Tell me about your labs!

[stacwase]

So many of the rescue dogs are lab mixes. In my search for a dog, I've seen German Shepherd/Labs and Rhodesian Ridgeback/Labs advertised in the shelters.

What are your labs like? I know they're popular as the Great American Family Dog. Are they as great as they're said to be? Are they protective? Are they barky? Loyal?

[aly]

My first dog was a beautiful female yellow Lab named Dessi. I grew up with her from third grade until college when she passed away from old age :( She will be in my heart forever. I think they are a wonderful breed. Their puppy stage does last a couple years so they can be a bit of a handful without proper training. They are very gentle and loving. Dessi would bark if lawn men or any man she didn't know tried to come into the backyard. A lot of people would get scared and leave when they saw her bark like that. Little did they know that if they took a step towards her, she would have tucked her tail and ran for the hills :D She would never hurt a fly. She was the only pet for almost 14 years when I brought my kitty home. I was a bit worried but Dessi accepted her and they could frequently be found cuddled up together in bed.

In summary, I LOVE LABBIES! They are wonderful dogs with such loving temperaments.

[Cincy'sMom]

All three of my dogs are lab mixes. They are wonderful!!!

I don't think labs are an overly "barky" breed, but will bark to warn and have an intimidating bark! As Aly said, they are lovable,(the worst mine would ever do is lick you to death, although if a true threat was there I have no doubt they would prtect me) energetic and need training. When I am working with Sadie, she loses focus easily, so I often have to keep her busy doing tricks and make things fun for her.

I too love Labbies!!!

[lovemyshiba]

My little labbie has only been with us for 3 weeks, but he is great. He's still young, so he sleeps and listens--everyone I know with labs has said "just wait"--puppyhood is crazy for labbies!!!!! Riley loves to play with the other dogs, but most importantly, just wants to be with us all the time--he really loves his momma!!!
One positive that I can note, is that Riley was housebroken in about a week--he has an occasional accident--usually my fault--but he goes to the door when he needs to potty.
I have friends with labs, and they just adore them.
Good luck in your search!!!!

[englishkennels]

As a breeder of Labs, I may be a little biased, but... I think they are all they are cracked up to be. You don't get to be the number one dog in North America without having a few good traits! Although Labs are not by nature overly protective ( they would probably fetch the family jewels for any thief with a cookie) they can are easily trained for virtually any purpose. Labs excel at athletic events such as agility, flyball, field trials, etc, and are exceptionally loyal, trust worthy family pets. Providing the lab mixes you are looking at show a few of the characteristics of a purebred lab, you will have an intelligent, dedicated companion you can be proud to love for years to come.
Erin English
www.englishkennels.net

[Dakota's Mommy]

I love labbies! Brian's mom had a golden lab named Toby that just had to be put down this past October for his old age and being full of cancer. He was a great dog. He stuck to Brian so well as Brian was the oldest kid when they got him. That dog was such a good dog, friendly to welcome visitors yet seemed to watch out for the house and protect it and Brian when need be. He was one big baby most of the time, but did what he had to when he had to do it.

Sierra seems to be a great black lab girl. We haven't had her long enough to know how she's going to be when she gets older, but she's very playful and fun right now. I'm sure she'll be great though because Brian and I are true lab lovers. With him growing up with Toby, Amy's 3 labs, and now one of our own to raise, we truly believe that the breed is up to it's rumors of being terrific family dogs!

[stacwase]

They must be good dogs - otherwise they wouldn't be so popular! They're pretty, too.

Dakota's Mom, your picture is so adorable!

[*LabLoverKEB*]

My Sadie is just the best dog ever! She is a female Black Labby girl, and she will be 7 on the 25th of April.:) ;)

[Kona & Oreo's mom]

Oreo is my lab mix, and I think she is an outstanding dog. She is very energetic and "enthusiastic" about everything (in other words, a little rambunctious!). She is really smart and learned her basic training quickly, but she is easily distracted. She prefers to be in the house, or wherever we are. She's very welcoming to strangers :rolleyes:, and she LOVES kids.

I think that labs have a great love for life--she makes me smile every day.

[stacwase]

Lablover, Sadie is beautiful! How old is she?

It sounds like all you lab owners are very happy with your dogs! How long is their puppy stage?

I think Jake's puppy stage lasted about 6 years! At least he didn't stop chewing the walls until this year!

[GoldenRetrLuver]

I used to have a gorgeous yellow lab named Abby. She was great. I grew up with her. But, died at the ripe old age of 15. I miss her and will never forget her. Im actually intrested in getting a yellow lab,or another golden! I recommend labs! They are great dogs! :) ;) Oh, and puppy stage can last up to 3 years!

[tikeyas_mom]

I used to have a lab shep mix and her name was Sadie, she was cute, but a rock head lkiteraly. she ate rocks and sement.

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Sadie is 7 years old as of today, the 25th! Happy Birthday, Sadie! And thank you, she is my pretty girl!:) ;)

[Byakko's Mom]

Happy Birthday Sadie!!!!!
Our lab mix rescue Mojo we got in Oct. at about 6-7 weeks old.He left his mom way to young and had a rough start.Three states in that time, is the sweetest most wonderful little guy.Well, not to little anymore.He jus finished 2nd in his first obedience class with his Dad -my 12 yr old son.He is my son's first dog of his own,we always had dogs in the house but Mojo is his and they have such a strong and wonderful bond it is just beautiful.Mojo also bonded well with the other puppies.He is very sweet and loyal.He can't wait for my son to get home from school and cries if he doesn't say hi to him first before doing anything else.He was the star of most of obedience class.He is a handlers dream.He watches every move and signal my son gives him.We are planning on continueing obedience for them both because they both do so well and really enjoy it.Mojo really loves everybody and loves attention.He loves to cuddle with my son and give him kisses to wake him up :) . You just have to see them to see how great they are together.I am so glad Mojo is part of our family.I just love him so much.
Laurie

[tikeyas_mom]

my aunt has a lab *pure bred* named Buba he has a bad hip. He is soooo old I am not sure how old thought but I know they had him befor I was 1. so ya. he likes the water and loved eating rocks lol. he loves eating everything as a matter of fact ;).

[Cookiebaker]

Malone is a yellow lab/golden retreiver...and he's just wonderful. He's very playful and yet can be so calm & loving, too. As he gets older, he is listening so much better and tries to please us. In a couple of years, I would love to find another for Malone to have a friend!!!