My Black Lab was the apex of dog evolution. When He died I cried like a baby at 21 years old. I didn't cry at that point in my life! I had another lab attempt to attack me once however. Luckily there was a 1" black iron pipe handy that set the situation real clear in the dogs head. He is lucky I didn't have a pistol.
Boy do I love Labs. I've had half a dozen over the years and they were all great except for one lovable hyperactive knothead that never quit chewing stuff. I don;t have one now but we are going to get my young son a dog for his birthday - a chocolate Lab, of course. I just love them to pieces.
-ccm