Eleven Reasons Why Labradors are Good Assistance Dogs

We love all dog breeds, but there are many reasons why the Labrador (or “Labrador Retriever” if we’re being formal) is the most common dog breed in Assistance Dogs Australia.

This is because they can more predictably provide a combination of factors that are important to Assistance Dog life, such as:

1. Easy to motivate with food, toys, or human attention to follow cues.
2. Soft mouths, which means they can pick up delicate items like mobile phones without breaking them. This is especially crucial for clients living with physical disability who may not have full use of their hands and drop items often.
3. Moderate energy level: high enough to enjoy performing tasks, but low enough to not need excessive motivation to help their human.
4. Intelligence to learn multiple tasks.
5. Social, kind, and loving nature.
6. Confidence around noises and new things, rather than being scared.
7. Recognised breed by the general public and non-threatening in appearance.
8. Relatively fewer genetic medical problems.
9. Relatively early maturity and good life expectancy.
10. Easy-to-maintain short coat.
11. Good size and weight to perform practical skills.

For many of us, Labradors have left their pawprints on our hearts. As a breed, these traits are very common but of course there are individual personalities that make each Labrador exceptional.

If you’ve ever loved a Labrador, you’ll know that there is no other dog as special as yours.

Whether as a pet or an Assistance Dog, Labradors have earnt their place in our hearts and homes.

Our clients always tell us how wonderful their Labrador Assistance Dogs are. We especially love hearing about their adventures when the dogs are off duty. Sometimes, we hear that they love splashing about in water or enjoy an impromptu mud bath!

Our supporters are the reason Assistance Dogs Australia can train more loving Labradors to channel their natural talent and energy into helping people living with a disability.

Thank you to our supports for helping Labradors to become the best they can be, because in turn, you are helping vulnerable Australians to have a better quality of life.

If you have a Labrador — or any other dog — give it a pat from us!