Your Friendly Labrador

If you are looking for a guard dog, the Labrador is not the breed for you. They do not have the same protective instinct as a Rottweiler. But a Lab will bark if someone is outside where he cannot see or if he hears a strange noise. He will bark when a car pulls up the driveway, but once the people enter the house they are greeted and welcomed like family members. This friendly temperament is the most wonderful aspect of the breed and is one of the reasons they are so popular as family dogs.

Good breeding is the key. Even though your Lab may accidentally knock a child with his incredibly strong, happy tail, you will not have to worry about him attacking or biting in a protective manner. It is not part of his makeup.

Labradors are active, smart, fast learners, and eager to please. They can be stubborn but can be easily persuaded to see things your way with encouragement and praise. They will work for food rewards but just as eagerly or more for your praise. They love to have something to carry around, and playing fetch is usually a favorite game. Their noses are very keen. Their eyesight and hearing are also highly developed, but their noses seem to be their guiding force.