Which breed of gundog?

Traumadoc

Looking for a gundog, ( and family pet, have to get final ok from the OH)

So narrowed down to labrador or a chesapeake retriever.

Does anyone have any experience of the Chesapeake breed?

Ashlinggnilsia

Ok hate to throw a spanner in the works but my dad had a springer spaniel for shooting and he was great and a great pet for us when we were kids and well in to our teen years!! Very friendly, obedient and just a perfect pooch!

Traumadoc

Not allowed a springer, i am only allowed the labrador/chesapeake as a special treat. ;)

Ashlinggnilsia

Ah shur I spose you have to keep everyone happy, he was a great guard dog too though! Didn't like the postman though and stopped our house being robbed too! Very smart dog! Rang the father he said her never heard of a chesapeake and to go for the labrador! And he'd be wise enough seeing as he has been shoot for about 40 years so thats my two cents! Then again he's never heard of the other one might also be good! Good luck with the dog search.

Nozebleed

wiermarner!!

homerhop

If its going to be half pet half hunting I would say Lab. They have a great temperament and make for great water dogs.

Spunk84

it depends what type of hunting but if your more inclined for shooting over water i would go with the chesapeake retriever as they are an excellent water dog and also very good with kidz.

My mate in the states had one and the kids used to batter lumps out of the poor dog but the dog always took it with a pinch of salt.

Only draw back is their coat needs brushed once in a while but if they are out hunting alot the fields should take care of it.

CJhaughey

I am in a similar position but have been looking at getting a Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever, lovely dogs and should be ideal for the kind of weather we have been getting.
They say there is Chesapeake in the Mix of Tollers and looking at them they do have some similarities.

deeksofdoom

It all depends on what kind of ground your hunting and what type of dogs your shooting partners are hunting with. I mean theres no point in getting a lab or a cheasapeake if your going to be hunting thick ditches and your mate has springers. If its duck shooting then a lab or cheasepeake are fine. In fairness some of those labs can hunt as well as any springer but its not the norm, they're retrievers primarily.

I have a gwp and a springer I had the GWP out with me yesterday with a couple of springers beonging to a mate, it broke my heart to have the GWP out as the springers hunt in a totally different way to the GWP.

So in short when your choosing a dog, choose one that is suitable to the terrain your hunting and have a look at what the lads with you are hunting with. As for your Mrs.not allowing you a springer....tell her to get a grip ..... what the hell does she know?

EPointer=Birdss

Chesapeake's are the ultimate water dog. They are known to swim under the water & all!
i seriously considered one before i got the Springer pup. The springer is a better all rounder so suits me. If I was more into wildfowling which I intend to in the future & especially with our weather in recent years I will invest in one. Good heavy coat on em to keep warm in a hide.
Nice to have an unusual breed also if you can get a good one...

Alchemist2

why not try a springador my friend;)... best of both worlds... and there are lots out there to choose from sometimes it helps to think outside the box... generally they will be smaller than a pure lab which helps when beating heavy cover they can get through quicker plus you got a great retriever make great pets too

Italian Spinoni.

pullandbang

Get a lab! I hunted over one for 9 years and she was super - both for hunting and retrieving. They also make fantastic pets although that's not necessarily a good idea for a working dog.

sonofthegun

Traumadoc wrote: »

Looking for a gundog, ( and family pet, have to get final ok from the OH)

So narrowed down to labrador or a chesapeake retriever.

Does anyone have any experience of the Chesapeake breed?

i have a golden retriever great dog to retrieve in water and land but the best thing is he is a brill family pet he is a big strong male but i have a four year old and a 5 month old and he is just so gentle around them.very similar to a chessapeke but about half the price seen the advertised for up to 700 yo yos

elius

German Shorthaired Pointer is another option great around the house check them out on wiki Gives a good insight into them.. Second to that a lab is another great family pet as well as a good gun dog..

Eddie B

Stick to your guns, both breeds have an excelent temprament!! really good around children. Other breeds can be a bit lively at times and cause an accident or two! Id probably go for the Chesapeak bay myself! Not part of the puppy market which results in a lot of bad dogs out there! Well whatever dog you choose, make sure its from good working stock!!!