Understanding the Temperament of Labradors

Labradors are renowned for their friendly and gentle nature, often making them a popular choice as family pets. However, as with any breed, individual temperaments may vary, leading to occasional aggressive behaviors. Factors such as improper socialization, fear, and lack of training can contribute to these issues.

Early socialization and positive reinforcement are crucial in preventing aggressive behavior in Labradors. These practices help to establish a bond between the dog and its owner, as well as other dogs and people. For further insights into Labrador temperament, visit my Quora Profile.

Exploring Newfoundlands and Their Gentle Nature

Newfoundlands are generally not aggressive dogs, known for their gentle and affectionate nature. However, individual temperament may still vary. Proper socialization and training are essential to ensure they remain well-behaved and friendly. These massive dogs are often used for water rescues due to their gentle nature and protective instincts.

While most Newfoundlands are friendly, they can sometimes exhibit protective behaviors, especially if other dogs are fighting. Their size can inadvertently cause injuries if they attempt to break up a fight. Despite this, they are typically very sweet and gentle, except for their love for destructing towels, which they tend to shred with extreme prejudice.

Based on my personal experience owning 7 Newfoundlands, none of them ever slobbered except after drinking or eating ice cubes. Aggression is not common in Newfoundlands; they are known as the sweetest and most lovable creatures. They are gentle giants, although they may come across as aloof due to their size.

Historical and Modern Evidence of Newfoundland’s Temperament

Newfoundlands have a long history of gentle behavior, including their use as water rescue dogs. One historical example includes their involvement in rescuing Napoleon Bonaparte from drowning. In a more recent event, a 12-year-old Newfoundland female puppy named Villa saved a 12-year-old girl from drowning in a snowstorm by locating her and freeing her from the snowbank. Villa earned the title of "Purina Dog of the Year" for her heroic actions.

During World War II, a Newfoundland named Gander protected wounded Canadian soldiers from Japanese troops on Hong Kong. His efforts are considered to have saved many lives, earning him the Dickin Medal, the highest accolade for animals performing gallant or distinguished service.

While these incidents highlight the gentle and protective nature of Newfoundlands, it's important to note that individual dogs can vary in temperament. Proper training and socialization are key to ensuring they remain well-behaved and friendly.