>>>>>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 :-)
>
>Yup. All pretty obvious effects of what they were bred for - retrieving from water. Can't say I've particualarly noticed the smell though (unless it was due to the choice of ditch<g>)
>Best,
>Viv

Well, if you keep yours round the house getting fat them it won't be that smelly but when they go out and get sweaty ...
BTW I do have a keen olfactory sense :-)

Best

Terry