrador.
If you have the time to devote to training and to provide the exercise and stimulation needed then you cannot choose a better breed of dog than a Labrador. Their friendly nature and desire to please their owner will make them a wonderful companion and addition to your family.
* This is a guest post on behalf of RSPCA
Picture source: Labrador Retriever
