>>>What are you going to be hunting?
>>Are you thinkging of getting a pup or a working dog ?
>>Adult Labs tend to be into energy conservation - they'll likely be quieter around the house than most other breeds....
>>
>>I will be pheasant hunting. I have done research and a lab is the breed I want for this. I would be getting a pup. I had one in High School, and I know all about the ummm... well... intricacies of the breed.
>
>Then a Lab sounds good - but, of course, all pupps tend to be boisterous at times and a big boisterous dog is more of a handful than a small one...
>If size is an issue then a Springer might be an alternative?
>Best,
>Viv

Trouble with labs is the have that smelly, waxy coat (like many short-haired breeds), they tend to fat, as you have suggested, unless they get a good run-out regularly. AND they just can't ignore water - any muddy ditch will do :-)