For several years in a row, the Labrador Retriever held the number one spot as the most popular breed in the United States. This may not be a surprise to any Labrador owner, considering the fact that Labradors have many desirable attributes.
Ever wondered whether Labrador Retrievers are protective of their owners and do well as guard dogs? Let’s dive deeper.
Are Labrador Retrievers known for protecting their owners?
Generally speaking, Labrador Retrievers are extremely loyal to their owners and don’t shy away from protecting their loved ones when need be. Their unwavering loyalty, to a great extent, translates into protective behavior — particularly barking excessively — when they sense danger to their humans.
However, a Labrador’s protective instincts aren’t anything to write home about, especially when compared to fiercely protective breeds such as Rottweilers.
Is a Labrador a good choice as a guard dog?
Unfortunately, guarding isn’t a Labrador Retriever’s specialty. Although dogs of this breed make excellent family pets, Labradors don’t have what it takes to be great guard dogs. This is largely due to their friendly nature. It’s unusual for Labradors to display any aggressive behaviors toward strangers and intruders.
In other words, a Labrador’s overly friendly personality makes them unsuitable for guarding tasks. If you are thinking of bringing home a Labrador Retriever to act as a guard dog, chances are, you’ll eventually regret your decision.
While they may make a fuss if they suspect the presence of an intruder, it’s unlikely that a Labrador will attack and consistently deter thieves from your home.
Also, keep in mind that Labrador Retrievers are hard-wired for greed. Therefore, a burglar can easily distract them with a treat or two.
There are other loving, loyal breeds whom you can fully depend on to guard your home from the bad guys without fail. These breeds include Belgian Malinois, Giant Schnauzers, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, and Akitas.
