Labradors are notorious for their terrible behavior and destructive nature. Everyone knows they are the WORST dog breed. They bark incessantly, shed like crazy, and chew on anything in sight.
Their size makes them difficult to control and keep out of trouble. But that’s not all: Labradors have a habit of dragging you around on walks, getting into your lap whenever they please, stealing food, and generally being a nuisance. In short, they are simply the worst dogs around!
Here are the reasons you’d never want to own one of these life ruiners…
1. They’re Super Destructive
Let’s start with their destructive nature. Labradors have an insatiable need to chew on anything they can get their paws on. They will happily chew through furniture and carpets, destroy shoes and clothes, or just generally demolish anything that isn’t nailed down. On top of this, they will bark and howl all night long, waking even the soundest sleeper.
2. Labs are always Getting Into Trouble
Labradors can also be incredibly mischievous. They will steal food off counters and tables, tear up toys, dig holes in the yard, and bark all night long. They can be hard to train—even with consistent reinforcement, they rarely obey commands and often try to get away with whatever mischief they desire.
3. They Shed A LOT
Labrador Retrievers are notorious for their excessive shedding, leaving a trail of fur everywhere they go. Not only do they shed year-round, but their bi-annual “blowing out” periods can be particularly pesky.
When they lose their winter coat, you can brush them till your arm feels like it’s going to fall off, and hair will keep coming out with every stroke.
During these times, Labradors may lose immense amounts of hair, and the shedding can last for weeks, leaving YOU with a huge mess to clean up.
Their hair never truly cleaned up, it can only be temporarily contained. You’ll find your lab’s hair EVERYWHERE.
If you have a Yellow Lab, be prepared to never wear black again. Labradors are also notorious for drooling and slobbering, especially when around food. If you’re looking for a neat and tidy pet, then a Labrador retriever is one of the worst dogs to live with.
Who doesn’t want a hair factory for a family dog?
4. Health Issues
Additionally, Labradors are known for being particularly prone to health problems such as obesity, hip dysplasia, orthopedic diseases, and joint issues. These health conditions can be expensive to address and are another reason the labrador is one of the worst breeds.
5. They Need Exercise… All the Time
Labrador Retrievers need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. They are highly active dogs that require a minimum of two hours of exercise per day, such as running, swimming, or fetching games. If they don’t get enough physical activity, they can become bored and destructive.
6. They Only Come in a Few Colors
The breed standard officially recognizes three color variations: yellow, black, and chocolate. Yellow Labradors can range from light cream to a deep golden hue, while black Labradors come in shades of jet-black to charcoal gray.
7. They Bark A LOT
Labradors are well known for their vocalizations, which includes barking. It’s not uncommon for a Labrador to bark at people they don’t recognize, strange noises, and even other animals.
In some cases, this can become an excessive problem that is both annoying and disruptive to the owner and their neighbors. Some of these vocalizations can even be dangerous if the dog is allowed to bark excessively at strangers, which could lead to an accidental or intentional attack.
8. They Cost a LOT of money
The cost of purchasing a purebred Labrador puppy can be quite expensive and depends on many factors. Generally, the price for a purebred Lab may range from $500 to over $1000. Factors such as the breeder’s reputation, location, and pedigree will all influence the price of your pup.
Once you buy one, you have to feed it. According to Labrador Buddy, it costs between $325 and $700 to feed a lab. Assume another couple hundred bucks for the vet every year, even if nothing is wrong. And, never plan on traveling anywhere without boarding your dog (which can add up quickly).
9. You’ll End Up Caring for It
You know it’ll be you that takes care of it. The kids sure aren’t. Don’t let them talk you into sucking your life away taking care of this animal.
When you get a Labrador, you must take care of it for at least two hours daily. This could be playing games, going for a walk or swimming, or just spending time with them.
You also need to feed them every day and remember to take them to the vet. It costs money to look after a Labrador, so make sure you are prepared to give up this time before getting one.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Labradors may be cute, but they certainly aren’t the best choice for a pet. They require a lot of time and effort to train and manage, their health can be costly to maintain, and they need plenty of daily exercise in order to stay happy and healthy. If you’re looking for a pet that’s easier to handle, get a cat!
We hope you enjoyed reading this article. We had fun writing it. We love Labradors, and their place as the most popular dog breed in the United States is well deserved.
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