Even if you don’t consider yourself a dog person, you have to appreciate these amazing animals. How can you not like an animal that’s loyal and loving to a fault? There’s a reason they’ve earned the title of “Man’s Best Friend.”

There are about 339 officially recognized dog breeds. These range from toy dogs like the pug to large dogs such as the Siberian Husky. But of all breeds, few are more loved than the Labrador Retriever.

The Labrador, which is fondly referred to as a “lab,” is the most popular dog in the United States. And it isn’t hard to see why. These dogs are loving, loyal, playful, and gentle. They’re also popular choices for guide and service dogs since they’re easy to train and extremely obedient.

Labradors are also highly affectionate and extroverted, making them perfect dogs for families with kids. In most cases, Labradors become a child’s best friend.

But keep in mind, they have a lot of energy, so they need regular exercise. Owners love to take them on hikes, for swims, runs, and anything else they can think of. Here are the top 35 reasons why labs are the best.