Originally posted by cloverfdx


first ever dog that attacked my dog at obedience was a lab

dogs most likly to be rushed to the vets with stomach blockages (labradors)
cannot help themselve's will eat anything
Dogs that are dog aggressive have nothing to do with their interaction with humans and nothing to do with the fact that they are "vicious" or "not friendly". I can't tell you how many hundreds upon hundreds of dog aggressive dogs I've met in the shelters who are just big mushballs with humans and would NEVER even think of even a growl towards a human. So I really don't see the connection with a dog attacking another dog meaning it would be a good guard dog (against people).

And I don't understand why you put the part about stomach blockages and eating anything in there. Not trying to be mean, just confused.

Those of you who are saying you've come across "bad" (for lack of a better word) Labs, its just a question of their upbringing and socialization. Example: You have lab puppy #1 and lab puppy #2 from the same litter. #1 goes home with a big family who lives in the city. The kids play with the puppy every day and the puppy is around the family's other dog and cats. The puppy encounters many people on the daily walks. The family also takes #1 through puppy kindegarten. #2 goes to a single old man who lives in the country. #2 never sees another dog or cat, and rarely any other people. I think everyone knows the personalities #1 and #2 will take on. #1 has been properly socialized and will greet strangers with a wagging tail and sloppy kisses. #2 will probably attack other dogs and shy away from strangers. So, for those of you judging the breed on a single dog you've met, please think about how they were raised and if they could have been socialized more. Socializing is a bigger task than most people realize so even if a large family with kids and other animals adopts a puppy, it doesn't automatically mean the puppy will grow up socialized. This is true with any breed.

I think I can weigh in on the labs' personality since for my job on a daily basis for many years, I interact with all different kinds of dogs. Granted most of them are mixes, I still see many purebreds. I'm not one who likes to generalize characteristics based on breed or sex because there's always exceptions BUT I have noticed labs adapt easier to the shelter environment and seem generally all around friendlier and more accepting. I've also assisted with temperament tests at the shelter for about a year and the only lab that failed the test failed because he was so terrified (hadn't been socialized) but not because of any aggression.

Sure, a Lab can be aggressive... so can a Poodle.. so can a Golden... so can a Bichon Frise. But I do believe that a Lab is one of the least likely breeds to become aggressive. That is my opinion based on my observations over the years. And I do think I've had enough observations and handlings to consider myself experienced.