Can anyone tell me anything about Labs other than what the AKC states, such as personality and do they shed, are they good watch dogs, good apartment dogs, with activity involved? I know they are very active and need to be stimulated in that way, but what about grooming, etc? What makes a better pet a Dobie or a Lab, and same questions in regards to Dobes, thanks in advance..
2007-01-03 15:52:09 · 5 answers · asked by ? 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Hi this might be quite a good site for you to have a look at as it contains reviews of breeds by the actual owners of the breeds & talks about both the pros & the cons (first link is Labs, second Dobes):
http://www.hoflin.com/BR/Labrador%20Retrievers
http://www.hoflin.com/BR/Doberman%20Pinscher
I'd also recommend that you get hold of a copy of 'Marley & Me' by John Grogan - it's a wonderful true life story about a Labrador.
http://marleyandme.com/
2007-01-03 16:03:11 · answer #1 · answered by Solow 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personality wise they are great dogs. Ours is almost 2 years old and he is such a ham.
Some shed some don't ours does. He is a black lab, I don't know if that makes a difference.
I do not think Labs make good apartment dogs they are large dogs. Ours is a male and is 100 lbs.
Labs are very active and as puppies they are a lot of work. They need lots of attention and they like to chew. Ours chewed on our kids wood play set, the frame around our back door, the lattice along our back fence, any toy left in he back yard, and socks this dog has a thing for socks. He will run into my room bury his nose in the laundry basket and ALWAYS come out with a sock in his mouth!! :)
I personally think a Lab is the better choice. They are so loyal.
2007-01-04 00:19:47 · answer #2 · answered by luv3dbb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can just tell u about my experience with my chocolate lab. My lab is very playful. There's been times that he does bark a people he is not familiar with, which is kind of a good thing as for a watch dog. He does shed and I brush his coat as often as possible. I try to have him dipped and bathed at least once a month.He was easy to train the basic commands (sit,lay down, stay). It took a little more patience with some other stuff. Walking and playing with him helps. I've seen that the times I don't keep him active he becomes destructive. He starts to chew on things. Even though he has his chew toys, he'll eventually chew other things. That's why I had to leave him in the yard. Overall my lab is a very good dog to have.
2007-01-04 00:42:02 · answer #3 · answered by Happy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I got a Lab puppy a few months ago...they are lovable, high-strung, goofballs that love to play, but they also love to curl up and cuddle. All of mine are wonderful watchdogs, but not very good guard dogs. They bark at intruders, but probably would not attack them. They might be okay in a large apartment, but would definitely need an outside play area. They also need strenuous exercise at least two or three hours a day or they can develop weight-related health problems, just like a person would. They are also very sociable and love to be around people and other animals, so if it would be home alone a lot, a Lab would not be the best choice.
2007-01-04 00:17:19 · answer #4 · answered by angelbaby21283 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He'll be your best friend and very loyal. I used to travel a lot and thats the reason I bought my lab 10 years ago. They make great watch dogs. Mine is an outside dog and the neighbors love him, he makes them feel safe also.
When I cut my lawn he follows me up and down the yard.
I love his deep bark and when I tell him no bark he's listens.
Take your lab to a lake and you'll have fun for hours.
Good luck with your new best friend.
2007-01-04 00:04:20 · answer #5 · answered by coffeemate 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋