Labs, especially as puppies, are just SO energetic. And they shed a lot more than people expect them to. Many dog owners, mostly first time dog owners, expect to be able to purchase a dog, leave it in a corner or in the backyard, and expect the dog/puppy to stay put, stay quiet, and train itself, not needing exercise or attention.
A lot of people see a lab walking or hiking with their owner and decide they like labs based on the way they look, the whole "curb appeal" kind of thing. They hear that labs are good with kids and friendly - the perfect family pet. So they go to the newspaper (very convenient) or to their neighbor who just had a new litter and take home a poorly bred puppy, not knowing what to expect. And then they are hit with the "hard, unexpected truth" that dogs actually NEED ATTENTION, LOVE, and CARE

eek: big surprise!). So off to the shelter with the dog.
Of course, because labs are so popular, backyard breeders decide it would be a great idea to produce more and more... after all, more dogs mean more money, who cares about quality and health! In a litter of 5-15 puppies, not all of the puppies are going to go home. So several of the pups go to homes, and the other 6 or so go to the shelter, too. But at least the byb made money, so that means they should go and produce another litter, huh? And the whole thing starts over again.
[/endfume-rant]