Woo hoo! Getting a puppy is so exciting, and they’re all so adorable. How do you know which type of dog to pick?
It’s really a good idea to give this a good thought before putting yourself in front of those little puddles of wiggles.
If you are considering adding an English lab puppy to your home, it’s easy to see why. Loyal and lovable, these dogs have been an extremely popular pet choice for many years. However, there’s a perfect dog for your home, and this breed might not be it.
Let’s go over why (or why not) these puppies would be a good fit for you.
These 4 Questions Will Let You Know if an English Lab Puppy is the Right Dog for You
As cute as they are, every puppy turns into a dog. That dog needs certain things to make them happy and stress-free. Understanding what a puppy and adult needs of your potential dog will keep you both from having broken hearts when there’s a difficult fit to the relationship.
What size dog do you want? What size dog can you accommodate?
Lab puppies will usually grow up to weigh 60 to 80 pounds. That’s considered a large-medium to small-large size dog. You can expect a dog that size will eat 3 to 4 cups of food a day. Remember, the larger the dog, the larger doggy poop bag you’ll need.
Do you enjoy daily cardio exercise like walking or playing fetch?
Larger dogs typically need daily exercise to feel their best. Without a regular routine of being able to check the neighborhood peemail, your best friend can turn to destructive behavior.
If you are considering getting an English lab puppy, make sure you have the time to give that puppy daily exercise once they get big enough. Daily walks in the neighborhood are really enjoyable for your dog.
Are you into any hobbies or sports like volunteering or hunting?
A trained lab is an excellent companion. English labs are part of the working group and are known for their excellent bird-hunting skills.
They are also very commonly found helping at hospitals or libraries, donating their time to the people in the community they love to visit.
How does social day-to-day life look for a dog in your household?
Are you a solo household? If so, consider if you’ll be home enough for your lab puppy not to get bored. Working remotely or having a really dog-friendly active life can make up for any loneliness.
Labs are great family dogs and when trained well, do amazing in large social situations. This breed does not do well when left alone for the majority of the day.
The Right Home for the Perfect Dog
An English lab puppy is truly something special. This breed has captivated generation after generation. However, this dog isn’t for everyone. Exercise requirements alone are worth heavy consideration. But for active families or sports enthusiasts like hunters, this working dog can really be a helpful and loyal part of the household.