Does it really matter if they are akc registered? Is that mainly for breeding? I just want a great dog to hunt with. I dont want to pay tons of money for a pup but I do want a pure bred pup. Thanks and Merry Christmas!!! Sent from my SCH-R970 using Tapatalk
Personally, a lab wouldn't be my first choice anyway to be honest. If you're going to get one for hunting (and they are fine dogs) get one from a good and reputable breeder that could be AKC registered. Yes, it matters IMHO because there is a lot that is inherent in maintaining registration of a line and it sort of shows some history and care any particular breeder uses to produce a product. With just any unregistered lot...you really have no idea what is in their history. If all you want is a house pet that is inclined to want to hunt...then it probably doesn't matter too much, you may get a great hunter and you may not. Registration has it's perks and it's uselessness...but it's the usefulness that keeps it an ongoing thing. Good luck!
All I want is a shed hunter mainly. Dont bird hunt much if at all. The breeder im considering has 2 prices; theres AKC registered and limited AKC. Not sute what that means really. What breeds do you recommend? Sent from my SCH-R970 using Tapatalk
I'm on my second lab, the first one was registered second one is not. The second one seems to be doing better at learning stuff etc. Now I don't plan on entering him into any competitions nor will he be bred....so the registration is pointless IMO unless you do those things.
I've got two labs, a fox red and a yellow. Both registered one wants to hunt the other wants to sleep. They are great all around dogs especially if around kids. Good luck whatever you decide.
None of my fathers lab's were ever AKC registered, and they all did great. Its just a matter of how much time and effort you put into training them. The lab i bought just recently was registered but i got him for 375$ which isn't bad. I've been working with him a lot and he is doing great for 5 months old. He can already find sheds, retrieve like a champ. Its all about how much time you are willing to put into the dog. Labs are by far the best shed dogs too. If that's all your are looking for in a dog then a unregistered lab would do great.
Limited registration just means that if that dog ends up producing a litter in the future, they are not eligible for registration. Oh, I don't know what I'd recommend to others...I see a LOT of people using labs for shed hunters..probably because they tend to range further than some of the other hunting breeds. Honestly they may be the best choice in a lot of cases. For my part, I would go with another Weimaraner in a heartbeat if I were going to pay money for another dog. They may not be for everyone though. They are high energy and need an experienced dog handler or they can have problems. Lots of good breeds out there though, German Shorthair would be my second choice...for me personally. Labs are good dogs though....I've just never had one or been around one that really impressed me in any big way, that's not to say there's anything wrong with them.
I like German Shorthairs and Weimaraner. I wont be breeding this dog and found a breeder who sells limited registered labs for 375. Not too bad. I will put the work in to train the dog. Ive never owned a lab. I want a loyal dog who is great with my kids. This dog will for the most part only shed hunt with me. Sent from my SCH-R970 using Tapatalk
Man I love my Weimaraner. But for the most part I wouldn't recommend one. Well I guess I shouldn't say that. But I've else em what can happen when these dogs wind up in the hands if bad owners. They are in my opinion the best dogs but like covey said very needy. They can have major separation anxiety and demand a lot of exercise everyday. When they don't get a lot of attention and exercise they can become a menace. GSPs are just about the same. Same dog really. Pointers are incredibly loyal and can be very protective. Not near as friendly as a lab. They can be great family dogs however I would never leave my Weimar alone with a child. I've never found a dog with a nose like my Weimaraner. When you have a Weimaraner in public look out. People flock to them. They are probably the best looking dogs that exist and everyone will stop you to tell you. If your a serious hiker sometimes labs will wear out before a pointer. Not in all cases as a dog can be conditioned however labs just have a little soft pad then the pointers. My dog is a beast on trail. Even after his acl tear :-/. That's another thing labs are a little more durable in the knees where these tall heavy pointers are kinda prone to leg damage. I found out the hard way. Apparently he really wanted to beat the other dog to the stick and tore his acl running on the beach. Long recovery and he'll never really be the same. But still a beast on trail. I'd say labs are a safer choice and will most likely be able to handle anything you throw it's way. Labs are a lot more content with lounging around not requiring near as much exercise but most will take it of you give it. If they don't get it I've seen a few get downright lazy. I'm a firm believer that you can really mold a dog to yourself to an extent. Proper upbringing is key. Good luck and and enjoy it. They can really be your best friend. Happy holidays
I thought this was a Breaking Bad thread. LOL Great dogs... just be ready for some heavy duty chewing and digging for a while... but great dogs.
Haha ya I hear you there. I have a husky and she used to destroy things. Sent from my SCH-R970 using Tapatalk
I have had a couple labs. Rem, short for Remington Winchester Henson, retrieved dove for me. His training went like this; Sit in the back of the truck, shoot first dove, take him to it, he picks it up and walks back to the truck with me with the dove in his mouth, I shoot 2nd dove, he goes and gets it and brings it to the truck. Only thing was, he would only take them to the truck... not to me. So there would be a pile of dove in the bed of my truck, regardless who shot them. Rebel blood trailed deer, retrieved doves and liked to fish. He would literally dive in under water and come back with a bass sometimes after I released it. (Usually an injured fish... but shhh he never understood that part.) I think he thought he was helping me recover a fish that got away. Great companions and smarter than a lot of people's kids.
I think the first question is what are you going to hunt? I would base the breed on the type of hunting you will do first so that you get a dog that is solid all around and will perform well in the field or water. Next can be argued until the cows come home but in my eyes is beyond important. Don't be cheap when buying a pure bred dog, the reasons are many. Labs for instance are known for hip and elbow issues, degenerative eye issues and cancer. Spend 800-1200 for a well bred dog that is optigen tested, hip and elbow tested and comes from years of good breeding will reduce thousands in vet bills later. We have rescue dogs that are all mixed sporting breeds that are between 7-8 years old. The Lab/Coonhound mix has cost me over 6 grand this year in vet bills due to cancer. The Spaniel/Pit mix has cost me nearly 3 grand in allergy medication and treatment as well as spinal and hip arthritis. We are at about 10k in vet bills for dogs we rescued that had no health guarantee or way to track their breeding. I have a great friends that breeds English Labs near Rockford Illinois, if I was going to buy a pure bred lab I would go back to her in a heartbeat because she does all the right things that most back yard breeders never do. Whatever breed you pick it is worth the extra money to get a dog with healthy lineage and testing, it just might save you heartache and a lot of money down the road.
