Many people believe that Labradors are easy dogs, but is that really the case, or is it a matter of the right match?
I think it would be ideal to start with the question: what is an easy dog? I honestly believe we would find eight billion different answers, ranging from “because they are cute” to “because they are easy-going.” However, I think what we can all agree on is that we will disagree on one or more aspects of what an “easy dog” actually is. Understanding working dog genetics and behavioural predispositions matters more than labelling a breed as ‘easy.
Why People Think Labradors Are Easy Dogs?
When we look at this from the perspective of the relationship between dogs and humans, one could argue that an easy dog is one that stays close to their human, does not wander off too far, and is happy to eat whatever is provided for them. Or perhaps an easy dog is one that lies on the couch all day doing nothing, does not bark at things, and from whom you barely hear a peep. But you may also hear someone say that an easy dog is one that communicates (through barking) to express their needs and motivations — for example, barking at the door to go out or at a ball to suggest they want to play.
So, who is wrong here? I can confidently say: nobody.
And how is this related to Labradors, you may ask? Well, it is and it isn’t. Because I do agree that Labradors are “easy dogs,” just as much as any other breed can be “easy”… to the right owner.
Maybe It’s Not the Dog — Maybe It’s the Match
Now, this is where things get hairy, and you are more than welcome to close this page and go on with your life. But if you are still here reading this, thank you for paying attention.
By “the right owner,” I am not suggesting there are wrong people. Rather, each dog has their own personality and genetic load that may be a better fit for a specific type of person. Does this mean that if I choose a perky dog who loves to run while I am a sedentary person, we may not be the right fit? Well, it depends. Are you willing to take up running? Because if you are, that dog might be the best thing that has ever happened to you. But if you expect the dog to chill on the sofa all day and do nothing (while aching inside to move and engage with their environment), then you may not be the right fit for that dog.
Maybe the question isn’t whether Labradors are easy, but whether we are ready for the dog in front of us.
When choosing the right dog breed, we often focus on looks rather than temperament and breed characteristics — pretty much the same way many people approach dating. Personally, that never worked for me. The reason is that I never accounted for all the other variables beyond how fluffy my dog was or how good they looked in Instagram pictures. The good news, though, is that dogs actually can choose wisely and pick their human based on… well, I’m not entirely sure based on what, since I don’t speak their language. But I like to believe in their almost supernatural sense of smell.
Again, Maria, why is this related to “Labradors being easy”? Well, actually, because I don’t think Labradors are the easy ones while Cocker Spaniels are the complicated ones. Rather, we may simply be underqualified for the dog at hand — whether that dog is a Labrador or not.
When considering if Labradors are easy dogs for your specific lifestyle, remember that even the most ‘easy-going’ breed requires consistent mental enrichment. Working with a professional to understand your dog’s specific personality—rather than just their breed label—is the best way to ensure a successful long-term relationship.
