Sally Coulthard, Country Living's Ruff Guide columnist on all things dog, and owner of Kip the Labrador, shares her love for the loyal and caring breed. Subscribe to Country Living magazine for more Ruff Guide instalments. SUBSCRIBE
Not long back, I gave myself food poisoning after eating a questionable fish pie. I spent two days in bed, feeling sorry for myself and cheered only by the fact that Kip, my Labrador, never strayed from my bedside.
When the rest of the family had decided I should be left to stew in my own juices, Kip showed his true Labradorian colours. I’ve yet to meet a breed as loyal or loving. But then, as someone who has only ever owned Labradors, there could be a small chance I’m biased.
Labradors are famous for three key qualities: friendliness, trainability and a hearty, largely indiscriminate, appetite. Their biddable nature has also made them a popular working dog, whether for shooting or therapy. Such trainability also makes them excellent family pets – dogs and children can be a hazardous combination, so a calm, obedient temperament is a boon.
Kip spends so much time being brushed, dressed up and cuddled by our three girls, I’m not sure he even knows he’s a dog. One of my favourite photos is of him as a puppy being pushed around in a kid’s pink plastic buggy. He looks like the Queen of Sheba.
A Labrador’s brain often seems to flit between two opposing forces – gregariousness and loyalty. If anyone trundles down the farm track, or gets as far as the back door, they’re greeted with Kip’s cacophonous barks. It can be intimidating. The fact that his tail is also wagging furiously, or he has rolled over to have his tummy scratched, makes
the whole performance confusing for everyone.
Labradors live to please. It’s what makes them such trainable dogs. A well-tutored, working Labrador is a joy to behold and a genuine asset to its owner. Training classes will get the best from your dog but there’s lots you can do at home. Beyond the usual ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘drop’ and ‘lie down’, the children have taught Kip some nifty extras. Thanks to their efforts, and the dog’s endless patience, Kip now gives a paw, fetches, waits, rolls over and will take on an agility course with aplomb.
Anyone who has ever owned a Labrador will know they have their foibles. Kip’s list includes stealing shoes (usually, irritatingly, just one), staring intensely at you while you eat, and lifting his leg on almost anything stationary. Once, he tiddled on the leg of a smart lady at a drinks party. Thankfully she didn’t notice, but I quickly made my red-faced excuses and left. Many of the faults laid at the paws of Labradors, however, say more about their owners. Labradors aren’t ‘clingy’, for example; they just like human company. They also can’t resist water, however murky, but that’s part of their heritage: the original breed was a fisherman’s dog, capturing escaped fish and bringing in the nets.
Labradors are also well known for doing a ‘vanishing act’ if they’re off the lead, whether at home or out walking. But I challenge anyone to match our previous dog’s record. Jake slipped his lead in York city centre and disappeared into the ether. Two weeks later, after many weepy phone calls to the RSPCA and endless posters, we received a message from Skipton, more than 40 miles away. It turned out that Jake had been picked up by a taxi driver, taken home and treated to two weeks’ worth of prime mince, with beef-and-onion crisps on the side. His new ‘owner’ only checked whether he was microchipped after a fortnight, and was surprised to find he already had a family. Needless to say, it all ended well, although Jake seemed surprisingly reluctant to leave his five-star accommodation, with its cordon-bleu catering.
As most owners will tell you, the way to a Labrador’s heart is through its stomach. They’re notoriously greedy and, according to a study by Cambridge University, are the breed most likely to be classed as obese. Kip gets plenty of exercise to keep him fighting fit, but there’s not much I can do to curb his appetite, and he regularly finds quite disgusting things to eat when we’re out and about. About a week after my fish pie poisoning, he spent a miserable night with a gippy tummy and sad eyes after wolfing down something unspeakable in the field.
Needless to say, I returned his loyalty and never left his bedside…
24 indestructible dog toys for aggressive chewers
KONG - Tires - Durable Rubber Chew Toy and Treat Dispenser for Power Chewers - For Medium/Large Dogs
This tyre-shaped chew toy has been made from durable rubber, so it's perfect for determined chewers. It also gives owners the chance to fill the inside with tasty treats, too. Available in two sizes for you to choose the best for your breed.
READ MORE: 6 dog games great for training and bonding
Built for durability, this bright red dog toy will offer your four-legged friend mental and physical stimulation. Starting from £9, it's a real steal buy.
Made from hemp and recycled cotton, this rope ring's tough fibres work to clean your pup's teeth while also being a whole lot of fun to play with.
Soft yet durable, this cute grey bear has minimal stuffing and an internal knotted rope skeleton.
One of the toughest dog balls on the market, this sweet 'planet' design has been made with award-winning Orbee Tuff material. Certain to provide hours of fun...
Ideal for dogs who love to swim, this floating fabric toy has a handle and is designed with abrasion-resistant materials for increased durability. Make sure not to forget it on your next beach trip.
This is no ordinary ball: made with aggressive chewers in mind, it's perfect for pups who need something firm to hold onto. It is 100% non-toxic, has a fun squeak sound and is infused with a natural mint oil.
Pet-Fun Medium Mango - Safe Fun Durable Rubber Dog Chew Toy for Boredom, Virtually Indestructible Treat Dispenser, Long-Lasting Slow Feeder, Tough Strong Teething Toy for Medium/Small Dogs
This durable rubber mango toy — which can be filled with dog treats — is sure to provide hours of chewing fun. Perfect for small and medium dog breeds.
Keep your dog entertained for hours with this purse-friendly squeaky toy shaped like a carrot.
Give your dog one of their five a day with this sweetcorn chew toy. It has been designed especially for aggressive chewers and is suitable to small, medium, and large dogs in any breeds. We think dogs will love its small sound function.
KONG Kong Airdog® Squeaker Football Dog Toy
Let the fun commence with this long-lasting squeaker football dog toy. Perfect for keeping your dog entertained in the garden.
This strong wheel dog toy is perfect for aggressive pulling and tugging. The specially developed soft rubber design helps to clean their teeth and massage their gums, while its engaging shape will provide hours of fun.
This durable wooden stick is great for dogs who love to chew regularly. While keeping your dog occupied for hours, it's also great for their dental hygiene.
Built to last, this fun donut dog toy has been made from high-quality material and will not wear down dogs' teeth.
Beco Pets Rough & Tough Crab Recycled Polyester Dog Toy
With a mixture of strong ropes and a soft middle section, this is a great option for dogs who love to play.
This durable Bark Bone is infused with real bacon and is perfect for even the toughest chewers. Its non-toxic and non-allergenic materials mean its safe for your pup to enjoy.
This bright orange fetch toy is ideal for interactive fun. It has a squeaker and practical handle for throwing at your pup. We're certain they'll love this!
.jpg?crop=1xw:1.00xh;center,top&resize=980:* "TastyBone Roast Chicken Knotted Bone Dog Chew Toy")
This knotted dog bone, complete with a tasty chicken flavour, will help to prevent boredom. Tested to withstand aggressive chewing, it ensures the gums and teeth of your dog stay healthy with every bite.
This chew toy encourages healthy, non-destructive chewing habits with dogs.
Great for young puppies, this gentle bone will help teething pups who have not yet formed any adult teeth.
This durable pineapple toy has been built to last, helping to solve destructive chewing, teething, dental health, boredom, separation anxiety, training, and exercise.
We love this unique toy, which is great for chew sessions and endless fun. Top tip: fill with peanut butter to extend playtime and satisfy chewing instincts.
In a blush pink, this large onion toy is surprisingly durable. Best of all, it's just over £4.
Looking for a durable rubber frisbee? Well, look no further, as this red style from KONG is perfect for keeping your four-legged friends fit and healthy.
