Question for Lab Owners

[Queen of the Lilliputians]

Since there seem to be so many of us that love this breed here, I thought I'd ask you my 'burning' question. LOL!

I have a choc lab/husky mix. We've been PACK now for 8 years (since he was 7wks old). He's super friendly, and LOOOOVVVEES people. And he's about the most laid-back dog I've ever seen.

My 2nd dog is a purebred choc lab. She is a very serious girl. She's been part of the PACK for 3 years. She also is very friendly to people, but SUPER SUPER protective. She WILL NOT let people in the door unless she knows them REALLY well. She tends to be a little high strung, and barks at stray noises. Of the two, she is clearly the Alpha, although both dogs know that I am pack leader, and that they fall below the humans in the house hierarchy.

I realize that dogs, like people, all are very individual. But is protective-ness a breed trait for labs? I can't recall seeing anywhere that this is something these guys are known for. My girl dog also tends to be much more a one-person dog, and follows me through the house for most of the day.

On a side note.. she is epileptic. Any info you folks have on the progression of that, too, would be appreciated. Her last seizure was very mild (she doesn't lose conciousness, so I managed to keep her very calm), but she had 2 in a row. Is that better than the major ones, or worse?

TIA.
Meg

 

[Betsy]

The book "The Natural Encylopedia of Natural Pet Care" by C.J Puotinen has a section on epilepsy in it. You might also check out Dr. Picairn's book-not sure about the title.
I don't think protectiveness is supposed to be a lab trait. It sounds like your lab has alot of health issues, which can affect personality.
BTW, I have a ten year old lab/shepherd mix. He looks and acts scary when people come over, but he actually loves most people!

 

[tysonandperdue]

My niece and my girlfriend both have dogs that have epilepsy. One dog is a dalmation and the other dog is a shepherd.

Both dogs are on medication the vet prescribed. Both dogs are doing well. I don't know the name of the medication is but your vet will if you decide to go that course.

Hope this helps.

 

[equine chick]

I have 4 chocolate labs and 3 are purebred. This breed of dog is very friendly but very loyal to their owners. One thing i have found is they really need to have socialization or they become very defensive. I think this is true for most hunting type dogs. They need to be around other people, with their owners so they are not fearful of strangers or other dogs. I had a irish setter with epilepsy a few years ago . You need to talk with your vet about why your dog is having seizures and what course of action to take.

 

[Queen of the Lilliputians]

Thanks for the replies, guys!

I do think before coming to us that she was fed, watered, kept warm, and not much else, although she has great dog & people manners (Doesn't let people in the door, but once she realizes that they are on the 'Good' list, she is fine and friendly.). I hope I didn't imply that she was horribly threatening, because she isn't. Just protective.

And she does seem to have more health probs than our other dog, although nothing that seems extraordinary. I do know that she was the 'runt' of the litter. Overall, though, she is a terrific girl.

Thanks again. Gotta love them labs!

Meg