looking for a good breed black lab pup?

[fishingnut71]

It is time to start thinkin that way. Any good ideas is awesome. I would like a bulky thick head lab if possible.

[Todd_ID]

My longtime co-worker's wife has some of the best traditional English Labs in the country/world in Bellingham and has been breeding them for a long time with an excellent track record.  They're not inexpensive, but if you want the best, then it always cost more but is worth every cent.

http://www.sunnydazelabradors.com/

[Special T]

I know Ryan from Long Hollow Retrievers just had a litter and i think has one planned here soon.
http://www.longhollowretrievers.com/

[carpsniperg2]

I should be having another litter in a few months. I don't know how soon you would want one. I have 3 pups on here that belong to forum members. I breed English style labs that are the smaller labs. That have the boxy heads and calm disposition.

[hawk eyes]

my brother has four blacks left there dads a block head,dad came from pointing lab background mother has a great pedigree message me for phone #

[carpsniperg2]

Some reading to help educate 

From Wikipedia

Labradors are relatively large, with males typically weighing 29 to 41 kg (64 to 90 lb) and females 25 to 32 kg (55 to 71 lb). Labradors weighing close to or over 100 lb (45 kg) are considered obese or having a major fault under American Kennel Club standards, although some Labradors weigh significantly more.[18] The majority of the characteristics of this breed, with the exception of colour, are the result of breeding to produce a working retriever.
 
As with some other breeds, the Conformation (typically "English", "show" or "bench") and the Field (typically "American" or "working") lines differ, although both lines are bred in both countries. In general, however, Conformation Labradors tend to be bred as medium-sized dogs, shorter and stockier with fuller faces and a slightly calmer nature than their Field counterparts, which are often bred as taller, lighter-framed dogs, with slightly less broad faces and a slightly longer nose; however Field Labradors should still be proportional and fit within AKC standards. With field Labradors, excessively long noses, thin heads, long legs and lanky frames are not considered standard. These two types are informal and not codified or standardized; no distinction is made by the AKC or other kennel clubs, but the two types come from different breeding lines.

Hope that helps

[JKEEN33]

This was my understanding between the 2 also. I'm not a breeder, but have had both. Currently have the English.

[Happy Gilmore]

Here is a forum post with a whole bunch of pages of comments by some very respectable breeders of both conformance and field labs-

http://www.retrievertraining.net/forums/showthread.php?t=70101&highlight=british+labs

[fishingnut71]

OK anyoe else know of anyone with good black labs.

[gasman]

OK anyoe else know of anyone with good black labs.

Well, what are considering "Good" black labs 

You want a professional breeder that has dogs with titles, or a back yard breeder with dogs with good attitude and more of a family dog. (family dogs can be great hunting partners, mine did)

Are you looking at price 
Is "linieage" important to you?
What do you want?

[fishingnut71]

Im looking for a goog family dog and great hunting traits. Also a good disposition. Labs to me should look like a bull. Thats just me.

[gasman]

Some on this site believe a good lab is one that has proven its self in trails, and that's it. If its not from a repital breeder, its worthless.


I myself got a blockhead from a "backyard breeder" and he is the best thing ever. Hunts to my satisfaction, and is the best family dog ever 

[Rick]

Some on this site believe a good lab is one that has proven its self in trails, and that's it. If its not from a repital breeder, its worthless.


I myself got a blockhead from a "backyard breeder" and he is the best thing ever. Hunts to my satisfaction, and is the best family dog ever 

Most backyard breeders don't know WTF they're doing. They're just as likely to breed dogs with genetic issues as not.  Its not cheap to have your dogs tested to be sure they aren't passing on bad hips,elbows,eyes,etc. BYBs aren't going to put forth the time or money to ensure you're getting a healthy pup.

A reputable breeder is generally concerned with bettering the breed. They'll do everything in their power to make sure the pups will have a long healthy life. They aren't in it for the money,they're doing it for the love of the breed.

[RC3]

Well said Rick, it will end up costing a person more in the long run.  Not to mention the fact that it does nothing for the breed.  If someone does an honest job of testing for health issues and basic good conformation thats fine with me but there are so many who just breed dogs for a couple of bucks.

[Special T]

I think its also has something to do with how serious a hunter you are. I know a few on here are die hard waterfowlers and kill 70+ birds a year. Others get out a dozen times and kill 20...  If you want a house dog that gets out and hunts, then a backyard may be ok. If the dog is another tool in your sport and your willing to fork out then get a certified dog. I've had both... Its also kinda like figuring out if paying a trainer is worth it to you... If your serious enough about it, and or don't have the time then its worth it. If not you'll work with your dog and utilize it to the best of your ability. I say your ability because i think dogs hunt better than most masters train and we normally screw it up. 

[Ireland Farms]

Rick is dead on about back yard breeders. Most just want to breed their dog once so they can keep a pup or let their kids have the experience. Sure you can find a good dog from a BYB, but always run the risk of uncertainty in regards to its future health. Most all of the health issues in labs are hereditary, so buying a pup from a reputable breeder is important when considering a pup. Make sure the parents have the necessary clearances, and look at the grandparents and great grandparents as well. Get references from clients with past pups.

If you are looking for that "bull" look in a lab, you are wanting an English Lab. English labs typically aren't as well known for their ability in the field as American, but they are a bit underestimated. Many English bred labs are titled in the field as well.  I currently have two black English females with a nice hunting  background if you're interested.

[Happy Gilmore]

Please come out to the Rainier Hunting Retriever Hunt Test this weekend. I can think of about 8-10 breeders of labs who will be there. You can see the full range of everything you've ever heard labs called besides a "Lab" and see how they work in the field first hand and make your own judgement to what style best fits your needs.

I am on the Hunt Test Committee and Gun Captain for the event but, I would be happy to spend some time- If you have a shot gun and would like to help me shoot duck fliers, drop me a PM.
Bob Pepper's Retriever Grounds, 10810 W. Snoqualmie Valley Rd. NE, Carnation, WA

We have over 180 individual dogs participating so I can guarantee you will see a wide variety of dog styles and skill levels.

[gasman]

Please come out to the Rainier Hunting Retriever Hunt Test this weekend. I can think of about 8-10 breeders of labs who will be there. You can see the full range of everything you've ever heard labs called besides a "Lab" and see how they work in the field first hand and make your own judgement to what style best fits your needs.

I am on the Hunt Test Committee and Gun Captain for the event but, I would be happy to spend some time- If you have a shot gun and would like to help me shoot duck fliers, drop me a PM.
Bob Pepper's Retriever Grounds, 10810 W. Snoqualmie Valley Rd. NE, Carnation, WA

We have over 180 individual dogs participating so I can guarantee you will see a wide variety of dog styles and skill levels.

I am sure Happy would be more then happy to talk and introduce you to many people out there, Ut gets him away from having to shoot ducks 

I will be in a blind out there, thats for sure.