Labradors are number 1 in UK & USA but what's your number 1

[master2]

Hi

DC or anyone who does not know Labradors are number 1 dog breed in UK & USA according to a pole and I wanted to know which breed would you put at number one instead of Labrador or do you think the lab should stay number 1.

One rule you can't pick a breed you own that way we can't be bias and then it gets more interesting.

My pick would have been Italian spinion but I own one so I have been thinking and I would put the Grand Basset Griffen vendee as they have beautiful temperaments and are adorable and it's a shame they are not seen as much as other hounds like Basset hound and Beagles.

So who's you number one breed?

[Nettle]

Not quite sure whether you mean what is the breed we like best or what is the breed that most other people would choose?

[master2]

I mean which breed would you put at number 1 instead of a Labrador?

[JudyN]

Number 1 in terms of what? The dog I'd really like to have, the dog I think has the best all-round pet qualities for most people, the dog I'd like to have if it wasn't for my particular circumstances (which has been discussed very recently)? Labs have many excellent pet qualities, but they don't appeal to me. I would love to have a saluki, and think I would be able to work with their very individual characteristics, but they would be a really bad fit for most people.

Just 'number 1' is too vague - if you asked it about cars I might suggest an AC Cobra, but there's no way I'm ever going to go out and buy one or suggest my sons should get one

[master2]

OK I will try to explain what the article said as I can't find it.

The artical was based on which dog breed was the most popular. Breeds were ranked based on personality and the lab was ranked number one because he fits into a wide variety of different family's.

So I would change the Labrador with the Grand Basset Griffen vendee. What I was asking is what breed would you rank number one instead of a Labrador? Hope that helps

[Erica]

I'd probably keep labrador there, or go with a smaller but similar-tempered dog. Labs are typically very easy to train in a variety of ways, their temperament is pretty people and dog friendly with even the barest attempts at socialization, and they don't have extensive grooming requirements.

If Cavaliers were healthier, I'd say they'd be good as a popular pet, though they require a bit more grooming.

[master2]

Very interesting. This is why I like asking things like this as I learn more.

I always thought that no matter the breed that if you did not put in lots of effort in socialisation then you would end up with a dog who was fearful? It's interesting to read that even with the most minimal socialisation Labradors retain there confidant nature.

[Nettle]

No, not quite.

All dogs are mammals, then dogs, then breed types (e.g. gundogs) then individual breeds, then individuals within the breed.

Labradors can be horrible dogs if untrained, just like any other. I probably have more labradors attacking my dogs (and other people's) than any other breed, which might be because there are more labradors around than any other breed, or might be because people think they don't have to train labradors.


It isn't just about socialising - they have to be trained as well. Their preferred form of attack is the body-slam, which can damage lightly-built dogs quite dramatically, as well as break human legs at the knee (known in the medical profession as 'a dog-walker's fracture').

[master2]

So do Labrador s still stay confidant when there like this.

The whole breaking human knee is why I would never own one.

[Nettle]

Confidence has to be assessed on a case by case basis and is specific to each incident, so we can't generalise.


If they are properly trained, nobody and no dog is in danger from them. If not properly trained, any dog can be a risk.

[Lara575]

This is why I chose the GSD as I was not fond on the body slamming aspect of labs and the fact they LOVE everyone. I don't think any breed should be at number one I think that anyone wanting a dog should do research into dogs themselves and then into breeds they like as in my opinion it's more important that people get the right breed for them then following celebs or which one ranks top of a poll.

[Fudgeandcoco]

I agree with Nettle and Lara575.

Can I ask Nettle would Golden Retriever body slam like Labradors as there very similar breed? Iv seen labs body slam myself but never Goldie's?

[Theo400]

I agree with Nettle and Lara575.

Can I ask Nettle would Golden Retriever body slam like Labradors as there very similar breed? Iv seen labs body slam myself but never Goldie's?

I always thought all dogs body slam and that it part of normal play?

[Nettle]

I've never seen a GR body-slam but that doesn't mean they don't. GRs tend to display the frontal bounce "attack". But again, with proper training, they won't.

[Nettle]

Theo, if you read the pinned thread "He only wants to play" you will see "play" in its real identity. It is more about assessing strength and weakness than having a good time. Same with people too. It's no accident that human sport is about "win" and "lose".