The Top Dog: What Makes Labradors The UK's Most Popular Breed?

August 22, 2024   |   By David Jackson

Apart from a short 12 month hiatus in 2018, the Labrador Retriever has held its place as the UK's top dog for the past 33+ years. And really, it's no surprise. Known for their friendly temperament, their willingness to learn and their adaptability, Labradors make not only for the perfect family pet, but also, the perfect working dog. But what exactly makes this breed such a crowd favourite, here in the UK? And how has the Lab been able to hold the top spot for over three decades? Below, we explore some of the key reasons behind the Labrador's enduring popularity.

A Brief History of The Labrador Retriever.

In the 18th century, on the island of Newfoundland, Canada, a breed of dog known as the St. John's dog worked closely with fishermen, retrieving fish and towing lines. These dogs were later brought to England, where they were used for hunting and retrieving game. Although the St. John's water dogs are no longer around today, they are the ancestors of the Labrador Retriever we know and love. The Labrador Retriever breed was further refined in the UK, with an emphasis on their retrieving abilities, intelligence, and friendly temperament. By the late 19th century, the Labrador had become a distinct breed, officially recognised by the UK's Kennel Club in 1903. Over the 20th century, Labradors grew in popularity as both family pets and working dogs around the world. Known for their roles as guide dogs and in other various jobs, Labradors have solidified their status as one of the world's most popular and versatile breeds, celebrated for their friendly, intelligent, and hardworking nature.

The Temperament and Sociable Nature of The Lab.

I think it's safe to say, anyone who has met a Labrador can vouch for their excitable, , lovable, friendly and almost goofy nature. At the core of the Labrador's widespread appeal is its temperament and their willingness to adapt to family life. Many people choose to welcome a Labrador into their homes due to how gentle and patient they are with children. They are tolerant and calm, even in the busiest of households. But their approachability extends beyond family settings. Labradors are excellent with strangers and other pets, making them a go-to choice for those seeking a well-rounded, sociable dog that integrates seamlessly into different environments. Labradors really are 'a mans best friend'. Thriving on human companionship and interaction, Labradors are eager to please.

Highly Intelligent and Trainable.

Remember when we used the word 'goofy' to describe a Labrador? Well don't let that playfulness fool you. Another major factor in the Labrador's popularity is their intelligence. Labradors are quick learners and highly trainable. Not only can these dogs be easily trained to become a model, well behaved household pet, this breed of dog has the ability to respond to much more accomplished tasks and complex challenges.

Labradors make for excellent therapy animals and service dogs for those with disabilities, scenting dogs for the military, customs and arson task force dogs, search and rescue dogs as well as hunting companions and performance dogs. And it's because of their ability to focus, learn, and remain calm in stressful situations which makes them indispensable in many professional settings, further boosting their reputation as a breed of choice. And for those who do just want the companionship of a family pet, all of the above make Labs the perfect choice for a first time dog owner.

A Breed of Many Talents.

If we take a more in depth look at some of the roles the Labrador takes on, we really can understand why they have become as popular as they have, especially here in the UK. As mentioned in the Labrador's brief history, this keen to learn breed was originally bred from water dogs. They were then eventually polished into the perfect breed for retrieving and hunting both in water and on land. These invaluable traits helped the Labrador gain popularity amongst British sportsmen in the world of hunting and fieldwork. This strong association with country life has only strengthened over time.

Still to this day, Labradors are the staple gun-dog. The Labrador's rich history ties them to traditional British pursuits and although they may have some slight competition in the shape of Pointers, Spaniels and Beagles (just to name a few), the Labrador remains a popular, well loved and well respected choice in rural areas. But aside from their love of the great outdoors, Labradors are possibly best known for their roles as guide dogs. Although the original guide dogs were known to be German Shepherds, the most popular breed used globally today is the Labrador Retriever. This is down to their good range of size, their easily kept short coat and general all round temperament. Enduring around 20 weeks of complex training in order for a Lab to qualify for this highly skilled job, its no wonder that through their work as guide dogs, Labradors have become greatly respected as one of our most valuable breeds of dog.

Active Companions for an Active Nation.

Here in the UK, we are a nation of hikers, runners and explorers of the great outdoors. We are also a nation of dog lovers. The Labrador makes for the quintessential exploring companion, so it makes sense a large population of the admirers of the Great British countryside are accompanied by this high energy, active breed.

Labradors love exercise- particularly running, hiking, and swimming, and they truly thrive in active households where they can explore nature alongside their human counterpart. The breed's high energy levels ensure they remain active and playful throughout most of their lives, making them great pets for individuals and families who embrace an outdoor lifestyle.

Although you don't have to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy the company of a Labrador. They are just as happy taking a stroll down the beach or around your local park. As we've mentioned before, they are a highly adaptable breed.

Health and Longevity.

When choosing a dog breed, health and longevity are often important factors. Labradors are, generally, considered to be a healthy and hardy breed with fewer genetic health issues than some other purebreds. While they can be prone to issues like hip dysplasia and obesity, responsible breeding practices and regular exercise can help keep these problems at bay. Their lifespan, which typically ranges from 10 to 14 years, offers the potential of many happy years together.

Because of their robust health, Labradors are often seen as a practical choice for those who want a dog that can lead a full, active life without constant medical concerns. However one health concern which is becoming more common within the breed is arthritis. A study, led by the RVC's VetCompass programme in 2021 highlighted this issue. It was stated that arthritis was the top health concern that these dogs are most frequently affected by, alongside the problems already listed above. With this in mind, it'd certainly do no harm in investing in good joint aid supplements in order to help your Labrador keep fit and active for as long as possible. (You can find various articles on the All About Dog Food website about oils and supplements for your dog.)

Popularity Breeds Popularity.

Once a breed becomes widely beloved, it tends to maintain its popularity. In the UK alone Labradors have worn the crown of the country's most popular breed since 1990, when it took over from the Yorkshire Terrier. However, as mentioned in the intro, we did see a momentary dip in 2018 when the French Bulldog came speeding into the top spot. A change which was both surprising, and from a health perspective, concerning for many. However it was short lived and the mighty Lab returned to his glory in 2019 and we've yet to see a change since.

Labradors have been favoured for generations, and their presence in media, advertisements, and pop culture ensures they stay top of mind for prospective dog owners. I mean, who hasn't cried their heart out to Marley and Me? And who doesn't love the famous golden Andrex puppy? The breed's reputation as a "classic" family dog shall be passed down from one generation to the next, making them a natural choice for many first-time dog owners who are familiar with the breed's endearing qualities. Seeing Labradors frequently in public spaces, parks, and homes only reinforces their popularity. The more people experience these dogs in everyday life, the more they want one for themselves.

An important point to make. Whilst this article covers the typical workings of today's Labrador, every dog is an individual. And it goes without saying that each dog, no matter what the breed, will have their own unique characteristics. And their temperaments and behaviour can differ drastically from one dog to the next. Just like any breed, a Labrador can encounter behavioural problems.

Conclusion.

The Labrador Retriever's enduring popularity in the UK is a testament to its many strengths. Labradors check all the boxes for what most people want in a dog. So the question is, will the Labrador ever loose its shine? I very highly doubt it. With everything considered it'd be hard to imagine a world not dominated by this fun loving, yet hard working dog. Whether it'll stay at the top spot for the rest of time, we shall have to wait and see- with the growing popularity of breeds such as the French Bulldog nipping at their tail, only time will tell. But in my opinion the Labrador Retriever definitely deserves a place in the ranks as one of the world's most important breeds. Are you the proud owner of a Labrador? As always, we value the input of the All About Dog Food community. If you have any experiences, or maybe a fun story you'd like to share about owning a Lab, please leave a comment below or start a discussion in our forum!