97 Tips for Raising Labs
Following are approximately 97 questions readers of BigYellowDog.com submitted in recent years. They were answered by a licensed veterinarian on the site as a general service to all Lab owners. This information is for general reference only. Always consult your veterinarian for any questions about your Lab's health. We hope this information is somewhat helpful. At this time, we are not accepting any more questions.
Question
My wife and I would love to adopt a yellow lab but are concerned about how he or she would do in a one-bedroom apartment in New York City (825 sq. ft.). Any thought? Is one gender more suited than the other for smaller spaces? Is there any way we can tell which puppy in a litter will be the smallest?
Answer
Most labs weigh anywhere from 50-100 lbs and it will be hard to tell from a puppy what size they will be full grown. It helps to see the parents but there is still know way to be sure of its adult size. If you are set on a lab and sure of your commitment then you will have to crate train the puppy and the
biggest commitment for you for the dogs health and mental well being will be exercise! You will have to be commited to at least an hour of outdoor exercise in AM and an hour in PM, in nice and inclimate weather. If you are sure of your strong commitment and dedication to these issues then having a lab could be a positive in this small space, otherwise my best advice would be to get a smaller apartment type breed of dog.
Editor's Note: I am sure there are great ways to own a high-energy dog like a Lab in New York City (using dog walking services, etc.), but I would be skeptical that you could keep a Lab happy in that small of a living space based on my experience. If they aren't able to burn off their energy in outdoor environments every day, they will find ways to use it in destructive ways that might not please you. I certainly wouldn't discourage anyone from adopting a Lab - they are the best - but please be sure you know what you are getting yourself into before you make the final decision! Good luck!
