Question:
I am interested in getting a large, purebred dog that is intelligent, affectionate, good around children and easy to care for. I've done a lot of research, gone to dog shows, and my cousin seems to have the answer -- he's got an American field-trial yellow Lab who is very healthy but looks nothing like the "chunky" show-type Labrador retrievers many of my friends have.
M.C., Arlington, Va Mar 07, 2004
Answer:
Many purebreds with American Kennel Club (AKC) "papers" are either show stock or come from puppy mills, and, while usually affectionate, aren't always very bright or of a healthy constitution. So you need to find a breeding kennel that has preserved some of the intelligence and physique of the working or hunting breeds (like the Labrador) you are looking for; such dogs may not even be registered with the AKC. Some American field Labradors don't look a bit like the show-dog standard.The important question is whether your lifestyle fits with the kind of active, outdoor life that you will need to provide for the kind of dog you want. I'm all for preserving the original working and hunting breeds rather than turning them into show-ring zombies and home-decor, but that means providing the right environment and training. Maybe you would be better off with a less-active, more easygoing mixed breed like a "labradoodle" -- a Labrador-standard Poodle crossbreed that, because of hybrid vigor, is healthier than either o
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