AntlerLabs

[blackveltbowhunter]

I know this is the bird dog board, but didn't know if it would do well anywhere else.

    Recently lost my youg lab. She was just breaking into her own as an antler dog and was a great family dog and companion. At the moment I feel like she will never be replaced, however the reality is the family and myself all agree another dog is in order, and homework and puppy aquisition generally take time, that said thats what brings me here.

   Does anyone have a dog from this breeder or any info? Their website is well put together and I have communicated via email with Jared the owner. Health clearances, and guarantees, it certainly appears reputable. He says none of his dogs have any allergy issues or any pups he knows of.

   Obviously shed hunting will be the focus. My last dog was not a "shed" dog, but did have a STRONG retrieve and play drive and reasonable desire to "hunt". In the opinions of those who work with more dogs,  will a dog from a kennel focused on antler dogs be a better choice or does it not matter as long as the dogs natural instinct is developed. My last dog loved doing any work, but was clearly more motivated to retrieve warm birds than cold hard antlers. I dont bird hunt myself, but have considered joining friends just to do dog work and keep the dog working outside of shed
 hunting.

I know there are several reputable breeders on here, and have looked at some of there dogs and will continue to do so.  Im trying further my knowledge base and get some feedback going forward. Any input appreciated. Thanks

[johnnyaustin44]

My lab is a great bird dog and picked up shed antlers faster thAn anything. I think as long as there is good retrieving instincts, teaching them to pick up antlers should come pretty simple. It did for me anyways.

[WA hunter14]

I don't know bird dogs but I know hounds and there are bloodlines in different breeds of hounds that are better for catching certain animals, more aggressive dogs for bear, more intelligent better locating dogs for bobcat. I'm sure there is characteristics in the bloodline that will make the training of that dog easier and or the end result better . If it's within reason to get a dog that's " antler" breed then might as well go with it and not make things harder on yourself and a different dog.

[lewy]

Tagging, also sorry about your pup bvbh'r

[Colin]

Is this the website?

http://antlerlabradors.com/index.html

[blackveltbowhunter]

Thank you lewy.

Colin.... yes thats the site.

 

[ghosthunter]

Have no idea about this breeder.

But don't buy until you check out Ireland Farms. Easy breeder to work with. Good dogs.
Several people on here have Ireland dogs.

[Colin]

I only checked the health clearances for one of their dogs but it all looked to be accurate. Checked the AKC titles and that was accurate as well. although 5 of 13 to get a MH is far from "Amazing".

Looks like they are doing their due diligence in health clearances.

Seems like a good shed dog only needs to have a good nose and strong desire. IDK if you really need to go to Utah for a lab with that... I went to Iowa from my lab so who am I to talk.

[blackveltbowhunter]

Thanks ghost. I intend to check out as many places as possible and will certainly be contacting them i have already looked at WRL and a couple of " facebook" breedings. But welcome any and all suggestions.

Colin.... I agree with you. Health and wellness seems sound as a self proclaimed newbie I am not rrally sure what im reading with all the title stuff. I am working on understanding it more. I realize that plenty of great dogs can be had closer to home.  Mainly I was interested if any guys with more knowledge and experience than myself would, believe that a dog "bred" for antlers is gonna be any better than any other solid dog, or if throwing the word shed or antler in front of lab is the only difference. And its impossible to breed for increased antler performance.

As far as distance I don't mind travel for the right pup, so its not a big factor in my decision.

[Colin]

Hmm as far as breeding for increased shed  hunting traits idk, but id guess its more training and exposure than breeding specifically for shed hunting. I'd assume you'd want a dog that can cover a lot of ground, has a good nose and good eyes and that'd be a good bet on a high drive HT of FT dog if your trying to stack the deck. Seems like an antler bred dog is kind of gimmicky imo.

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[blackveltbowhunter]

HT and FT?  Thanks for the info!

[blackveltbowhunter]

Hunt trial. Field trial. Got it. Thanks again!

[Old Dog]

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,209645.0.html

[Happy Gilmore]

Shed hunting labs should be worth way more than a plain old duck hunting lab. Way more. I mean, if they can smell a dead antler its got to be special.

[redi]

Sorry to hear about the loss of your pup and companion. I know it is tough. Good luck in your search. Keep posting your finds.