Chessie vs. Lab and breeder referrals

[Northernstorm]

But make sure the tail is straight.......Ha!

IT IS AN ORIGINAL!!!!

[Jim Imbertson]

My first post, If this is your first retriever, please look at started dogs, (either breed) they cost more up front, but are by in far much cheaper in the long run. You will know up front the dog you are getting, from then on it is up to you. A trainer I have worked with has a 6 month old that can do more than my two year old.
Jim

[Alan Sandifer]

No matter which breed you choose (TEACH) your pup , hold your standards high but keep it fun . I train both and own both but if i have to choose the CHESSIES win that vote .

I have a chessie pup (10) months old with a senior title and she is ready for master , she has a HR title getting it running finshed (3) more and she has her HRCH ......so to say they are harder to (TEACH) than a lab i dont think so .

Good luck with which ever breed you choose , keep it fun and enjoy your pup .

[chessiedog]

Deadriver/Bryan says it best. I would stick to his post and make your decision. Both are good dogs but it depends on what you are looking for. I have had both and I am training my first dog which happens to be a chessie. She is also the family pet. She is very protective of the family but has never shown any agression towards a person or another dog. Although I have seen a few agressive Chessies I think this trait has pretty much been breed out. although they will remain protective so you will need to make sure that you socialize them at an early age. Take them to a park, local pet store, pretty much anywhere you can take a dog and just hang out. let them see other dogs, people, and children as much as possible.

I also live in NC and they have no problem with the heat. We train early or late in the day and do a lot of water training in the summers heat.

Bottom line: Although Cheesies do require different training techniques I will stay with Chessies from now on. She has been extremely loyal to me and my family. I have fallen in love with the breed.

Rob

[BHB]

I have had labs for my past hunting dogs and now have my first chessie. Even though I really, really like chessies(did I mention that I like them?) for a first hunting dog I would go with a lab. In my opinion(worth every penny you pay for it-$0) labs are much more resilient with regards to our mistakes as trainers. Labs seem to bounce back more readily when a mistake is made as a chessie might not for a while.

At the same time though, chessies, IF socialized a lot can be a great hunting and family dog. They are very loyal, usually love the work and are great companions in the duck blind. They are a little aloof to other humans but will love their owner to death. Be aware though, they have more oils in their coat(translation- they stink!). That's part of what keeps them warm and floating in the water!

If you go with a chessie, be aware that a lot of socialization is recommended.

BHB

[Socks]

Much of what has been said are generalizations so be aware every dog is different(the potty training thing mentioned has nothing to do with breed traits).
IMO you need to look at yourself first. What kind of trainer are you.
In general if you are a rough/aggresive/physical trainer or the other end of the spectrum, a pushover, a lab may be your better option.
If you will be firm but fair you will do fine with a chessie.

I think this is a good post. On another forum I posted that I don't think a chessie is an ideal first dog for a person. Not that they're not good, easy, etc. Just because I've read on here that they usually don't train like labs. As a noob I've had enough problems learning to train my lab. I do like chessies though, but I just don't know that I have the personality/temperment for one.

[Jim Danis]

I know Chris Locklear and can definitely say, like others here have, give him a call and talk to him. He does very well with Chessies!

[Cthomas]

Matching the personality of the owner and dog is important, generalities aside. . .
If you are out hunting and the warden shows up,
- a golden will jump up and give him a kiss.
- a chessie will attempt to take his leg off.
- a lab will look guilty until he finds the extra duck.
Chris

[WI_LabLover]

I admire all retrievers period. In hunting WI & ND water and fields in all conditions, I've never had a situation where I thought, 'wish I had a CBR' so I can get that bird.

All dogs are individuals and it's up to us to put in time researching a breeding to try to ensure we get the best pick possible. Training a soft natured dog that you have to negotiate with is not of rme. For now I'll stay with the resilent hard charging lab. Who knows what the future holds though?

[Pete]

Chessies are more protective than agressive......big difference.

Can you explain the difference for me?
Thanks

Pete