Suggestions, like a Lab, but not a Lab

[scrwright]

Lost our Lab Merle recently, and looking to fill the void she left, have a Husky/Lab who is missing her best mate too. A bit too soon to get another Lab, so something Lab sized / temperament / exerices needs, short haired this time maybe. GS pointer maybe? Don't mind crosses, any suggestions?

[anonymous-user]

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever or Chesapeake Bay Retriever they are pretty lab like.

[oddman]

Pointers aren't like labs. More highly strung, slow maturing and harder work - more in common with Weimaraner and other central European hunting dogs

Golden Retriever or Flat Coat Retriever probably closest - but more hairy.

Chesapeake - harder work.

Brittany Spaniel???

There's a reason labs are popular - the VW of the dog world

[bexVN]

I like the Duck Tolling Retrievers, not seen many but the ones I have have been lovely dogs.

[castex]

oddman said:

There's a reason labs are popular - the VW of the dog world

While ostensibly this appears to be a curious comment, having thought about it my fox red edition's emissions have been of late rather more copious than I'd anticipated.

[Shaw Tarse]

castex said:

While ostensibly this appears to be a curious comment, having thought about it my fox red edition's emissions have been of late rather more copious than I'd anticipated.

& if my "niece" dog (also fox red) is anything to go by far more noxious

[maxxy5]

Golden retriever. If you want lab-like temperament don't get a flatcoat retriever, they're (relatively) insane and slow to grow up. Fun but not like a labrador!

[scrwright]

Think we may end up with a Lab again tbh. Will wait until after the xmas chaos and maybe look round the rescue places for a Lab pup. Concern with getting another Lab is it has some big boots to fill Are English pointers a similar temperament to GSP's?

[P700DEE]

bexVN said:

I like the Duck Tolling Retrievers, not seen many but the ones I have have been lovely dogs.

Benn here is 18 months old he is full of energy and lives with a family, he comes to me (Barking Mad) on holiday. He is a very high energy dog, his favourite game is you can't catch me and this is indoors! He will chase anything and needs regular exercise in an enclosed area off lead. He is affectionate and generally a lovely dog but much more involving than the labs and retrievers I usually get.
Note the essential Halti

[Hooli]

Shaw Tarse said:

castex said:

While ostensibly this appears to be a curious comment, having thought about it my fox red edition's emissions have been of late rather more copious than I'd anticipated.

& if my "niece" dog (also fox red) is anything to go by far more noxious

Oddly enough my first thoughts reading that were similar too.

[Tango13]

Slightly leftfield suggestion, Bavarian Mountain Hound.

Many years ago we had a resucue that I think was a Bavarian/Pointer cross, her Bavarian side was intelligent, loyal, obeidient etc, her Pointer side was a bit daft and hard work.

The main problem with her was her sense of humour, never ever own a dog with a sense of humour

[Morningside]

Rhodesian Ridgeback?

[scrwright]

Arent they bigger than Labs? A friend has one that is like a small donkey

[andy ted]

You should definitely consider a flat coated retriever - perfect balance of friendly, loyal, fun and obedient in my experience!

[bexVN]

Yes they are and certainly not as easy going as Labradors. Can be great dogs but the majority I meet are not exactly a chilled out dog! (I am referring to Ridgebacks)

Edited by bexVN on Saturday 19th December 21:13

[brycheiniog1]

Not a breed, but we have a fantastic Lab/Newfoundland cross. She is built like a lab on Steroids but has an amazing temperament and is very biddable..

As a Puppy:


One year later:

[scrwright]

Nice looking hound there

[duckwhistle]

Dalmatian.

[4x4Tyke]

Border collies, playful, friendly but smarter and less needy than Labs.

These need to be kept occupied and get one from actual working stock rather than a show breeder.

Edited by 4x4Tyke on Wednesday 23 December 09:02

[MYOB]

Large Munsterlander.