This breed is loving, affectionate, lovable, and patient. It is high-spirited, lively, loyal, and willing. The Labrador Retriever is friendly, good-natured, and loves to play; it is superb with children. This dog loves to swim. It should never be aggressive. It is highly intelligent, and easily trained. This dog needs to feel as though it is part of the family; it craves human attention. It has an excellent, reliable, temperament. It may be reserved with strangers unless very well socialized as puppies. It makes a good watchdog. It is important to train the dog early not to pull on the leash, as it has very strong neck. It is an energetic dog, delighted to work and play hard. This breed is a big eater and need regular exercise and moderate rations to avoid a tendency to become overweight. They can become destructive if left too much to their own. Show lines are generally calmer and easier going than field lines. The Labrador Retriever is a bit more dominant and independent than the Golden Retriever.