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black lab pups

WW-
I agree with what huntcrazy had to say about chocolate dogs. When people breed dogs with an emphasis on getting a certain color of pup bad things happen. There are some good ones, but as far as numbers go blacks overwelmingly produce more title and champs. Another thing to consider is that almost every dogs has some kind of a champ in their background.

As far as price $750 is not outrageous if the pups have the breeding to back it up. After reading some of these comments I won't say how much I'm about to drop on my next dog for fear of getting lynched. IMO for a reasonably priced dog, your best bet would be to get a pup from a serious hunter who has a pup every now and then. Some real solid dogs come from this type of breedings. I would just make sure that it comes from a hunting background. You can get it into all the birds you want, but if the dog dosen't have the desire bred into him it won't matter.
 
IMO $200-$400 should get you any lab you would want. Just depends on what you want to get out of it. Papers and pedigree don't amount to much without proper training. When you get your pup, start exposing it to as many situations as possible ( gun clubs, rides in its kennel, walks in town with other people/dogs in the area). Anything to prepare the dog to be comfortable and obedient in any setting.

One thing to think about, other thatn color, is the size of lab you are looking for. I personally don't like the larger labs or the long legged labs. I prefer a medium build (70-80 lbs.) that is not too big. Some guys prefer a big blocky lab, esp. if they do a lot of goose hunting.

There has been some great input so far. Take it all in, apply it to your needs, and find a good litter. Like others have said, this won't be a 2-3 year deal. Take the time because it will pay off in the long run.

"Josie"
534Josie_Blind.jpg
 
Wannabe, if you like the reds and you don't want a fat American lab bred for show do a search on the internet for British Labradors. You'll find some great labs that are very athletic compared to your typical American lab.

I got mine from Wicklewood last year. Couldn't be happier and worth every penny.

http://www.wicklewoodhall.com/index.htm
 
This is funny but probably not funny to the owner. I hunted with some guys this fall and they had a $3000 lab. It got lost in a cornfield for a half an hour.
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PYBucks</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Wannabe, if you like the reds and you don't want a fat American lab bred for show do a search on the internet for British Labradors. You'll find some great labs that are very athletic compared to your typical American lab.

I got mine from Wicklewood last year. Couldn't be happier and worth every penny.

http://www.wicklewoodhall.com/index.htm </div></div>

If I were in the market for a Lab I would definately look into the British lines. They're known to be calmer and more biddable than American bred labs.

PYBucks-
I agree with the fat American show lab comment- they look like sausages with legs, but an American trial bred Lab will run circles around a British Lab as far as athleticism goes. I'm not saying your dog is a slouch so please don't take it that way, but I thought it a alittle unfair to lump field bred labs in with the show labs. IMO they might as well be two different breeds.
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: timekiller</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PYBucks</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Wannabe, if you like the reds and you don't want a fat American lab bred for show do a search on the internet for British Labradors. You'll find some great labs that are very athletic compared to your typical American lab.

I got mine from Wicklewood last year. Couldn't be happier and worth every penny.

http://www.wicklewoodhall.com/index.htm </div></div>

If I were in the market for a Lab I would definately look into the British lines. They're known to be calmer and more biddable than American bred labs.

PYBucks-
I agree with the fat American show lab comment- they look like sausages with legs, but an American trial bred Lab will run circles around a British Lab as far as athleticism goes. I'm not saying your dog is a slouch so please don't take it that way, but I thought it a alittle unfair to lump field bred labs in with the show labs. IMO they might as well be two different breeds. </div></div>

Me and Timekiller are on the same page on this one. I would not consider any lab that only had show dog breeding and no hunting background. Those dogs are only required to not get lost on the end of the leash, and some struggle with that. I have to disagree with the idea that British labs are more athletic than American labs. British labs are bred to be slow and methodical, calm, quiet, close working retrievers. They are typified by lower to the ground bodies, heavy block heads, shorter legs and longer coats with some having feathered tails. The American labs (field trial stock especially) are usually taller, leggier, hard driven with a shorter coat. I would put my big male Reload up against any Brit lab in a test of athleticism. He can still clear the side of a full size pickup bed without touching the rail, and he is 8 years old. And he has never once in his entire life refused a retrieve. I could make him do water retrieves till he drowned, but he would not stop because there is no quit in him. His drive does cause some problems though. He doesn't like to share work with other dogs as much as he should. And if he is left in his crate while shooting can be heard he has been known to shred a dogbed. And while he is friendly to people, he doesn't really care to be petted or show any affection to anyone other than me. He just wants to work. He is almost Chessy in that aspect. The female pup is quite a bit more mellow. And she will refuse retrieves from time to time. But thats fine too. Just make sure you are getting a dog that fits YOUR personal style. I checked out the Wicklewood site also, those are good looking dogs for sure!
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DoubleDropTines</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I paid 500 for my chocolate lab. But he is a retard /forum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif </div></div>
Now that is funny.
 
In Iowa you should be able to find a good hunting lab for $500 and under. You probably won't get something that has titled parents and such but there are alot of good "hunting" dogs around that just aren't trialed or tested. Make sure and check out both parents and ask to maybe see them on birds. The biggest thing is get them started early on birds. Make it fun for them and yourself.
It takes birds to make a bird dog.
Good Luck

Editing to add: The member NeverHesitate on this site just had their female lab bred to a really nice male. I guide with the owner of the male at a hunting preserve and have seen him work alot of birds nicely.
 
I haven't even spent $1k on a bow or a gun, so I certainly wouldn't be paying that much for a pup.

I'd say find what suites your needs and your budget...in all reality you're buying a hunting partner, the pup will become what you're able to make it. I've seen several "mutts" turned into awesome gundogs, the same way I've seen several $1000 super papered dogs become couch potato pets.
 
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