Why Are Labs & Retrievers Crossbred for Service Dogs?

Although any dog can theoretically learn to become a service dog, the preferred breed is a cross between a Labrador retriever and a golden retriever. Sometimes these dogs are referred to as "golden Labradors" or "golden Labs."

  1. Size

    • International Association of Assistance Dog Partners explains that service dogs need to be big enough to help guide or pull a handicapped adult human. Golden Labs meet the minimum height requirement of 22 inches high at the shoulder when grown.

    History

    • Both retriever breeds have been bred to be problem-solving independent thinkers, able to find shot birds and bring them back to a hunter. This intelligence makes them able to learn a wide variety of behaviors.

    Grooming

    • Golden Labradors do not have as long a coat as golden retrievers, although they may be thicker than a purebred Labrador retriever. The coat is still short enough for a handicapped person to groom.

    Perception

    • The average person does not feel threatened by a golden Lab or the parent retriever breeds while they may feel threatened by a German shepherd or Doberman pinschers.

    Speculation

    • Crossbred dogs are generally thought to be healthier and more long-lived than purebred dogs. This way, a crossbred dog may potentially work longer than a purebred.