More Questions about Brittany vs. Lab

Debating on which breed I should go with...

How much does the Brittany shed as opposed to the lab?

I want to do some agility stuff w/ my dogs, is the Brittany a faster dog for it's height class as opposed to the lab?

I want to hunt with them... We already addressed that.

I want them to water retrieve, the lab is obviously better in that but by how much?

Basically which dog is better for doing just about everything you can do with your dog w/ the exception of herding trials? Or are they both the same.

Thx in advance.

I've know Brittanys that are calm....Brittany's that are hyper.. Labs that are calm...Labs that are hyper. Don't know of Brittany's shedding, but one granddog lab sheds more than my golden....the other less than my Golden. What you do with either breed will be what you put into them. You get no guarantee with either breed. Depends on breeder and you . That's why you get what you see at shelters or rescue.

I know a Brittany that sheds just as much if nott more than a Lab! I think it really depends on how much room you have! If you have a big house and are looking for an all round family dog I would suggest a Lab. They are friendly, quite easily trained with the aid of food, they normally love water! Although I don't know too many Labs that do agility. Maybe you are asking too much from this dog!! They are after all dogs not performing seals!

I've got a question for Lab owners.(breeders). Is there a difference in the personality between the colors ? Most yellow labs I've know are quite calm...some black ones hyper and the chocolates very hyper. Just wondering.

I will have to chime in, here. I think bubbatd has gotten her info from "personal" experience. I think the whole lab thing, coming in three different colors thus having different personality traits, is a myth. I've known really hyper and really calm labs in black/yellow/chocolate. Could goldens have the same thing going? E.g. are the lighter ones more hyper? Are the red ones more sedate? I think it ALL has to do with genetics (and upbringing, of course!). But, to add to her post, I read somewhere (can't remember where, sorry!) that chocolates were kind of a freak of nature. That originally labs were bred to be black or yellow and somewhere chocolates came out when the genes crossed just right. And those dogs weren't as "superior" as the yellows and blacks (mentally). Has anyone heard this? I just babysat a chocolate for a week for a friend and she seemed very smart and was fine (hyper, but fine). But just wondered if anyone else has some history to this color thing with labs?? It would be very interesting to hear! You could apply this to many breeds. Poodles, etc.

As to Golden Retrievers.... The original golden were honey colored ...now you have the very light ( judges like them ) to the very dark. In breeding, I learned that most of the darker goldens were from utility bred goldens (obedience or field dogs) and were more hyper only because of needed speed animation for show purposes. I you go to a Golden Retriever show, you'll see the majority of the lighter goldens place 1,2,3, and in obedience/ field work usually don't place as high. Love them all!

Agility, hunting, retrieving................oh my

Are you sure you aren't looking for a working robot? ...please just don't overwork the poor dog...whichever one you decide to go with...

Just like English Springer Spaniels, Show dogs are larger, longer legged and have finer features where as the working dogs are samller, stockier and Gutzier looking!! I can tell instantly a working dog from a show dog and they are the same breed!!

No. Labs are known to be very hyper as puppies, though some are very calm. I have a Chocolate and she is a very calm, sweet, loving dog.

Labs are obviously wonderful retrievers, but it does require training.

Labs shed A LOT. In the summer, I swear I could fill a garbage bag with May's fur.

Labs are pretty fast dogs, especially when they need to be.

Have you decided yet ??

re

Yep I have decided and I'm going with the Brittany. No offence to the Lab but the Brit just suits me better IMO. Thx every1.

Glad you decided !!! Take your time now as to where, how and when !!

Gus's Girlfriend is A Brittany! She's very cute! Well done you, for asking questions! If you don't ask you'll never know!!

The reason they say that chocolates are inferior is that some breeders who breed specifically for that color are focused on color too much and are letting some of the more important traits slide. I have known several chocolates, my own included who were wonderful, calm dogs. My Bonnie was calm, even as a puppy, very obedient and easy to train. She had a terribly sweet, friendly disposition. She was short and stocky, strong, but not overly bulky. My Dad hunted with a friend who had a chocolate and she was exceptionally good at hunting and also calm, but yet exuberant enough to do a good job. Labs should definitely not be hyper, but some exuberance and enthusiasm is a good thing.

The Lab has a thick, double coat and they do shed. They're sturdy and strong and not the most agile of dogs. They're built for busting through brush and are beautiful swimmers and one of very few retrievers who can stand frigid waters. They make all around terrific hunting dogs, upland and water, as well as super family pets. They do need to be with their family if you want a loyal, willing partner, IMO, not stuck out in some kennel in the back yard.