Labradors and their fascination with food

[WildRosie]

This has been discussed on here before but one thing I don't understand is why Labradors in particular have this apparent compulsion to eat. All dogs, whatever their breed, size, age and so on have to eat to survive but Labradors take this to the next level. I'm not sure they are a unique breed in this respect - our show Cocker spaniels many years ago had a tendency to podginess. Thankfully they all lived to a good age regardless.

Are Labradors naturally cunning dogs with an innate ability to snaffle nosh when backs are turned ? Or do their big brown eyes overcome their owners every time ?

[WildRosie]

@CherryRoulade

It’s not just Labradors. This was the look we used to get if eating absolutely anything. This creature could steal a 1.5kg resting roast and leave no sign in the time it took to go for a pee.

Looks like a right hardcase with that expression.

[sueelleker]

@Honeyroar

The second worst thing about owning a Labrador is trying to explain to them that the clocks have gone back and it’s not dinner time for another hour. (obviously the worst thing is saying that last goodbye)

Any dog-mine are still convinced that dinner time is now 5pm,even after 2 months!

[BobbinThreadbare123]

I think my little terrier has the lab greed gene - will scoff anything, has never been fed doncha know! Little robber. Non-food delicacies include fox shite, carpet, shoelaces, small keys and bathroom wipes. I've often found raspberries, quinces and strawberries stripped off my plants, and will go to dig up potatoes only to find they've been munched.

[BoogleMcGroogle]

WildRosie I agree about the fashion for working strain Labs. I think some people see them as a status symbol. But they are often harder dogs to own. I know a couple of families who are struggling and are surprised to own a ‘difficult’ Lab. In reality the own a bored, understimulated Lab with no opportunity to express their breed traits.

[HazelBite]

I was looking after DDil's black lab when my ASDA online delivery came, dog disappeared as the driver was bringing the crates in, and was found in the actual van ready and poised!

[Thunderpunt]

@Honeyroar

Mine too *@Peridot1*!

These two were sandwich watching at Badminton horse trials!

@Honeyroar
Oh to be at Badminton Horse trials...... even with starved Labs

[Honeyroar]

@Thunderpunt oh I know! I love it. My labs love it for different reasons- they can’t quite believe how many picnics there are in one field!

[WildRosie]

Does anybody's Labrador eat snow ? Plenty of opportunity for that here today ( the snow gas hardly stopped since 9 a.m.).

[Ulelia]

Eats it, rolls in it, kicks it, thinks it covers the pavement well enough to crap on it... Snow is for anything!