Labs

Actually, I don't think "Labs" are the problem at all, it is exactly as you described.

__________________
http://maysmissive.blogspot.com/

Jason is right. The very best labs I've ever met are the ones that come from small kennels that do both field and show. Really wonderful animals that show why Labs got so popular.

About the color thing, it's local. Whatever the most popular color is where you are will have the most whackos in it. Black labs set me off because one place I lived, if you saw a black lab, it was probably from one of 2 places and the temperament was horrible, aggressive and untrustworthy. But it doesn't mean all blacks ones are nasty, anymore then all yellows are spastic. And in the last 10 years, more and more people look for breeders online - which throws a whole new wrench into the gears.

I can understand how people wanting certain colors can be frustrating for breeders who are trying really hard to be colorblind. But just to flip a coin, I have, and will likely always have, some "rescue" dog - whether adopted or found or pulled out from under a shed (my current). Just some kind of dog who was in the right place at the right time.
Two have been black.
But I don't particularly like black dogs. It's not attractive to me, they really do shed more, they suffer worse in the heat - it's just not my thing. But these dogs needed me at a time I could help them, so be it.
So if I'm going to spend a couple of years researching breeders and bloodlines and shell out hundreds of dollars and pass over another waif so that I can have the exact dog I want - you are NOT giving me a black dog. It's not what I want. I want the whole package, if I just wanted a dog, fate will throw one at me soon enough. And any dog I get I will love to pieces and it will become beautiful to me. But if I've gone through all the time and trouble and expense, I want to start with what I want, not have it grow on me later.

Sorry, I've just twice been through (what I thought was) establishing a rapport with a breeder and letting them know I want a female, any color but black, getting a phone call telling me they had a black male and then them getting very offended when I said I'd wait for another litter or breeding if they felt that was the only puppy in the litter that would suit my home. It's actually why I've still never bought from a breeder, just rescue and freecycle and someone can't keep him.

__________________
A ship in the harbor may be safe, but that's not what ships are built for

I have always had Labs and must agree with poster above, these are working dogs , they need to be busy and challenged . Just because they have access to outdoors doesnt mean they are doing anything . I never had the jittery behavior described .

I don't think it is "working dogs". I've owned plenty of working dogs that had beautiful manners.

My son has working line Springer Spaniels, pedigrees solid with field trial champions, and they will lie down and be still. They obey instantly, they ride quietly in the car, they've never chewed anything up or jumped on anyone. They've got the energy to go out in the field and hunt for 10 hours straight and still be working at sundown.

The problem is with dogs who will not focus their attention on their owner and who don't care what the owner wants.

I haven't owned one, but I've know several field trial Labs with beautiful manners. They will fetch until your arm falls off and hunt birds 48 hours straight, but they won't climb on you, they don't chew up furniture, and they cheerfully do as they are told. They are focused on their owner's wishes from the day their eyes open, so it is not an age thing, either. (Although growing up does help)

We have had 3 labs. The first was great, she was from a small breeder and was trained, and VERY smart. Very crafty, sneaky girl, her name was Sly.

The next two were hunting litter mates. Both loved to run, chew, but were good dogs.

The worse dog we ever had was an Irish Wolfhound, OH MY GOODNESS, that dog was crazy, literally. Would go through walls, kennels, cars, break his teeth, split his face open. You would think 150lb dog couldn't get out of a crate, but he could. We even zip tied it closed.

My lab was from a small family kennel field and show. She passed last June 20th at 13 1/2. Best dog ever! All 12 of my grandkids played with and on her. They used her for a pillow mostly. She would find small animals and birds and bring them to me, gently carrying them in her mouth. many times she took me to a nest qwhere a baby bird had fallen out. She obeyed very well after her obedience classes and we never had an issue with her. She stayed close to me and did chores with me every morning and evening. I would take a hundred like her over and over again. Love my corgi to death but there is nothing like a Black Lab.

__________________
Trish

Seriously, I am COMPLETELY dressed!

Just keep moving...just keep moving!