[HoosierDoggy?]

Happy Holidays to all here! Ive been a longtime lurker, and finally decided to bite the bullet and post.

I have had Labs most of my adult life, and have guided hunts (both waterfowl and upland) behind my own dogs, making a fairly decent living, but that was years ago. My family circumstances dictated a break, but now its time for a pup again. Heres my quandary, what and from whom do i buy? Im ready to enter the world of hunt tests and trials, as well as hunt my dog(s) hard, but i do not wish to waste my efforts or money, and since i've been out of the loop for a few years, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again, and Merry Christmas to everyone.

 

[JJaxon]

Go black, you'll never go back. Their are a lot of quality breeders within an hour or so of you, (so. Mi. and no. In.) many advertise and or sponsor on this site. Doin the homework is part of the experiance that adds to the excitement of the day you pick and pickup the pup. I'm almost there myself as whelp date is a few weeks away. Read and learn all you can about genetic lines and pick a litter by considering the Dam. Then it's what you put into it and more. I can give you leads on specific breeders and litter that I have concidered if you pm me.

 

[Richard Halstead]

Go black, you'll never go back. Their are a lot of quality breeders within an hour or so of you, (so. Mi. and no. In.) many advertise and or sponsor on this site. Doin the homework is part of the experiance that adds to the excitement of the day you pick and pickup the pup. I'm almost there myself as whelp date is a few weeks away. Read and learn all you can about genetic lines and pick a litter by considering the Dam. Then it's what you put into it and more. I can give you leads on specific breeders and litter that I have concidered if you pm me.

There are several people with chocolate dogs running field trials.
I would imagine the advice to go black is outdated. The pedigrees are very
good and can achieve whatever is required in hunt tests.

 

[Steve Hester]

Yes, advice to go black only is very outdated. There are several very good chocolate dogs running out there now, including the highest pointed Derby dog in the history of field trials!!

 

[rabersin]

I agree on the black. If we are going to throw out stats, the high points open dog this year, last year, the year before and so on and so on have been black. Also look at this years National final series, all black. Yes you can find a good chocolate or yellow, but he said he doesn't want to waste money or time. That means you should look to the highest probability of getting a quality pup, that means black. Check with people in your area, I am sure there is a quality dog in your future.

 

[Boondux]

Welcome to RTF! Find a litter of any color you like and then pick out your new pup! Good luck in the search. Look for performance record, pedigree and health clearances.

 

[JJaxon]

Welcome to RTF! Find a litter of any color you like and then pick out your new pup! Good luck in the search. Look for performance record, pedigree and health clearances.

This is the best advice you can have. When looking for health clearances, it has been my experiance that if a breeder doesn't list a clearance it's most likely that it doesn't exist in that litter or pup. Performance records tend to follow the pedigree in conjunction with the training level, but doesn't define ability, as every litter has a champion potential. It's only my experience, and I'm admittingly a novice and learning. Everyone will favor one aspect or another, color, breed, etc. If you thought of the years you were actively training and hunting, and had a specific dog come to mind, what was that dog? I hope the best for you, Merry Christmas

 

[Richard Halstead]

I agree on the black. If we are going to throw out stats, the high points open dog this year, last year, the year before and so on and so on have been black. Also look at this years National final series, all black. Yes you can find a good chocolate or yellow, but he said he doesn't want to waste money or time. That means you should look to the highest probability of getting a quality pup, that means black. Check with people in your area, I am sure there is a quality dog in your future.

I am guessing the trainer will be the limiting factor unless you plan to use a field trial pro most of the suggested breedings won't reach their full potential.

 

[HoosierDoggy?]

I knew I could count on some sound advice here, and so far it seems I was right.

Clearances are a given, I would NEVER purchase otherwise, and I do know a little about performance records, although there have been a lot of dogs come through in the 9 years i've been out.

I used to be partial to yellow, kinda seems easiest to blend in the corn while goose hunting, but i'm not set. H*ll I might even get a Chessie!! I just like hearing from you guys your advice, then im going to take all of it, put it in a blender, add a dash of imagination, a whole lot of hope, a shot of blood sweat and tears and see what i come up with.

Keep the ideas coming, please!!!!