Water Bowl: Top Results of Our “How’s Your Lab Life?” Quiz

In the September/October 2025 issue, we invited readers to participate in our 10-question quiz for a little Labrador fun. Within that issue was a QR code to an online version with 20 questions. This online version was also sent out an email to our e-newsletter list (if you don’t get those monthly emails, sign up). Not surprisingly, the average score placed most people into the middle category: “40-69 points: You are ensconced in Lab life. The dogs have melted into the family and home, and everyone exists in easy, relaxed, comfortable living.” Of course, the responses to the individual questions vary. So let’s take a look.

1. Labs shed, of course, but how much Lab hair do you deal with in the house?68.66% of you said “B. I [vacuum/sweep] a couple times a week, but could probably stand to do it more.” A handful were honest enough to say they never vacuum or sweep, while nearly 30% have come to understand that the war against dog hair is a losing one, so they coexist with it for the most part.
2. When it’s getting to be the holiday season, you might have your eye on a particular piece of clothing or furniture (for parties, for the house, etc.). What do you ask for?
   We celebrated the holidays not too long ago, and 58.85% of you responded to this question with “C. Match the color to the Lab so the dog hair doesn’t show up as much; or go with some sort of tweed, plaid, or other design if you have Labs in multiple colors.” Very practical and multipurpose. Let’s be honest, you need to be these days anyway.
3. The last potty break of the day has taken place, lights are turned off, coffee pot set for the morning…where is your Lab curling up?
   66.92% are used to sharing the bed with that adorable Lab (C). Not like he wouldn’t allow that.
4. Have you ever stepped on a dog toy during the night?
   More than two-thirds of you (81.56%) said, “Yes.” Thankfully, fewer than 17% noted that it was also slimy. The other 15%, count yourself blessed having avoided it thus far.
5. How many nicknames do you have for your Lab?
   Now, only about 5% responded that they don’t have any nicknames for their Labs, which means 95% of you do. How can you help it?
6. Naturally, our Lab’s health is of utmost importance. In taking care of your Lab, how often do you visit the vet?
   The responses to this question were mostly even, showing how you all greatly care for your Labs. About one-third only go in for the annual checkup, another third have their vet on speed dial (what a deal!), and another third have Labs that go in rather frequently. Regardless, you are devoted.
7. How many photos of your Lab do you have on your phone?
   We can capture all the moments, both the special and the mundane (but honestly, is life ever mundane with a Lab in the house?). 74.15% responded with “B. Lots, and I’ve made a picture of my Lab my wallpaper on my phone.” What a great idea!
8. Tis the season! When Christmas shopping…
   How did your four-legged friend fare this past December? Since this quiz was before the holidays ramped up, 47% of you were planning on a couple presents, wrapped and to be opened by yourself on Christmas morning. 23% said your Lab seems to love Christmas as much as you do and knows exactly what to do with the gifts under the tree. Around 30% said a box of treats or a new toy would be enough (although it might be given early).
9. Holiday dress up: Halloween costumes, Christmas antler, bunny ears…?
   Nearly 44% responded that they would never, ever, in a million years do this to their Labs. However, the outstanding 56% don’t mind having a little fun now and then as we move through the year. We suppose as long as your Lab doesn’t mind, some festive accessories could bring a smile to somebody’s face.
10. The doorbell rings and guests start to enter for a holiday party. What happens?
    Thankfully, most Labs are welcome to join in the party, at least temporarily: 84% simply hold their Labs back so that guests can get in the door. About 12% put their Labs in a safe, alternative location prior to the event. You know your Lab, and your guests, best.
11. Here’s the scenario: Winter is over, your Lab is excited for a romp in the yard, but you need to do a spring clean-up first. You open the door and survey. What do you see?
    Kudos to the 35% who look outside in the spring and see a clean yard to start out with. Most of you, depending on where you live, kept up with it (42%) and there isn’t much to worry about, while 22% admit that it’s a more robust spring cleaning chore.
12. Do you throw a birthday party for your Lab?
    Some extra ear scratches (A) is enough for 38% of you, while 45% definitely throw a little party in honor of the day and 17% throw a full-out bash with guests.
13. It is during said birthday party (or Christmas morning) that your Lab is presented with a gift that he tears into. It’s another toy.
    Most of you know just what to do with this new toy: replace an old battered one (36%) or add it to the dog’s toy basket (53%).
14. How many coffee mugs have a picture of a Lab – or, better yet, your Lab – on them, or a funny saying about life with a Lab?
    All of you have at least one mug with a picture of a Lab on it; the amount is what varies. It’s your favorite mug, right?
15. Your Lab loves the water; any chance he or she gets, they are jumping and swimming and frolicking. Yes, they will shake only when they are right next to you. But now, after the car ride home and lounging in the house, you’ve come to it: The wet dog smell.
    75% are used to that wet dog smell and it doesn’t bother you one bit. 17% responded that it would be a smell worth buying if it could be bottled while 19% start the fan and light the candles to help offset that drying double coat.
16. You find yourself in the house with your Lab(s) during a time that one of the key family members is gone – either at work, on a trip, or even just to the grocery store. Naturally, at every little noise, your Lab(s) start barking as if the house is under assault by a team of covert operatives who cannot escape canine detection.
    Nearly three-quarters (71%) respond like an experienced parent and calmly assure them that nothing is there and they can go back to being quiet. About 16% turn up the volume on the TV (they will eventually quiet down) and 12% are a little more “irritated” at the disruption (but we all get that way sometimes).
17. What time is it?
    The Labrador clock is incredible, isn’t it? They just know and they let you know, according to 83% of you, exactly when dinnertime is.
18. It is now human mealtime. Where is your Lab?
    But there’s always room for more in a Labrador stomach! During your mealtime, 98% of you said they are either under the table or resting their head on your lap, waiting with laser beam eyes and a puddle of drool for whatever you don’t finish (or guard).
19. Speaking of drool, have you ever stepped in a puddle of drool with bare feet?
    25% of you are on it and wipe up that puddle right away to avoid this unpleasant situation while 70% simply admitted “yes” or that it was enough to send you the ER for an X-ray (5%) – yikes!
20. You smile as you hear that beautiful sound: the puppyish yips and woofs of a sleeping, dreaming Labrador. You look over and she’s twitching her paws.
    Everybody thinks their Lab is adorable when they do this: 75% say they never tire of it and wish they could see what the dream was about while 17% say they can guess what the dream is about and that it’s video-worthy because it’s too darn cute to watch.