Why do people always say that...?

Question

... Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are loyal dogs? I'm not saying these dogs don't have an admirable list of fine traits, but in my experience loyalty is not one of them. They are too darn friendly. All the ones I've met would walk off with any old stranger who offered them a pat or a treat. These dogs are too accepting of people to be loyal. But that's just my opinion - what do you think?

Answer 1

I've never thought about it that way, but that's a good point. The fact they are friendly to and accept almost everyone unconditionally is the opposite of loyalty. I'm sure they're both fantastic dogs, but maybe "loyal" really isn't the right way to describe most of them after all.

Interesting question.

Answer 2

most everybody wants to think that THEIR dog is the most loyal dog on the planet and labs/goldens are the most popular breed so that is why you hear it so much. :)

It also depends on your definition of loyalty...

Answer 3

I think it means that they are loyal to people in general - not to any specific one.  Of course, with training they can be exclusively loyal as can most any dog.

Answer 4

My labs, my 2 adults are not like this at all.

they are very loyale to me, and do not welcome visitors unless they are told to do so..they are obedience trained..

sorry, you think they are not loyal to their owners, i think you will find a lot of people that will disagree with this.

it all depends how the dog is raised...none of mine are aggressive, but will not go to strangers and if we are the lake, they do not wonder off to a stranger, and when approaches, they let me know, and will not be called away from the area.

I have seen labs that do go to anyone that calls them, but any breed can do that.

just depends how well you train your dogs.

Answer 5

Retrievers are generally friendly dogs. It's a part of their golden traits. I think being friendly is different with being loyal. A dog who wags his tail to almost anyone is totally friendly and yet can still be considered loyal --you may be the only one whom he'll follow wherever you go, the only one he'll give kisses to.

If you're looking for a dog who would bark at strangers, then I dont think these breeds are up for that. Check out this link to learn more about the retrievers.

http://dogtime.com/golden-retriever.html