I don’t necessarily think such a paragon of virtue exists… but..
We have had labradors as family dogs for over 15 years, we’ve had three in that time. We still have two- aged 12 and 8.
All three have been very different personalities, however what they have had in common in their absolutely stellar temperament.
Pretty much everything is approached as ‘woohoo!! My favourite thing!’. They love people- their people and new people/strangers. It doesn’t matter if you’re getting up to go to take them for a walk or just nip to the loo- they want to come with you to keep you company and they’ll do it with a big smile on their face.
They have all been uncomplicated- not phased by fireworks, thunder, moving house, changes in routine, being left with house sitters when we rarely go away. They are all good with livestock and smaller animals. They have been beyond amazing with our own children and visiting ones. They are generally very chilled out about life, little phases them, everything is approached with a grin on their face.
Yes, they are HARDWORK as puppies (dear god on occasion they brought me to my knees!). We have had some inevitable damage to things that got chewed, and they were bitey land sharks for a time, but once you’re through the puppy stage they have been complete delights. They want to please/get things right, have been a doddle to train and always had solid recalls, and want to stay close to you on walks (within a few meters/always in sight- no wandering off into the undergrowth after interesting smells).
However…. The hair! My goodness the hair! Our downstairs is hoovered every day, usually twice a day… but within 30 min looks like it’s never been done. It gets ingrained into the carpets upstairs. They sleep in the kids rooms (which we are very happy with and brings great comfort and joy to both parties, so don’t want to change). But bedding is always hairy too, despite being washed at least once per week, often twice.
We have a fairly outdoorsy lifestyle and in the winter they get filthy on walks, and even when just nipping into the garden in the worst of the winter.
We were discussing the other day whether we will get another when (hopefully a very long time from now ☹️) our older dog passes.
I think we probably will go for another Labrador, either from the same breeder, or from very similar lines.
However, it got me thinking, I wonder if there are any other breeds out there that are similar temperament wise, but without the constant shedding, and possibly even a touch smaller? Around the 10-20kg mark rather than 30kg?
Friends have different breeds and having spent time with them, none of them would be a fit for us- too strong a prey drive, too aloof, can be difficult with other dogs, too much grooming required for long coats, breeds predisposed to health problems.
I wouldn’t want any dog (or more to the point encourage the breeding of) that had extreme features, the breeds with squashed faces, or big folds of skin, too long in the back, etc that are detrimental to their health. I am also not interested in mixed breeds, doodles etc for similar ethical reasons. I would want a puppy (as ours were), from fully health tested parents, from an experienced breeder, somehow involved in the breed whether that was working or showing but was breeding with a sense of what they were trying to achieve/improve upon.
Not asking for a lot, eh?! 🤣
i just wondered if there were any other breeds out there we should possibly research.
Many thanks!