Puppy Time need advice?

[PAbowhunter86]

My Wife and I have recently gotten married and would like to buy a puppy within the next year. I like the lab because they are great with kids, and we are going to have kids in the next few years. Also I heard the a great hunting dogs. Know my question is I read an a fews websites that say there are pointing labs? Is this a trait in all labs as long as they are trained to point? Pointing is trait I like since I am upland bird hunter.

Also any advice of this breed would be helpful!!!

Thanks

[pointing_dogs_rule]

Hi:

First off I own German shorthairs and Wirehired pointing griffons (both pointing breeds). I am a DVM and do lots of burd hunting.

I have seen Pointing labs and the seem to do OK. The lab is a great family dog (few exceptions are out there, as with all breeds).

I believe that a Lab is a "flusher" (and a great one at that), some just have the natural ability to give you a point (pause). If you want a real pointer then get a pointing dog. I am going to make a lot of people MAD with this statement: "A pointing lab, to me, is like trying to add a super engine to a pick-up truck to make it into a race car". Could it be done? Yes! Is it the best way to go about designing a race car? Probably not.

With that stated: Labs are great dogs and would be great with children and for all around hunting. I don't think that you can go wrong with the lab breed.

The folowing is from "JERRY THOMS" and was in Gun Dog Magazine.

The entire article can be found here: http://www.gundogmag.com/gundog_breeds/lab_0616/index.html

Gun dogs bred only as pointers, the argument goes, are true specialists and therefore genuine masters at pointing gamebirds because that is the one thing these breeds are bred to do. So if you want a dog that superbly points, you should look for an English pointer or setter. Similarly, if you want an excellent retriever, you should get a Chesapeake, golden or Labrador retriever because this is their main purpose and what they are born to do.

Consequently, according to this line of thinking, anyone who seriously hunts upland gamebirds and waterfowl actually needs two gun dogs. In reality, however, considering where most wingshooters spend most of their non-hunting time (city or suburbs), one gun dog of any breed is all they can afford, train and care for.

"Though the phrase 'pointing Labrador retriever' may sound like a contradiction in terms, it is actually more confusing than contradictory," says Danny Allen. "Think of the pointing Lab as, first of all, a basic retriever that also happens to point. In considering a purchase of one of these dogs, the prospective buyer should look for the standard Labrador qualities, and then judge the dog's pointing ability. This is the direction the APLA is moving, and it's a direction that is definitely improving this type of Labrador." This could certainly be good news for anyone who wants a Labrador to serve as a retriever. And, oh yes, if given the opportunity, this gun dog will also point gamebirds.

Good luck and let us know what breed you end up with.

One last comment (as a DVM) expose that dog to as many people as possible as a pup to make him people friendly. This will pay off when your children arrive in the future.

the dog

[Ladybird]

As the owner of 2 labs,and I am a upland bird hunter as well,you can't go wrong with a lab,they make great family pets as well as great hunting partners, they are a very versatile breed and real tough in the field,they have a real strong drive to please,and real easy to train.The best thing to do is decide what you want this dog for,I know you said you hunt upland birds but do you plan on hunting waterfowl in the future if you don't already,if so go for the lab.If you don't plan on doing any waterfowl,then you can go for the lab or a pointer.They are both great hunting dogs.

Good luck with which ever you choose

[hungry hunter]

Ah something I know about. I have two labs one trained as blood trail deer dog. the other started as dove dog and points also. chocolate is now retired police k-9 narcotic and tracking and black is now my active police k-9 narcotic and tracking. labs are good family dogs, protective with kids, and good around livestock. If you go with a lab look for the play drive in the pup. Most breeders will show you this or talk with your local police/sheriff k-9 units. any how if you need anymore information e-mail me.

[Dakota]

First off, the lab is an excellent choice. Great with kids, excellent hunting dogs if you train them right and some will indeed point. What I have noticed though is that it can be either a natural trait or they can be trained to do so. When my Connie was a puppy she would point at tennis balls in the yard, but she has never do that in the field except on one occasion and it was a beautiful sight. Good luck with whatever you decide!

Dakota