Just under 10% of all our insured dogs are Labrador Retrievers . The next breed down on the list is the Golden Retriever, less than 5% of Embraced dogs. That's a big margin for the sweet-natured Labrador.
I suppose the Lab's popularity is not surprising since the Labrador Retriever has consistently ranked as the most popular purebred dog in the United States for more than 10 years, according to the American Kennel Club.
The AKC registers more than a hundred thousand new Labrador Retrievers each year, but when you take into account all the Labs never registered at all, or registered with another organization (such as the United Kennel Club), the popularity of this stable, family-friendly dog is truly staggering.
According to the Embrace health profile on the Labrador Retriever:
There are a couple of characteristics these large, solidly built dogs share: A love of swimming and of eating. Any body of water puddle-sized or larger is a magnet to these dogs, and mud is considered a fashion accessory. The short, drip-dry coat of the Lab sheds water and dirt easily, but that’s of little consolation if the debris lands on white carpeting.
As for eating, two problems: Too much food, and bad food choices. Veterinarians call these dogs “Flabradors,” because obesity is common once they hit their middle-age mellowing out stage.
Labradors are also prone to certain health conditions such as cardiomyopathy and patellar luxation.
You can learn more about the family-friendly labrador on the Embrace pet health page on labradors.
