Labradoodle????

W

winchester21

New member
So it's been nearly 7 years since I lost my last labrador and I'm finally in the market for a new dog but I'm not set on any specific breed. I'm considering a pointer (GWP or GSP) but I'm not sure I'm ready for the high energy and I still think a female chocolate lab would fit the bill just fine. I'm not into the field trial thing, just want a kick ass bird dog.

Recently, however, my girlfriend (soon to be wife) suggested looking at non- shedding breeds and brought up the idea of a labradoodle or whatever they're called. I'm not one to go crazy over designer breeds but might consider one if it came from some good pheasant hunting lines. With that said, has anyone here had any experience or suggestions with that breed?
Really appreciate the help.
Thanks
Bridger
 
I would tend to shy away from a mix like that just because there is a lot of variability in the breeding... most breeders don't necessarily hunt their dogs and breed them mostly for their temperment. I've also read that they aren't totally shed free and maybe a wiredhaired dog might be more shed free. Another option would be a shorthair dog.

If you are looking for a "kick ass bird dog" I would stick to the known evil and go with a non-mix breed dog. There are lots of options out there and you will get a dog from a for sure hunting line. Just my opinion. Good luck!
 
I agree with sloth stay away from the Designer Breeds a friend of my has a labradoodle and it sheds like a normal lab does, almost worst than our Curly Coated Retriever. Just my two pennies.
 
As always, I appreciate the info, fellas. What are your thoughts on other breeds that may not shed as much? Any particular?
 
Well I'm definitely not the person to answer this question because I have two springers and I think my GF is about to build a kennel outside herself for both me and the dogs.... but I think the German Wirehair and Wirehaired pointing Griffon are supposed to be very minimal shedders. From what I've heard the German wiredhair is a pretty high power dog... a lot like the german shorthair which is also a pretty clean dog. I know the Griff's aren't supper popular but I've heard great things about them as far as being a house dog goes. A Vizsla also has a very clean coat.
 
There are so many nice breeds, that there is no reason to consider buying a mix IMO.
 
my wife once found a Brittany mix German Short haired Pointer.. had more brittany LOOK but had the GSP body...


we did consider buying that dog from a rescue. but we then decided to chose to pick a litter full blood GSP from out past GSP's mom and dad.

if had i get a chance again, I would take a Brittany/ GSP or a brittany. I would love to have both dogs. they both do the same job...
 
Hi Bridger, I do have a Brittany. I keep him trimmed except in winter when he needs his coat for warmth. But to be honest, I think most dogs shed, it is just their coats are so short it is hard to see the hair. I have had a Lab and GSP, They both shed you could see it where there were hardwood floors in my home at that time........ Bob
 
What would I ever do without this forum?!?!
I appreciate the responses. I am intersted in GWP as it seems like it might fair better in some of the colder weather we get in Colorado compared to a GSP. I do a lot of river fishing and want minimum liability as far as getting cold and being a strong swimmer...(a lab, I know) but the thought of a pointer on lock in a wheat stubble field makes me lose sleep at night.

Ultimately, I'm trying to time this right so that the pup is huntable come this Nov. I am hoping to pick him/her up in June which would doesn't leave me much time to locate/choose a breeder. I will be searching the breeder forum and other places but of course I would appreciate any suggestions.
 
isnt there a hairless dog that actually breeds?


it may not be an excellent choice but at least you wouldnt have to worry about shedding.

Every year my cat gets shaved.. hes long haired. he hates it but he does get shaved and he does feel cooler bc when hes long haired, he would lay on the kitchen floor to cool off.. but when i shave him, hes on a rug or carpet to keep warm.

heres a pic of my cat and dog. the cat was shaved and now getting to the season of fall, i leave his hair alone and let hit grow for winter time.

2323232327Ffp533773Enu3D32633E8643E.jpg
 
I know Brittany's do shed just ask me. But if you want a true versatile dog, meaning one that can retrieve from water and do ALL the upland chores. A Brittany is a good choice. In my duck hunting days in Minnesota, I have had Brit's that would break ice to do a retrieve................Bob
 
I have considered a Britt; hunted quite a bit with two of my uncle's and they are fantastic dogs. May look at the breed more seriously now. I don't really do any waterfowling here in Colorado, which is a shame. There just aren't many places for a guy who can't afford a lease or a pit.
 
I would not be afraid of any "designer breeds". I just lost my 13 year old "cock a poo" that would hunt as well as any Brittney or Springer and it only weighed in at 21 pounds. We even won a few hunting contests together.
I just completed a 4 day hunt wit a 9 month old mini-labradoodle and was more mpressed with him then the cock a poo. He's 42 pounds, sheds very little but does attract a lot of prickers and weed seeds. He does well on both upland and waterfowl and seems to love it. I know in another year he'll be as good as most any dog.
The key is to introduce them to birds as early as possible as as often as possible, Tahoe my mini labradoodle has already had 130 birds shot over him as well as 21 ducks.
If you have a wife that is not into dogs like we are and will absolutely not allow a shedding dog I would recommend either of these. The cock a poo did not shed at all and the labradoodle sheds very very little.
Hope this helps.
 
M Vandeveer said:
I would not be afraid of any "designer breeds". I just lost my 13 year old "cock a poo" that would hunt as well as any Brittney or Springer and it only weighed in at 21 pounds. We even won a few hunting contests together.
Click to expand...

always nice to hear a persons first post of a past dog that could hunt as well as any Brittany
 
I went with a GWP and couldn't be happier!!! She's coming up on 6 months and will be out in Nebraska for opening day this weekend. I can hardly wait. Thanks for all of the feedback fellas.
 
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