Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Getting Started

Myth buster: 10 Labrador retriever ‘facts’ that are actually false

Mary Johnson
By

Popular (adjective): liked, admired, or enjoyed by many people or by a particular person or group. See also: Labrador retriever. 

For the past 31 years, the Labrador retriever has claimed the coveted top spot on the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) annual list of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. Playful, sociable, and affectionate, they’ve become the US’s favorite dog breed because they’re simply the best, Lab lovers would claim. But did you know that Labs are also one of the most misrepresented breeds? Most of us believe at least one myth about Labrador retrievers. Let’s sort out Labrador retriever facts from commonly believed fiction. 

A cute yellow lab puppy walking across the floor.
gynlime / Pexels

What are Labradors known for? 

While modern-day Labs are adept at retrieving sticks and tennis balls, this beloved breed started out accompanying fisherman and duck hunters into waters and fields. When they aren’t romping through yards and dog parks, today’s Labs can be found working search and rescue missions, comforting those in need of therapy animals, and assisting their handlers with daily tasks as service dogs. 

Recommended Videos

Are Labs ever aggressive? 

Labrador retrievers are usually gentle, laid-back dogs, but that doesn’t mean they’re incapable of aggression. Any dog, regardless of breed, may react violently in certain circumstances. Reasons a dog may lash out include:

  • extreme stress or anxiety
  • physical pain
  • mental illness
  • abuse
  • redirected aggression (for example, biting someone who stops them from chasing a squirrel)

While Labs are famous for their sweet, even temperament, attacks have been known to happen. No dog breed is 100% aggression-free.  

Why are Labradors the best dogs? 

Asking us to choose the best dog breed is like asking a parent to choose a favorite child. That being said, Labs are definitely on our top 10 list. Labrador retrievers are easy to train, they make wonderful companions for children, and they’ve even been known to befriend the family cat. There’s a lot to love about Labs, but did you know that some of the reasons we love them might not be true? Let’s debunk a few myths, shall we?

1. Labrador retrievers come from Labrador.

The U.S.’s favorite dog isn’t from the U.S. or from Labrador. Despite their name, this popular pup actually hails from the island of Newfoundland. 

2. They’ve always been popular.

Actually, the breed almost went extinct due to Newfoundland’s hefty dog tax. 

3. Labs come in only three colors.

This one is up for debate. Labs typically come in three colors— black, yellow, and chocolate—however, silver Labs do exist. But there’s a caveat: silver Labs aren’t officially recognized by the AKC. 

4. The color of a Lab’s coat affects his personality.

While some pet parents swear that black Labs are calmer and yellow Labs more playful, science says the color of your dog’s coat has no impact on their personality. 

5. All Labs love water.

Anxiety, age, health issues, and prior bad experiences all can leave dogs terrified of water. Yes, even Labrador retrievers. 

A black lab bows playfully in his yard.

6. Labrador retrievers naturally retrieve.

When “retriever” is in a breed’s name, we tend to assume that retrieving comes naturally. While that may be the case for some dogs, it isn’t universally true. Just as some Labs never overcome a fear of water, some Labs may never bring you a stick when you throw it.

7. They all have soft mouths.

Labs were bred to retrieve game, so they have an advantage when it comes to handling delicate objects carefully. But that doesn’t mean an untrained puppy won’t nip you, and it doesn’t mean that all Labs can be trained to carry an egg without breaking it. (Putting an egg in your dog’s mouth is risky, so please don’t do it.)

8. Once they’re trained, they’re trained.

Because Labs are people pleasers who learn new tasks quickly, there are those who believe that a trained Lab is trained forever. The professionals disagree. Training a dog, even a Labrador, is a lifelong process. 

9. They’re healthy because they’re a working breed.

Although they’re generally healthy as a breed, Labs can be prone to certain conditions, such as: 

  • Elbow, hip, and shoulder dysplasia
  • diabetes
  • hypothyroidism
  • exercise-induced collapse
  • muscular dystrophy
  • central progressive retinal atrophy
  • tricuspid valve dysplasia

Unfortunately, not even the U.S.’s favorite dog is immune to illness. 

10. Labs are too friendly to be brave.

Many prospective Lab owners wonder if such a sweet dog will protect them if the need arises. As it turns out, a Labrador might save your life—even if he’s not your dog. In fact, a blind Lab named Norman rescued a 15-year-old from drowning in a river. (Keep the tissues handy. The video made us ugly-cry tears of joy.)

A chocolate lab lets his tongue hang out as he sits in the sun.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

While Labrador retrievers don’t have the unwarranted reputation of, say, pit bulls, they’re still a breed surrounded by myths. Hopefully, we’ve helped separate fact from fiction. Most of all, we hope we’ve made the most popular dog in the U.S. seem even more amazing. They really are the best dogs. (Shh, don’t tell owners of other breeds we said that.)

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Mary Johnson
Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
What are the 7 breed groups and where does my dog fit in? Find out what your pup is known for
The American Kennel Club dog groups and the breeds that fit in them
A group of dogs sits on the sidewalk during their walk

We know dogs came to us from wild canines (likely wolves or jackals) and probably domesticated themselves rather than the other way around. In the process, different types of pups came about, possibly splitting into groups more than 5,000 years ago! To categorize all these beasties, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has a list of recognized breeds, each of which fits into one of the seven groups. We'll walk you through the breed groups so you can determine where your pooch fits best.

What are breed groups?
Like any other classification system, these categories came about to help determine where each animal goes due to specific characteristics. In this case, breeds are placed together based on the original job they were bred to do. That means if you went back in time to your dog's ancestors, you would see them performing a job and being bred to do it well. Now, certain breeds continue to have similar dispositions as a result.

Read more
9 Boston terrier facts to know before you bring one into your life
Important facts about the adorable Boston terrier breed
Boston terrier on a pink leash in grass

Boston terriers are always dressed for a black-tie affair. The breed’s tuxedo coat is one of many features that have endeared. Their short muzzles, compact bodies, and oversized eyes make this terrier breed absolutely adorable. Come winter, you can find Bostons strutting their stuff in cute sweaters to keep them warm underneath their short coats.

Of course, looks aren’t everything. Boston terriers are also known for their curious and loving personalities, among other common traits. Though no two dogs are exactly alike — even ones in the same breed or litter — understanding common breed characteristics is a great launching point to researching what pup is best for your home and lifestyle. If a Boston terrier is on your list, look no further. We dog up the details on this lovable breed.

Read more
Debunking the 5 most common myths about the American bulldog
Is it true that American bulldogs are aggressive? Separating bulldog fact from fiction
An American bulldog with tongue out standing in grass

Bulldogs are adorable. Those smooshed mugs and rolls for days are absolutely irresistible.
American bulldogs are descendants of their English counterparts, and the American Kennel Club believes the breed has been around since the 17th century. Immigrants brought pups with them, and today’s American bulldogs were yesteryear’s farm dogs. The American bulldog may have tons of rolls, but their ancestors once guarded farms and caught feral pigs like pros.
Tons of myths about the American bulldog exist. Some, like rumors about their temperament, particularly if the pup is an American bulldog-pit bull mix, can be very harmful and reduce adoption rates for these animals. Other misnomers can affect a pet’s health, such as what a "normal" weight is for a bulldog with natural rolls. However, advocate veterinarians are working to clear up these myths and give people the truth about American bulldogs. Here are five common myths about the breed that require debunking.

1. American bulldogs and English bulldogs are the same dog
American bulldogs and English bulldogs are separate. However, American bulldogs likely descended from the English, when immigrants brought their dogs to work on farms in the 17th century. The American bulldog is larger. Adult American bulldogs are 22 to 25 inches and 75 to 100 pounds, while females are 20 to 23 inches and 60 to 80 pounds. Adult English bulldogs are 14 to 15 inches, regardless of gender. Male English bulldogs can weigh about 50 pounds, and females typically clock in at 40 pounds.
American bulldogs also generally live longer — approximately 10 to 12 years — than their English counterparts, who live 8 to 10 years on average.

Read more