Why is it that working Labs can do it, but other strong willed dogs like Pit bulls, GSD, Dobies and so on, cannot live without fighting or establishing a stren pack order? This question was asked by a Lab owner that has witness my animals and compared the pack structure to his Labs. His Labs never seem to have this structure setup or a line drawn in the sand.

I've been around his Labs and they are more relaxed, there also older 5,6 and 8 compared to 3,2 & 1. Papered with some obedience but mostly couch potato pets, very low key. They can eat out of the same bowl without growling, though there is some competition there.

Lucky is my first purebred Labrador, but I have noticed some things about him, that I think I could generalize to other Labs. Keep in mind that there are always exceptions, and, being dogs, Labs are just as subject to the rules of heirarchy as any breed. BUT, in my opinion, Labs don't care about rank as much as some other breeds do. Of course they need the security of a pack structure, but they don't, in general, have a strong drive toward dominance.

The Labrador, as a breed, was originally bred for long hours in the field, yet capable of curling up next to the fireplace, or on little Tommy's bed; basically calm around the house. Don't let the "couch potato" thing fool you.

There are exceptions, and I won't say that every Labrador is going to be the same. But, by and large, they're just not too concerned about being the top dog. Not to say that fights or dominance posturing never happen; those things can happen with any breed, because they are an integral part of canine behavior. I think that it's more likely that you'll see dominance issues with intact males, obviously.

I do not know much about labs, but were not hunting dogs kept in packs were they had to coexist peacefully? Or maybe it is just a matter of drives...

Labradors are bred for their desire to retrieve. That's a whole different ball of wax from something like herding, guarding, or fighting. I'd imagine it would be difficult to get a very dominant dog to retrieve a duck to hand undamaged. Bringing prey to the leader is an act of submission, so I suppose that it's possible that the main function of a Labrador is one of submission, which might help explain the general lack of rank issues. I dunno, I'm just thinking out loud here.

And, I would not say that Labs are not strong willed. They can be very headstrong and stubborn, but will rarely challenge for dominance in a direct way, but rather, are more likely to simply disobey. They can also be very determined, overcoming any obstacle to reach their goal. I've tracked mine through sticker bushes, mud bogs, undergrowth so thick you need a leather suit; he'll track right through just about anything to get to that person at the end of the track; the only thing slowing him down is me trying to get through these obstacles in one piece.

While the Lab may not be the one to start a fight, they can hold their own pretty well, and will generally accept a challenge. They are dogs, after all. I wouldn't say that multi-Lab households are generally all a bed of roses. I'm sure they have their issues too. Just maybe not to same the degree as some breeds.

OK, rambling mode off.....gotta get back to work.

Labs are very capable of holding there own. Not only are they super agile dogs(swimming ect.), I read that they were at one time known for their fighting ability.

My labs are very capable of holding their own. They'd put most p/bulls to shame when fighting for rank in my household. The males get along until a bitch comes in season (different thing), but the bitches will kill each other for rank any given time of the day. Thank heavens for crates. They obey me, love kids, play with cats, haven't bitten humans...but each other.....wow. No bed of roses in my household unfortunately. Two have scars to prove it. They look so innocent to sitting it front of the TV too...

If these gentle giants were such fighters they would be used as such. A fighting pit would kill a Lab or Rottie in 15 minutes, but thats another story.

The Lab is knownfor its stamina and strength in the field, In my opinon, one of the best and most versitle field dog ever devised. Along with being family orinitated dogs they also are great trackers. A Trainer/K-9 officer told me he uses them because they will track all night tremendous hunt/ball drive and that he can pick them up for nothing at the shelters, being Americans most popular dog has its pluses and minuses. Because they are usually not aggressive little OB is encouraged they train just to track. So he can take $65 Lab and turn him into a $2000, in months instead of years.

Labs are great at a lot of things, they are good solid dogs and surely they can hold their own in a dog fight, but they are not fighting dogs.

Its like asking a beagel to jump a 2 ft fence, he can do it but...

Goodogu, since you are new here you may not already know that we are not "dog fight" friendly. If you need to talk about why it is that some breeds of dogs can live together better than others, fine, but you will have to open another topic. I don't care to have a thread about my pit is stronger than your labrador BS on this board...

BAM!

I wanted to re-open this topic up and clarify that the only reason I mentioned about the Lab and it's fighting ability was in response to a comment made about them defending themselves if attacked. I was in no way glorifying dog fighting in any way. I agree with Deanna that a discussion on dog fighting does not belong on this board unless it's to learn how to safely break up a fight. Thread re-closed.