Opinions - Labrador Retriever Dog Breed

Added on Jan 1st, 2008
Those dogs are wonderful. They are playful, great with kids and very gentle. If you want one though be sure that you will be home and give them plenty of exercise. As puppies they are very excited and sometimes it's hard to keep up with them. If they are bored they will destroy everything in their path. I have 3 of them and a home daycare and when it comes to playing with kids, no other dogs could take their place. My kids love to lay on them, they can take their bones away, or food and none of them have even had any kind of bad reaction. But with little kids, there's a good chance that they will be hit with that swagging tail. So be careful. If you want a high energy very loving and loyal dog that will protect your kids, this is the one.

Added on Jan 1st, 2008
I'm sure this breed was once great with kids however my wife works for a plastic surgeon and the number of bad bites done by this breed to kids that own this dog is frightening. Poor breeding and increased demand have left this breed a poor choice for kids please think twice before buying this dog for your family.

Added on Jan 1st, 2008
Labs are the best possible family dogs you could find. They are great for your husband that can't get out of cabellas... great for your wife when your out on a business trip and your worried about someone breaking into your house.... great for your kids who won't stop playing outside.

Added on Jan 1st, 2008
In the year 2004 there were 146,692 registered Labs. It is the top breed. The second top breed had 46,046 registered in 2004. Thus it makes sense that there would be a lot of dog bites in this breed since most of these go to homes with children. Labradors have a gentle temperament and are almost always on their best behavior around adults and children although no dog should be left alone with an unattended child. Children need to be taught respect for animals. Even Labs can become agitated when their hair is pulled or when children attempt to get on their back. This dog breed should be enrolled in obedience school as soon as possible after they are acquired. Although they have a gentle disposition, Labs that do not learn obedience at an early age. The man that said you should reconsider before buying a lab is so wrong. We have had two and the grandchildren can roll all over them (with supervision).

Added on Jan 1st, 2008
I am a caretaker for my ex-fiances dog. He is approx 85 pounds but not overweight for his size and per his vet. Is he abnormally large or is this new to the description? He's intelligent (to a point - can't find tennis ball under his nose), a gun dog, and very good with my two dogs.