We are looking to buy a black labrador bitch puppy.
I have been told that there are different types of stock - showing stock, which is thicker set and working stock that is of slighter build. Are there any major temprament differences? We need a dog that will be energetic and enjoy long walks when old enough but will fit in well to a home environment with 2 adults and a cat.
Can anyone advise on the above and the type of place that is best to buy from?
Many thanks.

Hi  :)

You could check the search menu which will give you a list of reputable breeders and also breed guides.  I am sure someone else will be along shortly with more advice.  Good luck in your search for a lab puppy :)

Michelle

hello jane if you email me, i can give you some details we have a yellow bitch expecting black pups on 25th jan.

we are in south east.

both types of labs, working or show will be happy in a home environment, although the working type will need more exercise and stimulation.
theres no major differences in temperment, both equally loving and faithful.
working stock will be more active and boisterous, they just have so much energy!
as you have already said, working labs are much slimmer in build,some say they are taller but they are not just smaller body, but long legs, wheras the show has a bigger body but shorter legs!
hope thats not too complicated!

It is not a simple "Working Labradors are slimmer", working Labradors are more variable in appearance. Over the years they have been selected for working ability rather than conformation. Also bear in mind that a working gundog is by the very nature of the work they do going to be very fit and not carry surplus fat. The same dog, spending all day lounging on the sofa would very soon be obese!

People might like the shape of a working Labrador but will the working Labrador like them? They are bred to work all day and it's a great shame to see them doing nothing more strenious that the twice a day school run. Please try to find the dog to fit your lifestyle not try to change the dogs nature to fit your lifestyle.

Regards, John

Fantastic advice for ALL breeds John :D :D :D

Hello chaps,

I have to agree with John (as always:) ). I have two working labs and although they don't do the job that they were originally bred for,  they get far more than the 1 hour a day and a long walk at the 'weekends'. My adult bitch does Working Trials, tracking and nosework and my pup looks like he'll follow in her footsteps!(hopefully).  Although they're both from working stock, they are both quite different looking from each other (although still on the same 'theme').
I see many people at my training school who have bought working labs because they like the look of them, only to find that even if they can cope with the physical demands, they can't always deal with the excess mental energy!.  A bored labrador WILL find  something to do.
Thats not to say that mine run around all the time, they have both fitted in very well with my lifestyle. I have 2 small children and three cats. 
Please don't feel that I'm trying to put you off the working stock labrador.  They are truly wonderful dogs, but be aware that they will not be happy sitting around all day, give them an active household, some proper ongoing training and some sort of 'work' to do and you couldn't wish for a better canine friend.
Let us know how you get on
Cheers
Ali :)

Hello

I have to disagree slightly with the comments above (although I know that John is the Lab Man!)  We have a male lab from a working stock line and he is the perfect pet.  He gets the exercise he needs but is relaxed the rest of the time as that is his character he was like it as a puppy - in fact he is one of the laziest puppies I have ever seen! 

When we chose him we spoke in depth to the breeder who helped us pick out the perfect puppy that would suit us.  His two brothers who were left were very boisterous and the breeder said that they would be tough to handle/train and not a good pet for the family.  They would require more stimulation and would make better working gun dogs than pets.

What I am trying to say is that it is not just the breed that dictates what a dog will be like, all dogs are individuals. 

Kate

There are always exceptions to a rule, but when anwering a general question it is best to speak of the norm not the exception. Glad you are happy with your dog but expect you would be the first to agree you were lucky to have such an adaptable dog.