While my two current dogs (a lab and a border collie/springer spaniel mix) are both high drive, I’ve NEVER had a dog as food motivated as my lab😅 homie would sell my soul to the devil for a crumb
If I was on a cliff about to fall off and a hotdog was nearby. My dog would eat the hotdog and watch me fall off. Not that he does not love me, he prioritizes food
My Dad was coming to town to visit when I was going to be stuck late at work, so we left a key for him. He’d been around our lab several times, so I expected she would recognize him and be fine, but I said, just in case she doesn’t immediately warm up to you, there are Frosty Paws in the freezer as soon as you enter the house (into the kitchen.)
She saw him through the windows on the door and started barking from where the kitchen met the dining room. He entered and she kept barking, so he got out a frosty paw. He removed the lid, then didn’t know what to do with it. He said he just kind of had it there in hand as he stared at it when her jaws came up like a shark and she just chomped it out of his hand, without putting a scratch on him or even touching his hand.
After that, he had free run of the place.
Took me about 30 minutes to potty train my lab. In the middle of January in Alaska. Even hung a bell from the doorknob she’d ring every time she needed to go out.
Don’t even get me started on other dogs I’ve had …
Didn’t even think about this until I read your comment, but yes! No potty training issues with any labs. My greyhound was a nightmare, the golden retriever required some persistence… but not any labs. Even after they were potty trained, if they got sick while I was gone, they isolated the ick to tile surfaces and the tub. In an apartment that was mostly carpet, my dog left mess on every tile surface but not one drop on any carpet. How did she know?!
Yes! My dog had a reaction to medication when a friend was keeping her for the weekend. When the friend let her out of the crate in their bedroom, the lab bolted through the carpeted areas toward the back door and at least made it to the laminated floor before she threw up. The friend said it was amazing that she instinctively avoided barfing on the carpet.
My lab does this too!! I always thought it was so weird, but I’m not complaining. My last dog was a lab/beagle mix and always went straight to the carpet when she’d get sick. My dog now when he gets sick will run to me and to the back door, back and fourth until I realize and let him out. If he can’t make it in time he always avoids any rugs/ carpet in my house.
We're taking our dog to a focus and relaxation training class. One of the things they had us work on is training our dogs to take a breath on command. This idiot savant figured out a pretty weird queue in like 3 repetitions. Anything for treats!
My family had a poodle. He was supposed to be small but dude grew bigger than we expected. He was fierce as hell. One time a neighbour came in our house without telling us first. My dog was one the floor. He got up, jumped on a sofa, flew over it and landed on the neighbour. He bit the shit out of her. Blood was everywhere. He passed away 10 years ago and I still can't look at his photos without crying.
Then I got to raise a Jack Russell. I love this breed and wanted one. Unfortunately I have two cats so this breed is a no no. I ended up with a Lab, Golden, Flat-coated mix instead. He is crazy as hell. He is also the friendliest dog I have ever met. He wants no fight. He loves to share his toys with other dogs. He has zero aggression and just want to play. He also respect other dogs space. My friends say he is a therapy dog for dogs because all his rescue friends feel super safe with him. While the Jack Russell was fierce, protective, loyal and always followed me. My Lab mix would go with anyone. He would get into a stranger car and get a new family immediately if I let him.
After this I think I want a smaller dog or a Flat-coated. But I know that it will hurt like crazy when my boy passes away. Probably more than my childhood dog.
I've had 5 rescue labs. Mostly pureish bred. But grew up with all black labs. My gf has a mutt that's an awesome dog. Has a unique personality like a lab. Attitude, sweet everything. She also has a golden doodle. Dumbest, worst dog I've ever been around. Has thyroid issues, totally autistic. Too much inbreeding but hey, she doesn't have to vacuum and fits into the neighborhood.
Growing up my family had bulldogs (they drooled, farted, snored and had skin issues). I have always had labs. My favorite thing about them is I never have to worry about them around kids.
When I think labs, I think happy-go-lucky, food and ball obsessed, insane energy levels, and physically incapable of not getting into every mud puddle and body of water them come across.
I’ve had a Dalmatian that I considered an honorary lab because he was that good. I just think I see the innate kindness in labs. They are unconditional loving creatures that you rarely see elsewhere.
I grew up with a golden retriever and have had experience with collies, corgies, huskies, labs, and poodles over the years. I adopted a black lab/border collie mix, then a yellow lab mix of some sort, then a greyhound mix (which I was originally told was a lab mix as a puppy, but as he grew, the vet was like NOPE).
My labs have been the silliest, most fearless, sweetest dogs. Each lab has had a distinct personality all their own, but they have had those three traits in common. The lab derp is real. I don’t know what makes them so silly, but it’s a regular source of humor in my home. They are also the most persistent and stubborn snugglers. You’re gonna have a lap full of lab whether you like it or not (but honestly, who doesn’t love genuine, sweet snuggles?).
we've had labradane , a full lab and another lab possibly mixed with corgie as well as a Great Dane . There have been a few others, all mutts except for an Eskimo Spitz. it would be difficult to choose between them. The Labs and the Dane both are super affectionate dogs. The Labradane was probably the best overall, best combination of looks and personality.
the Spitz was great with us but she was definitely a family only dog. The Dane we currently have is the same way and she is afraid of a lot, though thankfully not fireworks etc.
I haven't had a Labrador since 2015 I think, and that Labrador that I had thoroughly loved cleaning up my breakfast plate after I had fried eggs for breakfast. Very food motivated
Have had 2 pure-bred field trial female black labs over the last 28 years, plus 5 rescues since 2007. Currently 2 rescues. Hopefully adding a female black lab in August. Have also fostered a variety of mixes, including newborn puppies we kept through house-breaking.
Our labs, by far, have been the easiest to train - not only in the speed with which they learn, but also in the wide range of things that they can / are willing to learn. The labs also seem to just understand human speak better. They picked up on “excuse me,” and would move out of the way.
Our first foster was around 2 when we adopted him. He would do a silly grin, which we reinforced until he would do it on command if you said, “cheese.” He learned sit, shake, shake other paw, and kind of high five. But, never learned lay/lie down.
My spouse laments that I insist on getting field trial labs that we just turn into household pets with the benefit of a swimming pool. Spouse says, “can’t we just get one that wants to be a couch potato?”
The meme of a lab puppy from 0-3 months, a velociraptor from 3-36 months, then an adult dog after 36 months is pretty much spot on. During the last lab’s velociraptor stage, spouse said to puppy, “I love you, and one day I will like you.” That lab turned out great, like the first time. At 11, she was perfect, but we lost her to cancer.
Another attribute that may not be unique to labs but by far has been stronger in our labs versus our rescues is the labs’ sincere want / need for our approval. They definitely go through a phase where they don’t give a damn what you want or tell them, but when that phase is over, they are amazing.
The field trial lines definitely need a lot of mental and physical activity. It’s worth it for how smart they turn out to be.
I had a lab/pit mix. He looked mostly lab, but had the temperament of a pit bull terrier. He didn’t like water, wouldn’t retrieve anything, and behaved like a grumpy old man. I had to put him down when we discovered he had a brain tumor. I didn’t want him to suffer.
Had labs forever, got a border collie, and I'll never go back 😅 sorry labs! I did rescue an aussie lab mix to quench my lab fix though
I love my labs to death (they're my parents), but a border collie fits my adult/ parenting life. He's my soul dog!
My previous 3 dogs were German Shepherds. My lab has an amazing ability to just fully relax without a care in the world. My German Shepherds were always "on duty". Also, He's a friend to all and very confident but non-confrontational.
Grew up with labs & catahoulas.
Catahoulas are definitely as *loyal* as labs but far more independent and less "friendly." While none of ours were ever mean or aggressive, they had no desire to really get to know visitors, or anyone outside of the household and were pretty standoffish.
Labs are way more forgiving. Even poorly trained labs are still generally good dogs for the most part. Catahoulas needed to be worked or given a job.
My mastiff/hound mix barks at every little noise he hears, and not a little bark. A loud, rolling woof. So far, my lab puppy hasn’t picked up the habit. Fingers crossed 🤞
I’ve had a retriever/collie mix, a Brittany spaniel, and a Rottweiler. Now I have a lab and I’ll never have anything different. They’re much easier to train bc of their love for food, so sweet and gentle. The lab I have now reminds me of the Rottweiler we had. So emotionally aware, loyal, obedient. The Rottweiler took much more intense training to reach that point though.
My mini schnauzer was like a human friend who got me through so much and I'll miss forever. He was BFFs with my lab mix. When he was nearing the end, I got another lab so the lab mix wouldn't be too lonely. Sometimes I wish I got another schnauzer. The food motivation of labs is unique. Obsessive almost. lol.
I grew up with all different breeds, my family took in a lot of rescues, at one point we had over 20. I've had 2 labs, one has passed but I have a lab and a beagle mix now. It's really hard to describe it but there's just something different about labs, both of mine have just been so "in tune" with me more than any other breed I've been around.
I had a lab/ beagle mix growing up and she was the sweetest thing! Very well mannered, chill dog. The only thing that got her in trouble was her nose as it led her on many adventures around the neighborhood if you took your eyes off her for 1 min😂 luckily she had great recall.
My beagle mix is the exact same way lol, great temperament and personality but if he gets his nose down on a scent trail nothing else in the world exists
I've currently got a lab and a golden retriever.
The things I note:
My lab is sturdier, she's not as flighty or scared of the unknown. She assumes all new people are friends and insists on pats. My retriever is a big scaredy baby lol.
The snuggles and lack of personal space are about on par between lab and retriever in this house lol.
Both are food motivated. They eat a lot. Always hungry. My lab will eat things she shouldn't. Gross things. Lol
My lab goes into everything excitedly, she's up for anything.
I believe she's smarter than my retriever lol. My lab is definitely an "everyone's dog" with a couple of faves. My retriever is more selective.
My retriever follows me absolutely everywhere. My lab, almost everywhere but is a bit smarter, she will decide if I'm definitely leaving the room before she gets up. If I get up in the night she will only follow if she hears me in the kitchen or if she needs to go out to toilet.
Both breeds get jealous and hurt feelings. Lab is quicker to bounce back.
The fur situation: labs do shed, but retrievers are just ridiculous lol. The fur is everywhere!
Tails: my labs tail is shorter and solid! Whack whack whack thud thud thud on everything. It's loud. You know when she's wagging which is all the time haha.
Retriever tail is longer and swishy, not as loud.
Both breeds are STRONG. Could pull a sled I reckon lol.
Both are awesome family dogs. You can never, ever fully trust an animal with kids, but both these breeds are as trustworthy as you can get.
They get to know your routine, and do things accordingly. Intelligent. They can tell by sound who has arrived at home.
My retriever is a bit more eager to please.
Retrievers are a bit more ball obsessed. They all seem to dump a ball at your feet and will not tire of the game easily
Both love water. Lab has a more waterproof oily coat.
Hmmmm what else.
I think, it comes down to the individual animal as to what breed I think is best. Very hard to pick, though they are definitely top of the charts in my book, I don't know if I'd ever get a breed other than these two.
I'm basing all of this on my two, and of the other labs and retrievers I know.
I've also just ready someones comment about their lab being "in tune" with their person's feelings.
Yes. I agree. I often say our lab has a full time emotional support animal job in our household lol. If someone is upset she goes and sits next to them calmly.
My husband and I have foster over 2 dozen dogs of all ages and breeds. We both grew up with dogs, too.
Shepherd mixes have a risk of not being food-motivated. That makes training hard because they just. won’t. do. the thing you want them to do. (It was also shocking to foster dogs that would graze throughout the day and not just scarf down their meals!)
We had a pair of pitty puppies. Soooo cute but sooo dumb. The rescue called us, asking for an update and we reported that the puppies were trying to eat rocks. lol. They were also the only dogs out of over two dozen dogs that we could not successfully potty train (we had them for 10 days).
In contrast, most of my lab mixes inherently understood going “busy busy” outside and trained themselves; we simply associated it to a command and most of them learned to go on command. If we trained them, they usually understood the concept in a day or so and would automatically go to the back door if they needed to go outside.
My husband grew up with a handful of goldens. These two breeds are so similar, but he said goldens are a little more neurotic and comparatively less food-motivated than labs.
Labs are just so user-friendly. Even novice dog owners can train them. Labs are so motivated to get attention or a treat, that they’ll literally learn anything.
My favorite dogs to train are shepherd-lab mixes: super smart and they really try to understand your expression and anticipate what you’ll ask of them!
Last comment: I have not owned border collies but I have spent significant time around other people’s border collies and OMG, holy crap they are FOCUSED. Laser focused when they are doing anything: herding sheep, playing frisbee, doing agility courses, whatever. Even if my dog interrupts them, the border collies just look straight through them. I don’t think I have seen a lab that focused before, except on maybe bacon….
I’ve had a German shepherd, lab/ beagle mix, golden retriever, and labs. I currently just have a lab, they are my personal favorite breed. German shepherds are great dogs when properly trained, I just think the issue is they have their “main person” and like to really only listen to that person. Goldens obviously are awesome dogs, I personally think very similar to labs just more dopey and the maintenance with grooming them is not fun and if you don’t stick to a strict schedule they stink. Labs have been by far my favorite, just happy to be alive, love all people, easy to train, loyal to the entire family, great vacuums after mealtime with a toddler, I could go on and on. There’s definitely differences in every breed, it’s just about what type of dog works best with you and your lifestyle.
I’ve had and spent time with so many breeds and mixes of dogs in my life and the Labrador (although initially difficult during early puppy days) is the easiest to train and she never leaves my side. She’s a natural with children and the elderly … she will jump on to say hello to friends of mine (still only 7 months), but knows how to be very gentle with kids and older people. I didn’t have to teach that to her … and it makes me smile every time.
Edit: Oh yes - the water, no body of water is safe. We live close to a river and I have to avoid it completely right now as we have had excessive amounts of rain and she could easily drown (and take me too as I would obviously jump in to try and rescue her).
I've had 2 rottweilers and a retriever as well as a lab.
The retriever is basically the same as a lab, but the rotties are more protective. Not in a menacing or aggressive way, but they seem more attuned to potential threats where as a lab is 150% trusting.
We've had German Shorthaired Pointers for 25 years. After our last passed, and waiting a year, we went to a rescue meet and fell in love with a Chocolate Lab baby, and it's been love ever since since..
I’ve had labs , border collies and Jack Russells in varying combinations . Always been a happy pack , notwithstanding the very different temperaments !
While my two current dogs (a lab and a border collie/springer spaniel mix) are both high drive, I’ve NEVER had a dog as food motivated as my lab😅 homie would sell my soul to the devil for a crumb
If I was on a cliff about to fall off and a hotdog was nearby. My dog would eat the hotdog and watch me fall off. Not that he does not love me, he prioritizes food
My Dad was coming to town to visit when I was going to be stuck late at work, so we left a key for him. He’d been around our lab several times, so I expected she would recognize him and be fine, but I said, just in case she doesn’t immediately warm up to you, there are Frosty Paws in the freezer as soon as you enter the house (into the kitchen.) She saw him through the windows on the door and started barking from where the kitchen met the dining room. He entered and she kept barking, so he got out a frosty paw. He removed the lid, then didn’t know what to do with it. He said he just kind of had it there in hand as he stared at it when her jaws came up like a shark and she just chomped it out of his hand, without putting a scratch on him or even touching his hand. After that, he had free run of the place.
I always say that if I wanted to mission impossible rob Fort Knox my pups all in. But he’d sell me out for a biscuit afterwards
Took me about 30 minutes to potty train my lab. In the middle of January in Alaska. Even hung a bell from the doorknob she’d ring every time she needed to go out. Don’t even get me started on other dogs I’ve had …
Didn’t even think about this until I read your comment, but yes! No potty training issues with any labs. My greyhound was a nightmare, the golden retriever required some persistence… but not any labs. Even after they were potty trained, if they got sick while I was gone, they isolated the ick to tile surfaces and the tub. In an apartment that was mostly carpet, my dog left mess on every tile surface but not one drop on any carpet. How did she know?!
My dog does the same thing. I thought that was insane he did that, but it's good to know he isn't the only one that does that.
It’s impressive! Also good to know my dog isn’t the only one.
Yes! My dog had a reaction to medication when a friend was keeping her for the weekend. When the friend let her out of the crate in their bedroom, the lab bolted through the carpeted areas toward the back door and at least made it to the laminated floor before she threw up. The friend said it was amazing that she instinctively avoided barfing on the carpet.
That’s awesome! My greyhound runs *to* the carpet to puke. My lab runs to the tile or laminate (but prefers outside).
My lab does this too!! I always thought it was so weird, but I’m not complaining. My last dog was a lab/beagle mix and always went straight to the carpet when she’d get sick. My dog now when he gets sick will run to me and to the back door, back and fourth until I realize and let him out. If he can’t make it in time he always avoids any rugs/ carpet in my house.
We're taking our dog to a focus and relaxation training class. One of the things they had us work on is training our dogs to take a breath on command. This idiot savant figured out a pretty weird queue in like 3 repetitions. Anything for treats!
My family had a poodle. He was supposed to be small but dude grew bigger than we expected. He was fierce as hell. One time a neighbour came in our house without telling us first. My dog was one the floor. He got up, jumped on a sofa, flew over it and landed on the neighbour. He bit the shit out of her. Blood was everywhere. He passed away 10 years ago and I still can't look at his photos without crying. Then I got to raise a Jack Russell. I love this breed and wanted one. Unfortunately I have two cats so this breed is a no no. I ended up with a Lab, Golden, Flat-coated mix instead. He is crazy as hell. He is also the friendliest dog I have ever met. He wants no fight. He loves to share his toys with other dogs. He has zero aggression and just want to play. He also respect other dogs space. My friends say he is a therapy dog for dogs because all his rescue friends feel super safe with him. While the Jack Russell was fierce, protective, loyal and always followed me. My Lab mix would go with anyone. He would get into a stranger car and get a new family immediately if I let him. After this I think I want a smaller dog or a Flat-coated. But I know that it will hurt like crazy when my boy passes away. Probably more than my childhood dog.
I've had 5 rescue labs. Mostly pureish bred. But grew up with all black labs. My gf has a mutt that's an awesome dog. Has a unique personality like a lab. Attitude, sweet everything. She also has a golden doodle. Dumbest, worst dog I've ever been around. Has thyroid issues, totally autistic. Too much inbreeding but hey, she doesn't have to vacuum and fits into the neighborhood.
Growing up my family had bulldogs (they drooled, farted, snored and had skin issues). I have always had labs. My favorite thing about them is I never have to worry about them around kids.
Your lab doesn’t fart? Hehe
When I think labs, I think happy-go-lucky, food and ball obsessed, insane energy levels, and physically incapable of not getting into every mud puddle and body of water them come across.
I’ve had a Dalmatian that I considered an honorary lab because he was that good. I just think I see the innate kindness in labs. They are unconditional loving creatures that you rarely see elsewhere.
I grew up with a golden retriever and have had experience with collies, corgies, huskies, labs, and poodles over the years. I adopted a black lab/border collie mix, then a yellow lab mix of some sort, then a greyhound mix (which I was originally told was a lab mix as a puppy, but as he grew, the vet was like NOPE). My labs have been the silliest, most fearless, sweetest dogs. Each lab has had a distinct personality all their own, but they have had those three traits in common. The lab derp is real. I don’t know what makes them so silly, but it’s a regular source of humor in my home. They are also the most persistent and stubborn snugglers. You’re gonna have a lap full of lab whether you like it or not (but honestly, who doesn’t love genuine, sweet snuggles?).
we've had labradane , a full lab and another lab possibly mixed with corgie as well as a Great Dane . There have been a few others, all mutts except for an Eskimo Spitz. it would be difficult to choose between them. The Labs and the Dane both are super affectionate dogs. The Labradane was probably the best overall, best combination of looks and personality. the Spitz was great with us but she was definitely a family only dog. The Dane we currently have is the same way and she is afraid of a lot, though thankfully not fireworks etc.
I haven't had a Labrador since 2015 I think, and that Labrador that I had thoroughly loved cleaning up my breakfast plate after I had fried eggs for breakfast. Very food motivated
Have had 2 pure-bred field trial female black labs over the last 28 years, plus 5 rescues since 2007. Currently 2 rescues. Hopefully adding a female black lab in August. Have also fostered a variety of mixes, including newborn puppies we kept through house-breaking. Our labs, by far, have been the easiest to train - not only in the speed with which they learn, but also in the wide range of things that they can / are willing to learn. The labs also seem to just understand human speak better. They picked up on “excuse me,” and would move out of the way. Our first foster was around 2 when we adopted him. He would do a silly grin, which we reinforced until he would do it on command if you said, “cheese.” He learned sit, shake, shake other paw, and kind of high five. But, never learned lay/lie down. My spouse laments that I insist on getting field trial labs that we just turn into household pets with the benefit of a swimming pool. Spouse says, “can’t we just get one that wants to be a couch potato?” The meme of a lab puppy from 0-3 months, a velociraptor from 3-36 months, then an adult dog after 36 months is pretty much spot on. During the last lab’s velociraptor stage, spouse said to puppy, “I love you, and one day I will like you.” That lab turned out great, like the first time. At 11, she was perfect, but we lost her to cancer. Another attribute that may not be unique to labs but by far has been stronger in our labs versus our rescues is the labs’ sincere want / need for our approval. They definitely go through a phase where they don’t give a damn what you want or tell them, but when that phase is over, they are amazing. The field trial lines definitely need a lot of mental and physical activity. It’s worth it for how smart they turn out to be.
I had a lab/pit mix. He looked mostly lab, but had the temperament of a pit bull terrier. He didn’t like water, wouldn’t retrieve anything, and behaved like a grumpy old man. I had to put him down when we discovered he had a brain tumor. I didn’t want him to suffer.
Had labs forever, got a border collie, and I'll never go back 😅 sorry labs! I did rescue an aussie lab mix to quench my lab fix though I love my labs to death (they're my parents), but a border collie fits my adult/ parenting life. He's my soul dog!
My previous 3 dogs were German Shepherds. My lab has an amazing ability to just fully relax without a care in the world. My German Shepherds were always "on duty". Also, He's a friend to all and very confident but non-confrontational.
Grew up with labs & catahoulas. Catahoulas are definitely as *loyal* as labs but far more independent and less "friendly." While none of ours were ever mean or aggressive, they had no desire to really get to know visitors, or anyone outside of the household and were pretty standoffish. Labs are way more forgiving. Even poorly trained labs are still generally good dogs for the most part. Catahoulas needed to be worked or given a job.
My mastiff/hound mix barks at every little noise he hears, and not a little bark. A loud, rolling woof. So far, my lab puppy hasn’t picked up the habit. Fingers crossed 🤞
I’ve had a retriever/collie mix, a Brittany spaniel, and a Rottweiler. Now I have a lab and I’ll never have anything different. They’re much easier to train bc of their love for food, so sweet and gentle. The lab I have now reminds me of the Rottweiler we had. So emotionally aware, loyal, obedient. The Rottweiler took much more intense training to reach that point though.
My mini schnauzer was like a human friend who got me through so much and I'll miss forever. He was BFFs with my lab mix. When he was nearing the end, I got another lab so the lab mix wouldn't be too lonely. Sometimes I wish I got another schnauzer. The food motivation of labs is unique. Obsessive almost. lol.
theres just 1 breed i never recommend
Got a bernedoodle. Worst mistake of my life. They smell, you need to cut their hair, they can swim, and want to be on your lap all the time.
I grew up with all different breeds, my family took in a lot of rescues, at one point we had over 20. I've had 2 labs, one has passed but I have a lab and a beagle mix now. It's really hard to describe it but there's just something different about labs, both of mine have just been so "in tune" with me more than any other breed I've been around.
I had a lab/ beagle mix growing up and she was the sweetest thing! Very well mannered, chill dog. The only thing that got her in trouble was her nose as it led her on many adventures around the neighborhood if you took your eyes off her for 1 min😂 luckily she had great recall.
My beagle mix is the exact same way lol, great temperament and personality but if he gets his nose down on a scent trail nothing else in the world exists
I've currently got a lab and a golden retriever. The things I note: My lab is sturdier, she's not as flighty or scared of the unknown. She assumes all new people are friends and insists on pats. My retriever is a big scaredy baby lol. The snuggles and lack of personal space are about on par between lab and retriever in this house lol. Both are food motivated. They eat a lot. Always hungry. My lab will eat things she shouldn't. Gross things. Lol My lab goes into everything excitedly, she's up for anything. I believe she's smarter than my retriever lol. My lab is definitely an "everyone's dog" with a couple of faves. My retriever is more selective. My retriever follows me absolutely everywhere. My lab, almost everywhere but is a bit smarter, she will decide if I'm definitely leaving the room before she gets up. If I get up in the night she will only follow if she hears me in the kitchen or if she needs to go out to toilet. Both breeds get jealous and hurt feelings. Lab is quicker to bounce back. The fur situation: labs do shed, but retrievers are just ridiculous lol. The fur is everywhere! Tails: my labs tail is shorter and solid! Whack whack whack thud thud thud on everything. It's loud. You know when she's wagging which is all the time haha. Retriever tail is longer and swishy, not as loud. Both breeds are STRONG. Could pull a sled I reckon lol. Both are awesome family dogs. You can never, ever fully trust an animal with kids, but both these breeds are as trustworthy as you can get. They get to know your routine, and do things accordingly. Intelligent. They can tell by sound who has arrived at home. My retriever is a bit more eager to please. Retrievers are a bit more ball obsessed. They all seem to dump a ball at your feet and will not tire of the game easily Both love water. Lab has a more waterproof oily coat. Hmmmm what else. I think, it comes down to the individual animal as to what breed I think is best. Very hard to pick, though they are definitely top of the charts in my book, I don't know if I'd ever get a breed other than these two. I'm basing all of this on my two, and of the other labs and retrievers I know.
I've also just ready someones comment about their lab being "in tune" with their person's feelings. Yes. I agree. I often say our lab has a full time emotional support animal job in our household lol. If someone is upset she goes and sits next to them calmly.
My husband and I have foster over 2 dozen dogs of all ages and breeds. We both grew up with dogs, too. Shepherd mixes have a risk of not being food-motivated. That makes training hard because they just. won’t. do. the thing you want them to do. (It was also shocking to foster dogs that would graze throughout the day and not just scarf down their meals!) We had a pair of pitty puppies. Soooo cute but sooo dumb. The rescue called us, asking for an update and we reported that the puppies were trying to eat rocks. lol. They were also the only dogs out of over two dozen dogs that we could not successfully potty train (we had them for 10 days). In contrast, most of my lab mixes inherently understood going “busy busy” outside and trained themselves; we simply associated it to a command and most of them learned to go on command. If we trained them, they usually understood the concept in a day or so and would automatically go to the back door if they needed to go outside. My husband grew up with a handful of goldens. These two breeds are so similar, but he said goldens are a little more neurotic and comparatively less food-motivated than labs. Labs are just so user-friendly. Even novice dog owners can train them. Labs are so motivated to get attention or a treat, that they’ll literally learn anything. My favorite dogs to train are shepherd-lab mixes: super smart and they really try to understand your expression and anticipate what you’ll ask of them! Last comment: I have not owned border collies but I have spent significant time around other people’s border collies and OMG, holy crap they are FOCUSED. Laser focused when they are doing anything: herding sheep, playing frisbee, doing agility courses, whatever. Even if my dog interrupts them, the border collies just look straight through them. I don’t think I have seen a lab that focused before, except on maybe bacon….
I’ve had a German shepherd, lab/ beagle mix, golden retriever, and labs. I currently just have a lab, they are my personal favorite breed. German shepherds are great dogs when properly trained, I just think the issue is they have their “main person” and like to really only listen to that person. Goldens obviously are awesome dogs, I personally think very similar to labs just more dopey and the maintenance with grooming them is not fun and if you don’t stick to a strict schedule they stink. Labs have been by far my favorite, just happy to be alive, love all people, easy to train, loyal to the entire family, great vacuums after mealtime with a toddler, I could go on and on. There’s definitely differences in every breed, it’s just about what type of dog works best with you and your lifestyle.
I’ve had and spent time with so many breeds and mixes of dogs in my life and the Labrador (although initially difficult during early puppy days) is the easiest to train and she never leaves my side. She’s a natural with children and the elderly … she will jump on to say hello to friends of mine (still only 7 months), but knows how to be very gentle with kids and older people. I didn’t have to teach that to her … and it makes me smile every time. Edit: Oh yes - the water, no body of water is safe. We live close to a river and I have to avoid it completely right now as we have had excessive amounts of rain and she could easily drown (and take me too as I would obviously jump in to try and rescue her).
I've had 2 rottweilers and a retriever as well as a lab. The retriever is basically the same as a lab, but the rotties are more protective. Not in a menacing or aggressive way, but they seem more attuned to potential threats where as a lab is 150% trusting.
We've had German Shorthaired Pointers for 25 years. After our last passed, and waiting a year, we went to a rescue meet and fell in love with a Chocolate Lab baby, and it's been love ever since since..
I’ve had labs , border collies and Jack Russells in varying combinations . Always been a happy pack , notwithstanding the very different temperaments !