Labrador ?
- Thread starter Cribbs
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I've raised both yellow and black. Not had the experience with silver or chocolate. But loved them all . Amazing companionship wonderful with children and the best friends a man could ask for !!!
Some say they eventually outgrow the exuberant puppy stage. My chocolate is 11 years old, I’m still waiting.
I’m an avid duck hunter and have always owned Labs. I’ve got 3 right now, a yellow that’s in retirement, a chocolate that’s a duck hunting machine and a black that’s 6 months old that I’m training. They’re just like people, they all have different personalities.
But to answer your question, I’ve never noticed any traits that were determined by color. The best one I’ve ever had was a black, I always said he was born a grown dog, never went through the puppy stage. But the black puppy I’ve got now is a nut and they are from similar bloodlines.
But to answer your question, I’ve never noticed any traits that were determined by color. The best one I’ve ever had was a black, I always said he was born a grown dog, never went through the puppy stage. But the black puppy I’ve got now is a nut and they are from similar bloodlines.
I have had several yellow and black labs. I have always heard chocolates can be the most hyper. I personally would stay away from a silver since it is a little more “designer” and could lead to genetic issues because of in breeding.
I've had 3 labs. 2 yellow males and one black female. Labs do have different levels of intelligence as to what color is the most intelligent that's a great question that i'm not sure how to answer. But will share this with you: I've spent several years working with a Field Trial trainer who handled many dogs at one time. I also have a neighbor now who trains labs or should I say, trained labs. It all depends on what you are trying to accomplish with your dog but if you are looking for a solid hunting dog that retrieves single, doubles, triples, and blinds, then the best kind I've seen is a black female. Now, this female needs to come from a bloodline that has a solid line of proven hunt test/field trial dogs. Secondly, you need to really pay attention to how that puppy responds to a thrown object (like a small sock with some paper in it, we call it a small "bumper"). What I've observed is even at 6-8 weeks old the more solid puppies will pay attention and even go after that thrown "bumper". Even knowing all of this, you still have the risk of the dog not performing the way you imagined. Like gun shy or doesn't like to retrieve certain birds or water situations. They are after all dogs. If you really want to bypass some heavy training then look for a dog who is already past some of those initial stages. Find a breeder who has a 8-12 month lab that has already started basic hunt trials or field trial testing. They should be completely through their basic obedience work by that age.
If you are looking for a family have fun dog, you still want to watch the bloodline, some of these bloodlines are little to close and the dogs get a little out of control. Ask the owners about the parents of the dog, see how they were are as young dogs, questions like this will help you pick a better puppy.
I know this long but hope it helps!
By the way, my black female dog was 100% better dog than the two yellow males. I still loved them all but she was a machine at work when it came to retrieving, and an absolute family dog when we got home.
If you are looking for a family have fun dog, you still want to watch the bloodline, some of these bloodlines are little to close and the dogs get a little out of control. Ask the owners about the parents of the dog, see how they were are as young dogs, questions like this will help you pick a better puppy.
I know this long but hope it helps!
By the way, my black female dog was 100% better dog than the two yellow males. I still loved them all but she was a machine at work when it came to retrieving, and an absolute family dog when we got home.
I wanted a Golden but for some reason my wife prefers the lab.
I was actually suppose to pick up a GR last Friday but the seller ghosted me. I talked him down $400 under his asking price but I think he found a buyer for full price.
I've had a yellow lab and three goldens, the goldens are simply better at everything. That might sound biased but it's true. Don't make a decision you'll regret.
It seems to me that the chocolate lab is a little more mouthy/aggessive. Not vicious, just a little less tolerant of new folks to begin with. Every lab I thought was going to take a chunk out of me, was chocolate
had a female chocolate lab from pup to 12 yrs. had to have her put down due to cushings disease. she was one of two best dogs I have ever had and would get another if circumstances were different. she was smart, obedient, good fetcher, and loved the family as much as we loved her. never saw aggressive behavior in her. put her through puppy obedience school just to get her off on the right foot. hope this helps.
I’ve had a combined twenty six years of Yellows....first one lived to fourteen...our current is twelve plus but battling diabetes, blindness...and I really think some dementia. First year or two are brutal....adult years are awesome....watching them grow old and pass....heartbreaking. Sigh
Hmmmm....when puppy comes come they look like a 8-10 pound Polar Bear cub....then they start growing, fast. Labs can be incredibly destructive if you don’t protect your house and them from themselves. Power cords, wood floors, chair and table legs, cabinets, rugs, TV remotes, and anything else within their reach is a target. Crate training, at least in our two cases, was an absolute must....eventually moving into a defined safe spot and once they’ve matured, they can have the run of the house. Boundless energy that requires a release...not just a walk around the block. Swims, runs, a big back yard, throwing the tennis ball 100 times and they’re just getting started...you have to wear them out. Once those puppy/adolescent phases are complete....and you train the dog properly...you will have the perfect dog.
In closing, and the sad part about the breed as people get them at 8-10 weeks...they have no idea what they are in for....Google Lab Rescue Leagues...that’ll give you an idea of how many people simply can’t handle it and give up....it is really sad.
If you like laid back, go for an English Lab. They have more of a block head, thick body, shorter tail and legs. Way more calmer than the American Lab. I’ve had both, two black American (slender face, skinnier body, taller and a lot more Tigger in them. I currently have an English Chocolate and he’s about as laid back as Snoop Dog. He never had a hyper streak or the jumping on people that my other two did. Just my two cents.
https://www.labradortraininghq.com/...rence-between-american-and-english-labradors/
https://www.labradortraininghq.com/...rence-between-american-and-english-labradors/
I ended up getting the Golden Retriever.
Had a male Lab and a female Golden at the same time. Golden was a smarter dog, but died young due to cancer. Black lab made it to 13 and was a wonderful member of the family. I still miss them both.
Very sorry for your loss and you’re right it sucks. You’re not just losing a pet, it’s a member of the family.
Thank you...he had type two diabetes the majority of his life....we altered our life’s schedule to keep him regulated and on schedule. It was worth every minute...but his quality of life due to blindness, what appeared to be dementia...balance issues...loss of control...it was time to say goodbye.
Eight days later....house is eerily quiet. He was our second yellow....Buck lived to 14....Chop lived almost to 13. After we lost Buck, I surprised the Mrs with Chopper within three months....different stages of our lives now....time to think about us....no more dogs....it’s too tough. Labs are the best...best of luck with your chocolate. Big ear scratch for him/her for us...
I have had several labs, 3 blacks, 1 choc and 1 yellow. The choc is the only one that was not brain dead stupid for the 1st 2-3 years. One of the blacks was scared of water and through the years chewed up around 5000.00 worth of stuff before I finally sentenced him to life in the pen unless I was there. The choc trained easier than any of the others. ONe of the blacks ended up being a phenom hunting dog but never made much of a pet. One black was a decent hunter but a good pet, the yellow was a good all around dog but the choc was a great hunter and close to being a full family member.
On my Second yellow... if you are looking for a Family pet I highly suggest using the following book by Richard Wolters to train with... it has produced me two great listening/obedient labs that others rave about too!!!
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=family+d...346741&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_27vl3qga63_e
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=family+d...346741&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_27vl3qga63_e
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