These dogs are vicious child eaters and very dumb.

Love my Black Lab.  She was a rescue dog and has a very even temprament.  After reading through various breed responses, you have to understand that what they do and DO NOT do, comes back to the owner and their training.  My Lab is very laid back and acceptable to all other animals.  As puppyloverkb stated, they do have health issues (as do all breeds).  Feed the Glucosamine and Chondroitin at an early age ( I have seen Labs w/ arthritis @ age 2), and you will probably have few problems.  Keep nails trimmed CONSTANTLY as the nail pushes back into the foot and will also cause joint problems. You should never hear the click of the nails, or they are too long.  Also feed a low protein diet, if not a working dog (ie. rescue or hunting), as they will develope fatty pockets from too much protein.  GREAT dogs though ~ wouldn't trade mine for anything!  My girl is on the low end ~ 65 lbs.

labs make GREAT pets. they are medium-to-large dogs, they are NOT hyper if given any attention, love their owners, do not have health problems, can tell the difference between a friend and an intruder and will defend their owners, and are actually pretty smart. the worst thing about them is that they shed a lot, with yellow labs this makes dark clothes an impossibility for the life of the dog. they are very good with young children -- but as with all breeds there are the exceptions.

Labs are a over breed hyper dog with no basic social skills. Everyone is there friend because they are to dumb to know when someone hates them. They lack basic intelligence like knowing there name, what to eat and drink. I have seen 2 female labs pee in puddles then drink it 3 seconds later. Most of them eat other dogs poop and then go kiss their owners right after.

Labs are not for me, but I can certainly appreciate their positive qualities. They are excellent family pets, and are usually very gentle with children and other pets. They tend to be very loving. I do believe that they are often overbred, but I have that complaint about most dog breeds. Unfortunately, there are a lot of iresponsible breeders out there, out to make a buck, or simply breeding because they think their dog is nice. You should never breed a dog except for the intention of improving the entire breed! Your dog may be exceptional, but there are many other exceptional dogs out there! Labs do require training (what breed doesn't?) or they can be very wild and destructive, especially as puppies. They tend to be easy to train though, if people make the effort. I wouldn't necessarily rate them as extremely intelligent in regards to thinking on their feet and problem solving, but as far as trainability goes I think they are very smart! My only complaint about them (speaking as someone who is not a true "dog lover") is that they often smell very doggy, and that they are a true dog's dog. For a dog lover, that makes them the ideal dog.

The most popular breed in America and with good reason. I agree they may not be the most intelligent breed, but for freindliness, loyalty and love they are amazing. Mine is about 90 lbs and not overwieght. I'm not sure how me or my family would make it through the day without her! On that heartbreaking day when she leaves us, her replacement will be being sought immediately! She's only three so that day is thankfully a long way off! No hip issues. Got her from a breeder and I attribute her good health to that, so I second puppylovekb's comments on sourcing your Lab pup. Prepare to fall in love! My wife always said I would be the hairiest thing allowed in the home and she did not grow up with any pets - you should see her talk baby-talk with our Scout. If you can't love a Lab you aren't a dog person. Period.

I absolutely adore labs, but my big problem with them is their health issues. Labs are notorius for having hip problems. This is due to the inbreeding that went on in order to create the Labrador Retriever. If you are ever to get a dog, make sure it is from a breeder, and not from a pet store!! If labs inherently have health problems, you can be guaranteed that it will be ten fold if you buy them at a pet store (Please read my review on Dogs under pets to see why). Another option to get any dog is from petfinder.com. YOu can get a purebred labrador puppy (without the paper of course) for only a couple hundred dollars. With that, the dog will come spayed/neutured, and will be up to date with all shots. What more could you ask for?(For those that don't know, petfinder.com is an animal rescue site that as thousands of dogs available for rescue). The reason for my three rating is not for lack or personality in the labradore, but for health reasons alone. They are definitely a great dog, and if purchased through a breeder or rescue will be a great companion.

i always thought labs were cool dogs, but owning one has been an eye-opening experience. they are EXCELLENT pets. my black lab, mikey, came to me at a year and half with a lot of behavioral problems which is probably why someone dumped him without a color to starve to death in the middle of nowhere. thankfully a good samaritan picked him up but he kept running away from their property (daily) and they couldn't keep him. they gave him to my best friend who also couldn't keep him. she left him with me for a weekend and i have been in love with him ever since. despite his initial behavioral problems (jumping my fence, running away, houstraining issues, tearing up things, etc) a little patience, some understanding, a good book or two (Good Owners, Great Dogs by Brian Kilcommons, Sarah Wilson is excellent) and a lot of training, he came around and he is the best dog i've ever owned, hands down. i would recommend this breed to anyone who wants to be rewarded with RESULTS if they're willing to put in the time and effort to train, train, train!

Labradors are medium sized, powerfull and energetic. They come in three different colours: yellow, black and chocolate. They are one of the most popular dog breeds, labs are friendly, loyal and loving, they make good pets and family dogs. Labs are easy to train but not really intelligent. They are greedy and clumsy but there cuteness and goofyness makes up for it.

My best friend owns a choc lab who is 100% gorgeous and she is very friendly and loves running round with my mini dachshund. hope you see this Jess :)

Good dog, friendly with kids as a general rule and fairly intelligent. However, mixed labs can be quite large and even when pure they shed. They also need their space and a lot of exercise.

I highly recommend this breed to active individuals and families with children aged 5 and above.

Probably the most intelligent of all breeds.Chocolate and Black labs are the most beautiful ones to me.

Thick headed, obstinate, dumb as a post and they stink! They're nearly entirely unaware of their surroundings, crashing into anything and everything in a house, then jumping their dirty feet on any guest to slobber all over their faces. Horrible animals, if this was my first experience with dogs, I'd never have another one. There's a reason electric shock training collars were invented for these dogs, they pretty much require a brick to the head to even notice you're asking them to do something. Maybe they're great hunting dogs, but they're horrible house dogs. Leave them in the field and get a real house dog unless you want everything smelling like a greasy lab coat!

Labs are the best and I can't believe that people hold the whole breed responsible for a few bad owners. Yes, they are large. Yes, they will misbehave if they don't know what good behavior is. Yes, they're rather wild until they're a few years old. But even the stupidest lab I've met is a really smart dog and capable of acting whatever way you want it to if you are a capable owner. They are truly a special breed and it makes me really sad I don't have a lifestyle that fits its needs. It looks like my next dog will perhaps be a French Bulldog.

Ok. I have to say that I am just annoyed at the people on here who think that labs are dumb. They are anything but. They are extremely trainable and eager to learn. Especially if you train them to retrieve birds. My husband and his dad hunt pheasants and ducks and it is amazing to watch a Lab work. We just recently lost our 9 year old chocolate lab, Bill, to a brain tumor. He was BY FAR the best dog I have ever had. I grew up with German Shorthairs and they were great, but Bill was just amazing. He was kind and gentle when our children were babies. He knew how to spell "ball" "walk" "car" (by that I mean he knew what we were saying even if we spelled it instead of saying it!) He of course was boisterous and crazy as a pup but if you truly love dogs, that isn't bothersome. It is one of the endearing qualities in the labrador breed. He house trained very quickly and was able to be left alone outside of his crate without causing damage to our home by the time he was 1. He was a faithful and fun running companion for me. Every time I'd go to put on my running shoes, he'd sit there and stare at me. I could tell he wanted to jump out of his skin and say "Hurry the heck up!!" But he was so patient. I could walk him around the lake near our home and he didn't need his leash. He was happy to just carry his tennis ball and go for lots of swims. I would throw the ball out into the water and just keep going and he'd catch up to me about a minute later, ready to go again. He didn't bother other dogs at all. He listened to me at all times. I think ANY dog can be a pain in the ass if it's not trained properly by it's owners. And THAT, I believe, is the owner's fault. I don't think people should have a dog if they can't put the time in to properly train them. With that said, we will be picking out and picking up our new chocolate lab pup in mid-march (he was born 1/18). I have no doubt that he will make a wonderful addition to our family for years to come. Labs are awesome.

Having lived in Newfoundland and Labrador for a while I practically grew up with this breed. No household was complete without one...My first choice for companionship and families with young children.

We're on our third lab. Prior to that we has a dach-a-poo, a terrier, a golden, a beagle, and a terrier mix. Our first dog was the little poo who only weighed in at 16 lb. but could jump 5 feet into the air for a frisbee. But our black lab/husky mix Cassie was a wonderful girl who lived 14 years. She chased Frisbee until she would drop, and was gentle with our kids and cats. The cats tried to sleep in her lap. At 80 lbs she was super affectionate and tried to be a lap dog. So when she died we got a full bred male. He developed a brain tumor at 7 months and developed some kind startle reflex that turned into rage and was dangerous, and we had to put him down at 7 months. But we got another lab. Lucky was a 2 year old male when we got him, and I don't think he has a mean bone in his entire body. He learned to shake hands in only THREE repetitions, as well as other tricks. He's never made a mistake in the house, and loves our cats, who took only two weeks to realize that he's so gentle. We took him the Pet Smart, and all he did was lick other dogs, and was so well behaved. He is high energy. We give him 10 minutes of Frisbee chasing in the AM, and 15 minutes of Frisbee in the late afternoon, and this is all he needs. He has about 10 different chew toys, and this keeps him from chewing everything but our socks. He loves our smell. He sleeps with his pack (us) at the end of the bed, and only gets on the bed when asked. We call him Angel Dog. Of all the dogs we've had, even the brain tumor Devil Dog, we've loved the the two lovable labs the best. Affectionate, loving, caring, and just plain smart. But they need to live with you, not out in a dog house. And when they get big you have to be the Alpha in the house. You can't get down and roughhouse on the floor with them, they are too goofy and galumpy and can inadvertently hurt you while plying rough. They will be mortified if they injure you though. Nothing matches a lab. Email me for more info: tzarathu@epix.net

One of the best behaved dogs.

Alex you might not think labs are smart but i dont careeeee!!!!!!!!!!! i love dem

My dog, Fido, who has more sense than some of the reviewers on this site, is a Black Lab! (just kidding, Har, Har, Har!)

labrabradors are great dogs they are bounding and playful. thier tails are always wagging and they are always smiling. i love and adore labs cause i have 1 of my own i love her 2 pieces I JUST WANTED TO SAY I LOVE AND ADORE LABRADORS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

These dog's certainly are friendly but they are way too hyperactive. My wife's stepdad has one and keeps it in his too-small-for-that-kind-of-dog house. He has broken glasses with his tail, ruined a piano leg, punctured a leather sofa cushion...the list goes on. He also will eat ANY object left on the floor. I have seen him eat refrigerator magnets, makeup sponges, the aluminum hose off of a gass grill, and A WHOLE EAR OF CORN in one swallow. This dog is nice but way too much trouble as a puppy.

Got one next door. Pain in the behind. Barkers,(all day, all night barkers) Dumber then a pile of sand. Hard to train. Junps all over everyone. Big,stupid dogs.

I currently have 3 dogs, one of which is a Lab. My cousin has 2 Labs. All are beautiful. They are such inheritantly good animals. These guys are hyper and need alot of excercise to use up that energy. After about 2-3 years of age their personality does calm down, but their craving for love and affection does not. Also, all are so smart - my guy understands a huge vocabulary.You do need patience with though.My husband and I will soon get a second Lab. Their companionship is untouchable.

In my humble opinion, quite possibly the best companion animal you could ever have. I will never own another lab because I cannot replace the one I lost. Her memory will always remain in my heart and no other dog can compare. These dogs are amazing friends and loyal, intelligent pets. Best family dogs around.

As a puppies they are chewing machines. After 10 months or so of puppy problems you will see the puppy suddenly change into a fantastic dog. I could write a book about this breed , but it all comes down to one fact. The Lab will be the best friend you will ever have .....and probably the smartest.

I absolutely adore Labs. They are very smart and loving dogs. I got my Lab 6 years ago and she is the best dog I've had yet!! Always by my side, listens, easy to train. :) I will ad though that you have to have patience with the training. I HIGHLY recommend crate training. Above all these dogs are extremely loving & loyal. They always want to be with you. If you don't want a needy dog, this dog isn't for you.

Nice dogs and smart for the most part. Like all retrievers, there is alot of gooniness in the breed. But I've also seen more intelligence and guard ability (hence, some usefulness) and less goony behavior in Labs than Goldens. I'll give them that. *But I do hate that Lab owners think their dogs are immune to trouble and so let them run around off lead all over the place, parks, home, whereever. Invariably, the dog running all over off lead is a Lab. Bad, bad manners, people.

I had a black lab that was the smartest dog I had ever seen. Not just saying that because she was mine. It took her two days to train her to go potty outside, sit, lay down, stay (for long peroids of time) and night night. When I say for long periods of time I mean my brother or I could throw her ball tell her to lay down and stay and not release her for 5 min. She was also a wonderful dog around kids and other animals. We also had a mutt dog, and a cat. And she would just lay on the floor and play with them. Very protective. The only thing I didnt like about her was that labs are natorious to play till they fall down and die. and thats all she wanted to do was to play. They also love chewing things. So if you are looking into lab puppies make sure you have LOTS and LOTS of chew toys or they will chew what ever is in sight. But thats only when you dont provide them with something to chew on. I love labs and will get another one. I had to put Jazz (my black lab) to sleep because she was 16 yrs old and had really bad arthitis and started not to control her bladder. It was just time. Well hope that helps!

I have always been around Labs and most of my friends and family have them. They are stupid dogs. Dumb as a pile of bricks. I guess for most people their love and friendliness is enough to make up for it, but damn. Anyway I added a star to my original two because I have to be honest, they really are a rewarding breed to own. They are being dangerously overbred, however, along with the Golden Retriever. And you better have a big yard when you get one. They usually don't have half as much sense as they do size.

Wonderful dogs!! I have a 1 1/2 year old female yellow lab and she is such a sweetheart! She melts my heart everytime we lock eyes.

excellent dogs

Goofy, happy-go-lucky, Labs are the clown of the dog world. They love their food, so attention needs to be taken to ensure they don't get too much of a good thing! Although they generally make a great family pet, do your research before getting one -- there are bad breeders out there producing Labs with not-so-happy-go lucky personalities.

One of my favorite types of dogs

Ne plus ultra of dogs. Acme of hounds. Not the brightest but bright. Not the most athletic but healthy. Friendly, loyal, personable. This is a dog who loves and loves to be loved.

there playful and are good swimmers

There's a lot more dogs that are much better, but not a bad dog though.. it's ok for a medium size....but nothing great

My dad has been breeding labs for almost 20 years. They are the greatest dog in the entire world! I got one from my grandparents on my 2nd birthday and now it's kind of tradition, my daughter got one from my parents for her 2nd birthday!

I am the owner of a 10 year old male yellow lab who, incidentally, has several lab playmates as well as a collie visitor, neighbor dog visitors etc. One of the few breeds who are friendly and welcoming of most other dogs (male and female) and other species. Strong and active, loves hikes and also a natural and powerful swimmer. Loves company. Really a perfect family dog and very curious and gentle around small children. Also very intelligent. They consistently score highest on dog obedience and IQ tests along with Border Collies and Shelties. Although welcoming to all (and hence poor guard dogs) labs are very attached to their families and sense when something is wrong with someone in their household. They can become depressed and withdrawn if ignored for long periods of time. Low maintanance, but big eater. Breed will do okay in apartments because inactive indoors and wait to get out for exercise. They love dog runs.

These are the friendliest dogs I have come across. Very obedient, they can be trained as seeing-eye dogs.

I have never owned a Lab but every Lab I met was a wonderful dog. They are very loving and active dogs. They just love every person they meet. Also very trainable dog. The only thing bad thing I can say about them is they are so ethuiastic around every dog and person they meet. But even That's not a totally bad thing. My dog, Remmie, who is a Jack Russell Terrier, loves other dogs but is always a bit shy around a big, happy Labrador Retriever because she got stepped on by one when she was a pup. But that's ok, too, the Lab was just happy to see her. These are great family dogs and it's easy to see why they're the number 1 dog in America. Labrador Retrievers are amazing dogs and one of the best breeds out there.

Nice looking, smart, fun loving loyal pets....They are just like a Golden Retriever personality wise.

A very loveable dog, yet a bit too hyper for me.

Labs rule!

Labs make great pets. They are loving and good with children. They like the water are an all around fun dog.

Anyone who thinks a lab is a bad dog can eat my shi*. The lab is the greatest dog you can have. Why? Because they are tough, smart, mean, lazy, and they eat alot. Well, not all are mean but they sure as hell can be when needed. My lab is lazy, but when he goes hunting, his laziness is gone. He's dumb at times, but you can train him quite easily. So they are smart...screw you who says not what I say. That's right, you heard me. Labs are the greatest pets. Who wants a small dog when you can get a vicious, but not, dog who is the greatest non-human friend ever? That's what I thought, you want one now don't you? Go buy a damn lab and quit getting your fancy shi* excuses for dogs. A lab is the only way to go...

They make great pets

Dumb as a box of rocks and not too pretty either.

I have a lab he is wonderful!

We used to have a chocolate lab named Hershey Bar. She was an incredible dog, so nice and friendly. She always loved running by my bike when I rode it. Sadly, she died last year from cancer at the age of 15.

How can you not love a labrador? They're so nice and cuddly. They're funny too, and are always there for you.