I realize this is slightly OT but figured this was as good a place as any ask this.
We’re looking for a family dog and for a variety reasons have settled on a lab. I’m also hoping that he can be a running partner, and have a few questions on that:
Does it make a difference whether the American or English type labs are better runners? It appears the American’s tend to be taller with a thinner frame so judging by that alone I’d think they’d be better runners, but I haven’t been able to find any official answer to that. I’d be curious to hear from current lab owners on their experiences with this
For those that run with their lab, how far / fast can they actually run?
I have a black lab. she is almost 12 real years old and still faster than any human. Ive never run more than 5 miles with her but she could easily go way farther. Lots of energy and the only thing that gives her age away is she is turning gray but she is almost always the most energetic dog at the dog park.
Best breed in the world. Jessie ( a yellow) was my best friend for 14 years. Had to put her down in 2004 and can’t bring myself to get another. Irreplaceable.
While they can (and will) “go” all day they are not bred to run. Per my vet, don’t start too early (like before its first b’day) then don’t take long runs ( say over 3 miles). It just not good for them. Watch out though, it’ll probably out swim you
Enjoy, you and your family are in for years of absolute joy.
I’ve had my two boys for 12 years. They are awesome family dogs for sure!! They could do an 8min pace for about 5 miles but didn’t have too much interest in going longer/faster than that. Mine are American.
Everyone loves their breed and recommends based on their experience. It is not the specific Breed you want for a running partner, but a physical type. Labradors come in many shapes, sizes, temperaments and healthy qualities. Because they are so numerous, you cannot count on any one fitting into certain mold.
Labradors were bred to retrieve in cold water, thus the original type was short legged, heavy set with a layer of fat for insulation, attentive to their handler and a sprinter - not endurance work. The fat tail was to give them a “rudder” in the water. IF the dog is bred to that type, they are are not good endurance runners. That being said, the majority of Labs are bred as pets and do not necessarily fit that type. Countless Labs are leaner, leggier and more tuned to be a better endurance athlete, some most talented. Sometimes these are called “Field Type”. Field Type dogs tend to be higher drive and need more attention and exercise as well. Others use “field type’ as a description of a pet bred dog that does not fit the breed standard. (why dogs should be bred to fit a standard is another discussion). Pet bred dogs are rarely screened for health issues.
Whatever you decide – if it is purebred go to a responsible breeder. Responsible breeders **select **for a type, have health clearances on the parents, screen who buys their puppies, their dogs are registered with AKC (other registrations are usually meaningless) guarantee health and will take back any puppy they sell if things do not work out.
Of course there are 1,000s of dogs needing homes. These are usually young adults so WYSIWYG. There is probably a Lab rescue group near you. (AKC.org has links to Breed Specific Rescues)
PS English vs American are not official terms. The breed is from Canada. There is only one physical breed standard and that is the heavier set dog. There are legitimte breders who selct primarily for “working” ability, those ar eoften called “field” dogs and may be lighter boned. .
This is my Lab, Scuba. He’s had both his hind knees done so the only running he does is after a deer or a fallen hamburger. I have been told that Labs don’t make good running dogs since they are bred for the water. My .002 cents worth.
Labs are great dogs, I have a chocolate, he’s an english lab, so shorter, stockier, with a fatter tail. I take him running with me some, but not for too log a distance. He is not an endurance runner. And, if you get a certified lab, they tend to have bad hips. Great family dog, but not a great choice for a running partner in my opinion.
I have a black lab/golden mix. He goes like hell up to 8 miles then he wants to go home. Sustained 6.45 pace is not a problem on the dirt roads we run on.
I put my Timex GPS on his collar, it was fun. His fastest pace was 3.45 chasing after a deer in the woods!
Everyone loves their breed and recommends based on their experience. It is not the specific Breed you want for a running partner, but a physical type. Labradors come in many shapes, sizes, temperaments and healthy qualities. Because they are so numerous, you cannot count on any one fitting into certain mold.
**Pet bred dogs are rarely screened for health issues. **
Whatever you decide – if it is purebred go to a responsible breeder. Responsible breeders select for a type, have health clearances on the parents, screen who buys their puppies, their dogs are registered with AKC (other registrations are usually meaningless) guarantee health and will take back any puppy they sell if things do not work out.
I can’t stress what is quoted above enough. Labs are excellent dogs. I had mine given to me by a friend and he was an awesome pet, I lost him last year to cancer. I would take him to my camp and he loved to run. Unfortunately his didn’t and he went through two knee replacements. That was costly and this was 7-8 years ago. My vet is one of my riding partners and were talking about it one day this summer on the ride and if I had to do those same knee replacements today it would have cost me over $1200 each. That in itself will pay for the extra cost easily of a fine bred dog.
There are so many different variations and size range within what is considered the Labrador breed, that it’s hard to say, anything.
Generally speaking they make great family Pets. They are gregarious, but friendly and because of their obsession with food, reasonably easy to train. They get along well with just about everyone and other dogs.
Training and good socialization at a young age is key - as with any dog.
As for the running, I agree with others that the show/breed standard Labs, are typically heavier set and stockier and not great for longer distance steady running - short sprints to retrieve stuff - they’ll go all day. One thing to watch/consider is they don’t handle heat well. I think their optimal outdoor temperature is below 10C. In much over 15C they’ll get hot quick. They are typically obsessed with water, and love swimming. So if you live nearby water, or live on water - your Lab will be in heaven! Some of the leaner lighter weight dogs, the “American” or “Field Dogs” as some call them or with something else mixed in that makes them overall lighter and leaner - may be OK with longer runs.
Puppies are great and if you want to go that route, their are all kinds of breeders who you can work with. Otherwise check out one of the rescue services as there are all kinds of dogs that are needing homes. We got our current dog through a dedicated Labrador Retriever rescue service based in Ontario. We were honest with ourselves that given our busy life, going the puppy route again, was not the best fit and would not be good for the puppy. That first year is a lot of work - much more than people realize. Many people get Labs as Puppies, because they think they are cute( and they are) or they have seen them in movies etc . . but then realize after the fact that it is a lot of work and then give up and put the dog up for adoption - hence the numbers of dogs in rescue services.
I am sure you love your dog , but “Dooldes” are like a box of chocolates - You never know what you will get. Might as well resucue any mix as pay money for one.
Well, I guess we were lucky. This one NEVER barks (really). Was potty trained before being 1yo when we got him.
Is super friendly…His only issue is his passion for eating my running shoes.
I have 2.5 year old yellow lab. She’s American built (field stock) and a little on the larger size (about 70 +/- 5 pounds and not overweight). She’s a super great family dog overall and better than anything I’ve could have wished for but she’s probably the laziest lab I’ve seen and not a great runner. She’s good for about 4-5 miles but longer than that and she wants to lay down. She’s fast when she wants to be and is happy bolting around a field for a little bit but then she’s laying in the grass sleeping. Honestly, I’m a little disappointed in her running abilities. I knew labs are not runners but I was hoping to get more than 4 miles out of her. She does have lyme disease (asymptomatic) so I don’t know if that’s making her lazier. My eskimo mix is my main running buddy. When it’s not hot out he’s good for 10+ at as fast as I can go.
Labs are good short/middle distance runners (up to about 9-10 miles) until about age 10, then they tend to drop back, Mine are 10 (Male) and 11 (female). Our girl has had both knees replaced (on e @ age 10 the other @ 11). If you run past water, forget it, they are in there for a while. I fully endorse Labs as family dogs, but would hesitate to put them in the running dog catagory.
