Adopting a Dog? 6 Reasons to Pick a Labrador

6 reasons to get a labradorIt's no surprise to anyone who knows me that I adore Labrador Retrievers. My fondness for them went up exponentially when we adopted our pup, Django, last year from New York's North Shore Animal Center.

She is the perfect blend of friend, companion, and fun for our crazy family. But I'm not the only one who has a special affection for Labs. In fact, the Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds for families year after year.


Related: 12 dog-friendly treats you can make at home

If you are considering a medium to large-sized dog to introduce into your family, here are 6 reasons why a Lab is a great choice:









Excellent Temperament1. Excellent temperament
They are extremely well-suited to family life and like to feel as though they are part of a family's daily activities. Django accompanies us in everything we do. If we are in any given room, the yard, or porch, so is she. When we sleep, she sleeps. When we eat, she eats. You get the picture.

















They can get big, but not huge2. They can get big, but not huge
Although some males can grow to 100 pounds, generally, they tend to be about 22-24 inches tall and 60-75 pounds. Females are typically 21-23 inches tall and 55-70 pounds.
















Related: The 12 most popular dog breeds of 2012








Good potty trainers3. Good potty trainers
Labs are one of the easiest breeds to train. We crate-trained our pup when she came home at 8 weeks of age, and she trained nearly immediately. She had a few accidents in the first few weeks, but once she learned that she should do her business outside, it was nearly a given. She's never had an accident after those first few couple of months.











They require little grooming4. Little grooming
Their coats are incredibly easy to care for, and they only require a bath here and there. No hair cuts or any extra grooming required, and their fur dries off in minutes because their thick outer coat naturally repels water.













Related: 25 hilarious awkward family pet photos









Lots of exercise5. Lots of exercise
Labs need to be walked a lot. Without enough mental or physical stimulation, they can become destructive. But this can be a beneficial side effect for you and your dog, and it needn't be a chore. If you incorporate just one long walk into each day, you'll get your daily workout in and your lab will be pleased as punch.














Even a little lab will do ya6. Even a little lab will do ya
There are usually many lab mixed pups available at shelters all over the country, so don't feel that you have to get a pure-bred. Our pup is a lab mix (with what, we have no idea), and she has all the adorable traits of a full-fledged lab.

















- By Danielle Sullivan
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For 4 more reasons to adopt a labrador, visit Babble!

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