Why does everyone push for a lab?

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Originally Posted by cdnvizsla

The labs and chessies are the undisputed kings of the late season waterfowl and waterfowl in general.
But in a field situation they don't carry the same speed as a pointer or setter and they can therefore get the job done faster.
Having hunted snows in fields over pointers the speed makes a big difference on cripples.
With 5 or 6 guns shooting its not uncommon to have double digits fall in a single volley.
The speed makes a huge difference in cleaning up the cripples.


I have said it all along if your a waterfowler get a lab.

As to the -10 NAVHDA tests, I have had the misfortune of running a UT test when the dog had to break ice to do the duck search and the retrieve. The dog did it with no issues but he didn't spend any more time out of the truck then he needed to so he stayed warm

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I will add this though, when I was transitioning out of poiniters into labs a buddy of mine would pheasant hunt with a GWP, two GSPs and one lab. It did not take the lab long to learn what a "point" and "back" was, he would simply run with the others, let them set up and then run in and bust the bird and give chase. He thought that was great, and there was three p'od pointers standing there, so maybe they are better LOLOL:):):)

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Originally Posted by skeeter1

I will add this though, when I was transitioning out of poiniters into labs a buddy of mine would pheasant hunt with a GWP, two GSPs and one lab. It did not take the lab long to learn what a "point" and "back" was, he would simply run with the others, let them set up and then run in and bust the bird and give chase. He thought that was great, and there was three p'od pointers standing there, so maybe they are better LOLOL:):):)

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Sounds like another painful episode of American Wingshooter with Tom Knapp and his awful black lab lol

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Originally Posted by jobbershunting

Sounds like another painful episode of American Wingshooter with Tom Knapp and his awful black lab lol

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Careful there, jobbers, that just might've been one of those G*ntl*m*n's Gundog Labs alongside Mr. Knapp - against which nothing libelous, including their preposterous price tag and absurd claims of "gamefinding" superiority, can be brooked. One thing you can say with certainty (and see with your own eyes) is that while Tom was a great trick shot artist, he was no dog trainer.

MG

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Originally Posted by crackerd

Careful there, jobbers, that just might've been one of those G*ntl*m*n's Gundog Labs alongside Mr. Knapp - against which nothing libelous, including their preposterous price tag and absurd claims of "gamefinding" superiority, can be brooked. One thing you can say with certainty (and see with your own eyes) is that while Tom was a great trick shot artist, he was no dog trainer.

MG

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Trick shot artist for sure , but he did miss a lot of actaul birds when hunting especially diver ducks !

I wish people wouls stop pushing them. 25 years of being the number one registered breed, don't think they need to be pushed.

Interesting posts, I have a lab and will get another. My boy is now 6 and is 67lbs, will hunt all day with my friends GSP. They respect each others space and don't fight over birds, most of our upland hunts are productive. The lab I have is my first hunting breed but I have had the pleasure of having and training other breeds in the past. I have found training very easy and my boy is always eager to please. I chose a lab because they tend to be good family dogs and can handle rough weather conditions and cold. I haven't used him for water retrieving yet but that will come this year.

In my opinion, if the OP wants a Toller, he should get one. If he wants a Lab, he should get one. If as Ebenezer suggested, a cat is the ticket, well........never mind.
I have not worked with many Labs (only 3 and I LOVED all 3!!!). If "I" was looking for a versatile dog with emphasis on waterfowling, especially late season waterfowling, I would have no hesitation in picking the Lab.
Further-to-this, I think Labs offer a relentless (perhaps a little more methodical than a springer) style coupled with very high efficiency on ditch parrots. In fact, I actually prefer flushers in general for this 1/2 bird & 1/2 rabbit. Once again, when you factor in late season waterfowling, I pick the Lab, not that there aren't other fine breeds and specialists within any breed out there.
Hey...I had a customer that swore by the fact that his best ever grouse dog was his German shepherd. Who am I to argue that? He likes what he likes.

Not more methodical than a Springer.

yellow dog, I apologize if I wasn't clear. What I meant to say is that the Springer typically has a more animated application than Labs. It is not a reflection of the effectiveness of either breed.

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Originally Posted by Ugo

yellow dog, I apologize if I wasn't clear. What I meant to say is that the Springer typically has a more animated application than Labs. It is not a reflection of the effectiveness of either breed.

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No problem.