Pointing Lab Popularity

M

metz

New member
I was heavily into bird dogs about 10-15 years ago. Ended up getting a GSP after a bunch of research.

Haven't looked into it much since then.

Seems like they were gaining in popularity quickly around the time I bought my GSP.

I'm curious has the interest in the Pointing Labrador gone down some or never really taken off?

Just surprised there are only 3 APLA clubs and not really that many training videos and books just for the PL.

I've been out of the game a while, but was just surprised that there isn't more PL activity.

Thanks, Matt
 
I think the popularity is growing but I may be a little biased. I am a board member for the Rocky Mountain Pointing Lab club and we have seen our numbers grow over the last couple years. I think the popularity is stronger here in Colorado because of the strength of our club and the strong breeders and trainers that are in the area. Our club is blessed to have the past and present APLA president from our local club as well as having Julie Knudson as part of our club. I know the NW pointing lab club is also very strong and has some very passionate people involved. :10sign:
 
As someone looking for a pup this coming Spring, I began by considering GSP's and Pointing Labs.

I have always viewed a Lab as a watefowl dog and a GSP as an upland dog. I really like both and the GSP was in the lead. But, my heart has always been with a Lab.

After viewing videos online of Pointing Labs in the field, after considering the 2 other dogs in our home (Siberian Huskies) and after becoming aware of just how good a Lab can be in the Pheasant fields, I believe I will be getting a Pointing Lab. Now, if we still lived in Arizona, where Quail rule, I would be getting a GSP.

Right now, my intent is to get a Lab. Now, to find some good lines in either Wisconsin, Minnesota or Iowa!
 
just my thoughts only, labs were not bred to be pointers or labra-doodles.
this is the most cross bred, breed abused dog on the planet...still labs that are bred as pure retrievers still exist........if you want a pointing dog, breeding to a gene in a retriever will always be a compromise, good luck.
 
My two cents...

Nephew, based in Dallas has a pointing lab - has had two of them, latest from a breeder in Arkansas. he hunts only pheasants.

The dog points some of the time, not always, especially when a rooster is on the move. My Golden Ret. points, but only when the bird isn't moving.

I think you can train any dog to point - it's fairly simple, just takes a bit of time and lots of birds.
 
Versatile Dog

I can't speak to the popularity increase or decrease but I would say that the ever growing popularity of the versatile/European/NAVHDA trained dogs in the last 10 years has given those looking for the combo platter some more options. We can all debate forever what is better but people are definitely more aware of all the choices out there when it comes to picking out a dog.

I also don't know if this means they have increased popularity but when I look for hunting Lab breeders it seems my search is filled with pointing labs which to be honest isn't what I'm looking for. I guess I'm old school because I like a dog to attack those sneaky birds with a reckless abandon:)
 
TheMorningRise said:
As someone looking for a pup this coming Spring, I began by considering GSP's and Pointing Labs.

I have always viewed a Lab as a watefowl dog and a GSP as an upland dog. I really like both and the GSP was in the lead. But, my heart has always been with a Lab.

After viewing videos online of Pointing Labs in the field, after considering the 2 other dogs in our home (Siberian Huskies) and after becoming aware of just how good a Lab can be in the Pheasant fields, I believe I will be getting a Pointing Lab. Now, if we still lived in Arizona, where Quail rule, I would be getting a GSP.

Right now, my intent is to get a Lab. Now, to find some good lines in either Wisconsin, Minnesota or Iowa!
Click to expand...
Why not have both? www.wesslpointer.com
 
My yellow lab ended up being a pointer. She was a full 1 year old during her first pheasant season.
I had no clue if she came from a line of pointing labs or not. Owners of mother had never hunted the mother. It was the neighbors sire that accidentally bred. I never saw the sire.
However, that first year, I hunted her with my brothers 3 y/o GSP and my dad's 5 y/o weimaraner.
So, unsure exactly how she did but she does solid points. Windier days she'll have a lot of false points I noticed but kicks up the bird accidentally.
This video shows a couple points like that but goes on the move and bird flushes.
She runs about 52/53 pounds no matter what but is probably just under that now after hunting solid 6 or 7 days in the past 12 days or so. 10 years old now. I wish I could have gotten her bred but she never allowed it to happen. Sires gave up on trying to chase her.
Easily the most perfect hunting dog (all around) I've hunted over and home life with kids.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyW6WalnM04&feature=youtu.be
 
TheMorningRise said:
As someone looking for a pup this coming Spring, I began by considering GSP's and Pointing Labs.

I have always viewed a Lab as a watefowl dog and a GSP as an upland dog. I really like both and the GSP was in the lead. But, my heart has always been with a Lab.

After viewing videos online of Pointing Labs in the field, after considering the 2 other dogs in our home (Siberian Huskies) and after becoming aware of just how good a Lab can be in the Pheasant fields, I believe I will be getting a Pointing Lab. Now, if we still lived in Arizona, where Quail rule, I would be getting a GSP.

Right now, my intent is to get a Lab. Now, to find some good lines in either Wisconsin, Minnesota or Iowa!
Click to expand...

My last dog was a pointing lab out of Hunters point kennel. They were in Indiana but were bought out and are now located in Iowa. Might want to check em out. That dog was hell on Pheasants- but I hunted and killed woodcock, grouse, ducks and geese over him. He was an awesome house dog and a fabulous hunter!!!
 
I see I'm a little late here but Pointing Labs are getting popular in the N.W. Tiger Mtn Pointing Labs in Ellensburg Washington puts out some amazing dogs.
 
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