Have you ever known an aggressive/protective Lab?

A guy I work with has insisted, on more than one occasion, that Labs can be very aggressive and protective. Barking and lunging at strangers.

He's basing this on one Lab he knows, and a mountain of ego that he must be right.

I have never seen this in a purebreed Lab, and question the validity of what he's saying. I've done a ton of reading on these dogs and it all says the same thing - the breed is affectionate to a fault and would most likely lick you before bite you.

He insists that it is a purebreed and very protective of it's 'turf'. I can't speak to his experience or this one dog, but have you ever experienced this?

Re: Have you ever known an aggressive/protective Lab?

I have heard that this happens due to a high demand and inbreeding. Apparently the purebred lab he is talking about is not from a reputable breeder, because I haven't known an agressive or protective lab in my life.

The chocolates are more high-strung than the yellows or blacks I was told by Scout's breeder and a friend working at the Guide Dog Foundation- you won't find chocolates as guide dogs.

They say if you want your lab to protect your house - buy him a German Shepard buddy!!

I figure being big and black is enough to make a robber go to the next house over.

Re: Have you ever known an aggressive/protective Lab?

My good friend's yellow lab gets protective of her, but I would never classify as aggressive.

It's more because my friend spoils the bejesus out of her (as all dogs should be ), and she's VERY attached to my friend. IF you lunge or try to mess around w/ my friend, Lola starts to bark and growl, that's the extent of it.
BUT, at the same time she's a total mush.

Re: Have you ever known an aggressive/protective Lab?

Posted by chikita315

My good friend's yellow lab gets protective of her, but I would never classify as aggressive.

It's more because my friend spoils the bejesus out of her (as all dogs should be ), and she's VERY attached to my friend. IF you lunge or try to mess around w/ my friend, Lola starts to bark and growl, that's the extent of it.
BUT, at the same time she's a total mush.

Re: Have you ever known an aggressive/protective Lab?

I've heard of this, but it was b/c the owners also trained it to be so.

I grew up with a black lab across the street from us. If you ever went by the house - it would bark and growl at you to warn you that you were trespassing. Owners had a large fence in their yard for this purpose.

As soon as a baby entered the picture - Zack was always where the baby was, and would get btw the baby and any person who went to pick her up (except her owners), etc.

Re: Have you ever known an aggressive/protective Lab?

ALthough I have no direct experience with them, I believe that an agressive dog is a result of its training, no matter what the breed.

Re: Have you ever known an aggressive/protective Lab?

Posted by greenfreak

Posted by karacg

The chocolates are more high-strung than the yellows or blacks I was told by Scout's breeder and a friend working at the Guide Dog Foundation- you won't find chocolates as guide dogs.

You should know, I've been stalking you and Scout. If we decide to go the breeder route instead of rescue, I fully intend to contact the breeder you used. I've already emailed them about if their dogs are English or American Labs.

I have never noticed that chocolates are not as common for guide dogs. That's amazing, you're absolutely right. I just remembered, the events I've been to for Canine Companions for Independence had no chocolates whatsoever.

Posted by chikita315

My good friend's yellow lab gets protective of her, but I would never classify as aggressive.

It's more because my friend spoils the bejesus out of her (as all dogs should be ), and she's VERY attached to my friend. IF you lunge or try to mess around w/ my friend, Lola starts to bark and growl, that's the extent of it.
BUT, at the same time she's a total mush.

We used to do that with our Lab mix. We would pretend fight and say "Help me! Help me!" and Tucker would try to get between us and bark. He growled too but not that scary kind of growl. More like the kind that ends in a woowoowooooo.

Re: Have you ever known an aggressive/protective Lab?

ABSOLUTELY.

we have a lab and he isnt allowed out at parties. we dont want him to bite anyone.... again

Re: Have you ever known an aggressive/protective Lab?

I grew up with a neighbor who bred them. I was scared to death of them as a pack, but on a one on one basis, I think they are gentle.

Re: Have you ever known an aggressive/protective Lab?

a black lab in my neighborhood bit a child last year before then i had never known of an aggressive lab.

Re: Have you ever known an aggressive/protective Lab?

I guess I can see the protective part but I would not classify the breed as such.

We had a purebred black lab until I was 12 and then we had some mixed labs. Then came my dachshund obsession and I have had 2 of them.

I think I have the experience to say that there is a lot more to worry about with aggression from a little dachshund than from a lab.

The lab that I grew up with was the most trustworthy dog ever. She was a black lab.

Re: Have you ever known an aggressive/protective Lab?

my lab is VERY protective and scares the crap out of people (strangers) that come to the house w/ his loud and incessant barking. however, he is NOT aggressive. outside the house and car he is very calm and laid back. i have never tried to change the protective "house" behaviors as i feel it is that he should protect his "domain."

i have seen him display signs of aggression but only when another dog "challenged" him, NEVER w/ a human.

Message edited 8/19/2007 12:15:00 PM.

Re: Have you ever known an aggressive/protective Lab?

Mine can be aggressive.

He cannot be around other dogs and he is very protective - especially around the baby.

We have to be careful with him when he's around strangers. He doesn't like men at all.