I'm looking for a pup for next year, and my friend is trying to convince me to get a lab instead of a cavalier, do Labs make good pets, do they need loads and loads of training? as i've heard they can be very distructive.
any advice would be appreciated

Long ago I had two cavaliers. Now I have two labs. Firstly, whatever dog you choose to own will be your pride and joy. The cavaliers were easier to take around on holiday - they went on steam trains, boats on sea and river, and even a cable car!! They have the obvious advantage of taking up less space than labs!! :D :D :D. It was also easier taking them to people's houses - many people find two large labs a bit much!! :( :( :(. However, my particular cavaliers were very noisy, and not easy to train - but that was probably because I had litter brothers - no-one told me that was not a good idea, back in 1982, and of course there was no internet to consult in those days! I was a widow, and my young son wanted a dog and I didn't want my daughter to feel left out....I love my labs now, I like having a dog that comes up to my thigh, and that I can touch without needing to bend down. They also have wonderful temprements, the bitch is very laid back and the dog is just fun, always into mischief! But at the end of the day it's your choice, don't be swayed by other people's opinions, choose the dog you really want! :) :) :).

Hi,

I did have a cavalier a few years ago, but when i split from my hubby he took the dog (to get at me and the kids!)  I did fight to get him back but there was nothing i could do :(
I do like both breeds, and i do think maybe a Lab would be a good choice, as i'm on my own maybe it would deter people from trying to get in my home (a lab is bigger than a cavalier lol) but i was worried about it being distructive, are they good with young-ish kids?...ages 5 and 8??? both at school all day lol
Do the different colour labs have different personalities like the cavaliers???

My Cavaliers are much more vocal & better watch dogs than any of the GSDs I have owned & my current GSD rarely has to utter a sound leaving the vocals to the cavaliers, In view of the Labradors required temperament having one to deter would be housebreakers would be a waste of time

I would advise you to meet a few labradors of varying ages & see if you are attracted to them & whether you are suitable for them

The advice re seeing verification of all the health tests having been done goes without saying of course

I don't think labs are necessarily any more destructive than any other dog at the puppy stage, providing they're not left alone for long periods and they're not allowed to become bored. Our lab puppy has actually been less destructive than the cavaliers were - but I was working part-time then, I'm retired now. He's chewed odd bits, but nothing horrendous. He loves to grab slippers and shoes, but doesn't actually chew them. Labs are usually excellent with children, but can be a bit too boisterous for toddlers - my puppy has accidentally knocked two over...However one of his litter brothers is living happily with a little boy who was just three when they first had him - I think they found the puppy biting phase a bit hard, but since then it's been fine. Obviously the most important thing is to buy from a breeder who breeds for good temperament as well as having all the necessary health checks done. They're wonderful dogs and they are good house dogs, 'cos although they're actually extremely friendly, they do bark when necessary and I've been amazed at how many people are quite scared of my big black dogs! I wish you every success in finding your new best friend - keep us posted on your progress. :) :)

I have a 6month labrador puppy and i have four kids aged 10 8 and 6 yr old twins. Max absoloutely adores them and really misses them when they are at school. he has chewed a few things but it was because i left them and him unattended lol. he is a very good boy who takes everything in his stride and sleeps through the kids running about and is an excellent memeber of the family.

Labs are WONDERFUL. They are well known to be terrific family dogs. Of course, go to a reputable breeder and spend the time to train and socialize your pup, as you would any pup. Their latin name I believe is canis familiaris. (family dog)

My now 13 year old Lab was raised with my kids and all their friends. She has been wonderful, laid back, (even for a puppy, but they're not all as laid back) tolerant as the day is long....trustworthy around anyone....just a marvelous companion dog. She's a chocolate lab.

She had a convulsion the other night which has me worried sick. She's going to the vet on Monday to try to find out what caused it. It makes me sad to know that she won't be around much longer. She's been the most loyal, sweet natured pet anyone could ever ask for. And smart too and easy as pie to train.

My labs are very well behaved, most of the time. Labs are very much people dogs and like to be included in everything. Mine come most places in the car and they are happiest with their family. We got our first when my eldest was 8 and youngest was 6 and never had a problem with younger children. Indeed, my friends 4 year old, a hyper 4 year old I might add, does not phase them. If everything gets too much, they just flop and go to sleep - even in the middle of Christmas Parties with loads of kids flying around.

About temperment - this has to be the most important consideration and in general it is not linked to colour. However, over the past few years Chocolate Labs have become fashionable, and some Chocolate labs have been produced which tend to have a hyper strain as well as a few health problems. I would be very very cautious about buying a chocolate lab.

Labs in general love training - they want to understand and are quite biddable. Yes they are strong dogs so the training at puppy stage is vital to sort out pulling on the lead etc - but you would do that with any dog. Everything in your house that is Labrador tail height will have to be put up higher, as the tails can clear a surface - and they do wag their tails a lot. However, since you have young children everything of value is most probably out of reach anyway. I call them Wash and Go dogs as they are quite low maintenance, a swim in a river or beach usually sorts them out, and brush down from time to time.

You must go to a reputable breeder, where the pups are reared in the house and are used to all the normal household noises - I would contact the Labrador Retriever Club if you wanted to further your search. Breeders in general are more than willing to spend some time discussing their dogs, and allowing you to visit to see their dogs in their own environment.

I know quite a few Cavaliers - as I know 3 breeders, and with the exception of two dogs, they are all noisy and yappy!!!!

Ultimately it is your decision - good luck.

Patricia

aw my little lab is a choccie what makes you say that surely as long as they are from reputable breeders???

It must be different in the UK. Here in the US, we have lovely Chocolate Labs. My girl's lines are wonderful. She is 13 years old and has been a picture of health. And hyper? Not in the least. She has had enough enthusiasm and exuberance but at the same time very calm and laid back, even as a puppy....sweet, relaxed. She's been a dream dog.

I think that was very sound advice from Patricia and the relevence of chocolate is absolutely correct, unfortunately Katyb they are bred by many just for colour and judging by some of the specimens I've seen,  Joe Bloggs will buy them from anywhere as long as they are chocolate.
So it is very important to go through the breed clubs and find a reputable breeder and thankfully there are quite a few but you have to book well in advance, a well bred puppy from a good breeder is worth waiting for and it is the people who wait that get them

Hi,

Thanks for all the advice, as for colour its a yellow Lab i'm after, as they are my fave.
I'm not in a hurry to get a dog, i'm waiting for the right one (not buying on a whim) and getting my home ready in plenty of time.
how long is an "avarage" wait for a pup from a reputable breeder?

Thanks