Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Linda Richard
If you want to prove yourself as a responsible and caring owner, then before buying a Labrador puppy, objectively evaluate all the features of this breed. You can get valuable information about this by talking to experienced Labrador breeders.
But before you get a Labrador Retriever, you need to be aware of its shortcomings.
Table of Contents
Why Labradors Are The Worst Dogs? 8 Faults of The Breed
- clumsy, like to gnaw everything, so things in the house may suffer;
- very active, they need to walk a lot, so because of the activity and vigor this breed is not suitable for homebodies or people leading a sedentary lifestyle;
- loving, good-natured and trusting, joyfully meets all people, can jump on strangers;
- have a high appetite, pick up everything on the street, like to beg, therefore they are prone to obesity, which leads to joint diseases;
- Labradors are not suitable for a small apartment due to their rather large size;
- cunning and smart, if not brought up correctly, can manipulate the owner;
- shed twice a year and very heavily;
- require constant attention. The dog cannot stand being alone, as it is sociable by nature. If you pay little attention to her, she will be depressed, stop obeying. Often such a dog begins to create disturbances in the house and gnaw on things. For example, it can peel off the upholstery of a sofa or even wallpaper.
We will dwell on some of the disadvantages in a little more detail!
How Does a Labrador Shed?
The coat of the Labrador is thick, two-layered. There is a molt twice a year. This phenomenon is accompanied by a significant loss of wool, which eventually remains on the floor, upholstered furniture and other items in the house.
In some diseases, the wool falls out constantly. In other words, there is a lot of wool from the dog in the apartment. Therefore, competent care of the Labrador coat and frequent cleaning in the apartment are required.
If the owner is a fan of sparkling cleanliness in the house, and there is no time to clean, perhaps he should think about another breed. The breed is not suitable for people with an allergic reaction to animal hair.
How Long to Walk With a Labrador?
Labradors require active walks for 2-3 hours daily. Otherwise, they are prone to obesity and joint diseases. If you like to walk, keep fit, the dog will keep you company in nature. If, on the contrary, you prefer to lie down at home with a book, it will be difficult to provide the level of activity your dog needs. Because the dog loves to run, play, fetch items. For example, balls, frisbees and other toys.
The breed is not suitable for single pensioners if their health does not allow them to actively walk for 2-3 hours a day.
Walking with a dog is necessary in any weather, in rain and slush. Accordingly, you need to be prepared for the fact that a lot of time is spent on washing off the dirt after walking.
What to feed a Lab? Nutrition for the Labrador.
Since Labradors are unpretentious in food, it is not difficult to feed them. They all eat happily. On the other hand, since they love to eat, a sum, a significant part of the family budget, is spent on food. Like any large dog, the Labrador needs a high quality diet. She needs a balanced diet: meat, fish, cottage cheese. An adult pet eats half a kilogram of food per day. If the Labrador eats dry food, then you need to buy only high-quality and expensive. Because cheap food causes allergies and other diseases in the dog. It can be concluded that such a pet is not suitable for a family with a limited budget, since its maintenance will be expensive.
It is believed that the Labrador has good health, but this does not exclude the presence of a wide list of diseases that dogs of this breed are susceptible to. Diseases that Labradors are genetically predisposed to include:
- hip dysplasia;
- licking granuloma;
- hypothyroidism;
- progressive retinal atrophy.
Be serious about the financial cost of a dog. At first glance, it seems that this is quite affordable pleasure. We advise you to sit down with a notebook and calculate the approximate costs. This is not only expensive food, but also other expenses. For example, ammunition for a dog, shampoos, expenses for a veterinary clinic.
If you are buying a high-pedigree dog and plan to show it at exhibitions, find out the cost of participation in advance.
Decide at the family council who will walk with the pet daily in the mornings and evenings. Who will comb out the wool. Consider if any of the family members are allergic to dog hair. Consider who you can leave your dog with when you travel.
As you can see, for a Labrador dog, there are enough minuses of the breed, which depend on the nature and lifestyle of the owner. From the purpose for which the dog is bought. Before buying a puppy, be sure to discuss at the family council whether it is worth getting a Labrador into an apartment. If you take a puppy consciously, you will not regret your decision. The dog will bring warmth and joy to your home.
Who Are Labradors For?
The Labrador Retriever is suitable for keeping in any home. It can be kept both in an apartment and in a private house in the yard. In the latter case, he needs a warm, spacious aviary. But this pet does not tolerate loneliness, besides, it does not have protective qualities, therefore, Labradors are most often kept in the house.
This breed is suitable for any people, even inexperienced in keeping animals. They should be brought to a family with a child, as they love kids very much and will never offend them, no matter what they do. These pets easily adapt to the habits and lifestyle of the owner, find a common language with all family members.
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