Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds. Friendly, loyal, and highly intelligent, they make great family pets. But when discussing protecting one’s house, many pet owners often ask: Are Labradors guard dog? Or Do Labrador can be kept as guard dog.
Do they protect the family and the property as other guard dogs do? The article discusses this in the light of the protective instincts of Labradors and how they react to various situations, testing whether or not they are best suited as guard dogs.
Can a Labrador Guard a House
Before deciding if a Labrador can guard a house, though, we must determine what we mean by the term “guard dog.” Guard dogs are trained to protect their masters and properties against intruders, at least partially by instinct.
Among dog breeds with the mentality of guarding are German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Dobermans. For such size and strength, these animals can guard; many also possess a protective instinct.
Labradors, however, are not bred as such for guarding instinct. They are much more commonly known as hunting and retrieving dogs.
Do Labradors make good Guard Dog? Not in the classic sense. Though they do not possess the aggressive guarding instinct of so many other breeds, Labradors have characteristics that may make them pretty useful at alerting owners to unusual activities.
For instance, Labradors are alert dogs with an acute sense of hearing and smell. Once an intruder or stranger approaches your house, a Labrador is likely to sense the invasion and thereby alert the owner by barking. So labrador are really good family dogs who can be a guard dog, but if youre looking for a companion who can keep your family protected from any threat then check out Are German Shepherds good as Guard Dogs?
The warning can be deterrent enough, as most burglars and intruders fear houses with dogs that bark or make a racket. Thus, though Labradors cannot guard your house in actuality, their loud barking will indicate an alarm to you and scare all potential threats away.
Why is My Lab So Protective?
The Labrador Retriever is not a naturally aggressive breed. Still, many Labrador owners notice that their dogs can become very protective of their family. Labradors’ protective behaviour results from their loyalty and deep bond with their owners.
The Labrador Retriever is a pack animal, and since it considers humans to be part of the pack, it will move heaven and earth to protect them from potential danger.
Be it a white Labrador retriever, brown Labrador retriever, or any other colour, Labradors have that strong urge to please their owners. In other words, it will do anything possible to protect its family from harm or to please the members of that family.
If your Labrador stands before you and a strange person, growls at unfamiliar individuals and appears to become uneasy when a new person approaches, this can be perceived as your Labrador’s concern and care for you.
On the other hand, one should know that this protective behaviour does not make Labradors great guard dogs. In fact, they depend more on barking warnings to deter people rather than attacking them. Their friendly nature also leads to quick warming up towards strangers once they feel there’s no harm done.
Would My Lab Protect Me if I Was Attacked?
Perhaps one of a dog owner’s biggest fears is that their pet will defend them when faced with threats, such as an attack. Of course, Labradors are very loyal and make great guard dogs, but come on, realistically, you can’t ask for much more in this regard.
Labradors, especially Labrador retriever puppies or adult dogs, are not trained for aggressive protection like some other breeds. In case of an attack, your Labrador may bark, growl, and attempt to intervene by standing between you and the attacker.
Because of their non-aggressive nature, most Labradors refrain from attacking or fighting. Instead, they may just rely on their barking to alert other people or scare the attacker away.
That does not mean Labradors won’t try to protect you. Some Labradors have become brave when their owners are in danger, especially if they feel their family is threatened. Still, don’t count on the same level of protection that you would get from one of the guard dog breeds, such as a German Shepherd or Rottweiler.
Different Types of Labrador Retrievers and Their Behavior
Labrador Retrievers come in different colours and have slightly varied characteristics, but their temperament is widely consistent. Here are the various types of Labrador Retrievers:
1. White Labrador Retriever –
White Labradors have a paler coat and are often considered elegant and striking. Their behaviour is no different from other labradors, but they can be just as loyal and friendly.
2. Brown Labrador:
Popularly known as brown Labradors, this variant is usually more energetic but playful, calm, and loyal.
3. Black Labrador Retriever:
They are the most common colour of labradors found. Along with their usual down, agile behaviour comes a calm and balanced temperament.
All the Labrador retriever breeds show identical behaviour, which is friendly, playful, and protective but non-aggressive.
Which Is the Best Guard Dog in India?
While all guard breeds are indicative of their specific characteristics and the role one wants them to play, the Labrador types make excellent companions and family dogs, not particularly guard dogs.
Which Is the Best Guard Dog other then Labrador in India?
1. German Shepherd – German Shepherds are famous for their intelligence, power, and instinct to be guard dogs. This must be a fact that makes them one of the most popular breeds raised as guard dogs. Excellent patrol home and reacts to threats.
2. Rottweiler – Rottweilers are wonderful guard dogs because of their size and natural protective instincts. They are loyal to their families but can be trained to effectively protect property.
3. Doberman Pinscher-Dobermans are swift, vigilant, and defensive. Their sleek body and sharp instincts make them the ideal guarding breed for homes and families.
4. Indian Mastiff—Bred in India, this breed is strong and courageous. The bully kutta is brave and can be an excellent watchdog, especially for country homeowners.
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Final Thoughts
Are Labradors watchdogs? That is, not necessarily aggressive guard dogs, but a protection function. Loyalty and alertness, combined with protecting instincts, make them terrific at warning you of impending danger if they probably aren’t going to fight off the threat.
With their friendly temperament, Labradors are great house pets for families looking for a loving companion who offers some level of security.
Whatever type of Labrador retriever you may choose to have—white Labrador retriever, brown Labrador retriever, etc.—one thing is sure: it will make an honest, loving, and alert companion on your side.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Labradors be trained as guard dogs?
Although Labradors can be trained to alarm strangers and to bark against intruders, Labrador are never guard dog. They don’t have the aggression and instinctive territoriality to guard.
2. Will a Labrador bark when someone is trying to break in?
Yes. In very rare situations, Labradors can bark if they feel something different and would warn their owners about the seriousness of potential intrusion or threat.
3. Can a Labrador stay with other guard dogs?
Absolutely. Labradors are extremely sociable and can get along well with other dogs, such as guard breeds, German Shepherds, or Rottweilers.
4. Does a Labrador defend children?
Labradors are friendly, gentle dogs that are always protective of children. They will not resort to aggressive action but still place themselves between the kids and any danger.
5. How will I know whether my Labrador is a protector?
If your Labrador is positioned between you and any other person, or in case it barks up in the presence of other unknowns or stays near you in unclear situations, these are signs associated with protection behaviour.
Final Thoughts
Are Labradors watchdogs? That is, not necessarily aggressive guard dogs, but a protection function. Loyalty and alertness, combined with protecting instincts, make them terrific at warning you of impending danger if they probably aren’t going to fight off the threat.
With their friendly temperament, Labradors are great house pets for families looking for a loving companion who offers some level of security.
Whatever type of Labrador retriever you may choose to have—white Labrador retriever, brown Labrador retriever, etc.—one thing is sure: it will make an honest, loving, and alert companion on your side.
