Shooting UK

From guns and gundogs to the latest shooting news; the complete online network for the British shooting community.

How do I choose a labrador puppy?

Thursday, 18 October 2007

I am looking for a labrador puppy to buy, but so many seem to have 'snipey' heads that I am unsure where to start?

Having seen John Humphreys' bitch, I would love to know the breeding line and purchase a similar type. Can you advise me?

A: There is a huge variation in the different types of labrador now available; some such as those commonly seen in the show ring are massive and too heavily boned for work, while others are lithe, fast and racy in appearance.

Even if you go to similar breeding, such as the one you have indicated, it does not mean the result will turn out to have the same conformation. There is even a vast difference between puppies in the same litter, especially between dogs and bitches.

Some lines throw small, narrow-headed bitches and, conversely, big, powerful dogs. The same is true of other gundog breeds.

I assume you want a dog for work, in which case November is a bad time to buy a puppy from a working strain, as the majority of good working labradors will be on shoots doing their job and not at home giving birth.

You will have more choice in the spring and in the meantime contact some of the top breeders and ask to see their stock, either working or, better still, competing in field trials when you can compare many of the best dogs in the country on the same day.

The Kennel Club is the best place to locate breeders and events.


CompPrevious
Are there any laws governing dog trailers?

Are there any laws governing dog trailers?

A: There are various general regulations that affe...

CompNext
Can you give me some information on capercaillie?

Can you give me some information on capercaillie?

A: The capercaillie, the world's largest grou...


Guns

Blaser K95 Luxus single-shot rifle review

Blaser K95 Luxus single-shot rifle review

The Blaser K95 Luxus single-shot rifle is a traditional, and well-buil... Read more


More in Guns...


Sporting Answers

Should I feed my puppy BARF?

Should I feed my puppy BARF?

I have recently acquired a 12-week-old springer pup. I'm currentl... Read more


More in Sporting Answers...


News

Natural England Expects

Natural England Expects

But will cuts cripple new agency before the off?... Read more


More in News...



Comments


Post your comment:

Shooting Times Magazine

What's in this issue?

In this week's issue, Shooting Times joins a team of friends in Herefordshire for a twilight duck flight, plus spectacular stalking: hunting chamois in the snowbound Austrian alps

Subscribe to magazine

Save up to 30% on a subscription to Shooting Times & Country Magazine, subscribe today!


Subscribe to Shooting Times

Shooting Gazette Magazine

Save up to 30% on a subscription to Shooting Times & Country Magazine, subscribe today!


Latest articles

Will poult orders be down this year?

Will poult orders be down this year?

ST asks if the global downturn will force gamefarmers to raise fewer p... Read more


Scottish minister's pesticide warning to landowners

Scottish minister's pesticide warning to landowners

Minister warns that landowners using banned poisons can still lose sub... Read more


More in Latest articles...



Shooting Poll Take part in our poll

Will the economic downturn result in you downsizing your shooting next season?