We are looking to get a lab puppy in May and I have already been in contact with a number of breeders. One of the first questions I am asked is do I want a dog or a bitch, to which my reply is " Err_umm_ not sure really!" I have a four year old child and one or two people have said that a bitch is better to have around children, yet I grew up with a very large and incredibly soft male dobermann!! I'd be really interested as to what other people's opinions are on this - is it really just a matter of personal choice or is there more to it?

a mature bitch, in my experience, is more likely to try and discipline a small child :-( but a puppy correctly raised (by breeder, bitch and new owner) shouldn't be a problem (mine were all rescue dogs) by which i mean the bitches i have had who haven't always been perfect with small children.......must be the pain killers cutting in :-)

I like the girls. But that could be because until TH we always had bc's and the boys are a REAL handful.

I do think it's a matter of personal choice.

Welcome to the forum Zoe :-) I think it is down to personal choice. I tend to keep mainly males and they are just as 'loving' with kids, in some ways more so. If you are in the enviable position that it doesn't really matter which sex you have, you can look at a whole litter and choose the best pup. If you really can't choose, be guided by the breeder who will hopefully have got the measure of each puppy and be able to help you pick the right one for you.

Leigh

Thanks everybody fpr your opinions. Leigh I think what you said makes sense. At this stage theres no point deciding becuase sod's law says I will make my mind up then go and see a litter and fall in love with a pup of the opposite sex!!!
I have another question for everybody now!!!
Is it essential to have a large garden with a lab? Ours is quite small - but - we do an awful lot of walking (holidays/weekends). We are fortunate in that the road we live on backs onto open country and it is here the dog will get its daily exercise. One of the reasons I decided to get a lab was because its exercise levels suited our active lifestyle (and obviously their temprement towards children.) However, if having a small garden is going to affect the happiness of the dog then maybe I should think again. What does everyone think?

The size of your garden has no bearing at all, as the Garden should not be considered as a primary source of excersise, rather a safe place to take care of natures calls. Just realised, that means that our gardens are primarily the dogs toilet, ugh, unpalatable but true!

My dogs barely do any playing inthe garden itself, but do like to lounge around outside in good weather, but not when it is hot or wet!

A dog needs the stimulation both mental and physical of being taken for appropriate length walks.

Thanks brainless!
Feedback like yours is great. I feel more reassured now that I will not be compromising the happiness of the dog, just to satisfy my own needs. My grass is certainly big enough for a dog to poo on, if that's all it needs it for, and its got a small patio that is just labrador sized for a bit of relaxing!!! All I can say is, roll on May!!! This will be our first dog as a family and we are all really looking forward to it! :D

I know about Sod's Law - I went for a bitch but ended up with a dog, and now, 4 years later, have two boys in the house!

Hi Zoe, I think you're really sensible in planning ahead for your puppy. Theres some lovely lab books on the shelves which you can read up on as well. 'The Ultimate Labrador Retriever' is one worth getting. Do you already know someone planning a litter or have you got to start looking. You'll find lots of helpful advice on this site and also on UKGundogs.net
Our bitch had puppies last year and one couple who came to see them planning on a bitch, changed their minds and had a dog. I've had both, and can't honestly say which I prefer. Bitches are a pain when they come into season as you can't take them out. Dogs are probably a bit more protective in the house, but not in an aggressive way.
Have you decided what colour you want?
Lorna

Is it just me, or this site, but nearly every searching for: post re Labs is, wanting Chocolate!!!

I think its that advert from the RSPCA about thinking hard about getting a puppy. Seems to have had the opposite effect!

Actually Brainless, at certain times of the year it's quite easy to tell the sex of a goldfish!!!! :D

Come on then how, these are tank fish:D

Be very wary anyone of picking chocolate:) There was an article about 6 months ago in one of the sunday broad sheets (Iam be very serious here) that it had been proved Chocolate Labs are harder to train than yellows. Something to do with lack of brain cells! It was actually my other halfs mum who pointed the article out, being the extremely house pround person she is she was horrified to see Fry (Our chocolate lab) eating her way through the kitchen (I think it was meant to be some form of consolation for us) Backfired slightly on them both now as now whenever she is naughty I remind them of the proven fact she is harder to train than yellow labs ;) Personally I think she is as mad as the next 16 month old and as for having less brain cells, well what brain cells she does have must be working overtime as she found the only skirting board in the kitchen NOT smeared with clove oil! :)

Not knowing how mature your goldfish are Brainless but around spawning time the difference is unmistakeable. The female, looked at from the top, has an almost parallel looking body sharply tapering to the tail. (The rear of the body full with eggs) The male on the other hand, has a far more gently tapering rear end which starts much further forward and gives a far more streamlined appearance.

Regards, John :)

if its because of the add with the chocolate pups in a shed---if my pups look as fat and healthy as they do i'll be chuffed, theyre like butter balls-and the poor dam looks stressed to death with caring for those starving pups---NOT!!!!

I think I heard somewhere that chocolate labs were the most accident prone of all breeds.

Think I must be able to comment on that but have to dash as Frys has just got herself caught up in the washing line :)

There will be an increase in demand for chocolate labs by BMW owners.There is the chocolate dog in their adverts at the moment tearing towards a table and unsuccessfully stopping. Showing that BMW can do the opposite.This will mean that when you buy a BMW you must get a chocy Lab as an accessory!
When I first got my first chocolate lab 14 years ago.They were at that time very hard to come by and were rarely seen. Since then they have become extremely popular. They are wonderful dogs and I must admit I prefer chocolate to black or golden even though they are all lovely dogs.
They are not in the least bit difficult to train. I think if people have problems training it is not the trainee but the trainer in a lot of cases ! We have three off them in our family at the moment and the latest additon Moose who is now 4 months old has been so easy to train. It does however help having two elder well trained mentors to help :D

Dudley, I have spoken to a couple of breeders who are planning litters, but thanks for the gundog link. Thats one I haven't tried yet, so I will go and have a look. I don;t think it does any harm to be in touch with several breeders.
Lisa, read the 'Fry' stories - all I can say is BLESS!!!
Anyway, I don;t have enough money to buy a BMW, so there is no point in my getting a chocolate one because I won't have both status symbols!!! (only joking). I am actually looking for a black one though - dog or bitch!!! So if anyone knows anything about any litters, they can let me know through this site or e-mail me diractly - I'd be very grateful! (We are in Cheshire by the way)

Labrador Retriever Information

Question: if BMW is to chocolate, how come I don't use Andrex?
Lorna

Watch out LJS - mention goldens and you might tempt John back!!!!
Lorna :) :)

These philistines Lorna! :rolleyes: