thinking about a new dog

[Triple 7]

Alright so over the weekend we discussed if we are ready to have a dog. I had a lab about 5 years ago that we loved but one day I walked out and he was dead. Never was told exactly what happened and it tore me apart. I have three boys and we are a busy family but they need to grow up with a dog the same way that I did. I have been looking at the Drathaar's but it seems like its impossible to find anyone with a litter. My wife wants to get a rescue dog (Lab or Golden Retriever) but im worried about what we would end up with. I want to have a good dog to duck hunt with and I would like to train it to do some blood tracking. We have a decent sized back yard that is fenced. I'm opened to suggestions if you have one.

[Brett A]

Duck Hunt... I would get another lab. They are hard to beat in cold water. They also are very good family dogs.

[Jonathan Brady]

You seem more like a cat person or maybe an imaginary friend!!!!!!!

[Colton]

Sounds like you want another lab, but good luck finding one to adopt

[Triple 7]

You seem more like a cat person or maybe an imaginary friend!!!!!!!

as long as its a hairless cat im good

[Mary]

Check out the Boykin Spaniel....GREAT family dog and hunting companion. I've got such terrible puppy fever that I have been cruising through looking at Boykin puppies for myself

[krtnorris]

GSP for me

[Aggiehuntress]

Have fun finding that perfect companion for you and your family... we have a lab right now and he is the best dog I have ever had next to the kelpie cross.

[Hunter Dan]

Adopting a dog is not a bad option as long as you go to a good place and not the city pound. I am adopting a boxer from a boxer only rescue and they do their homework on the dogs and the person adopting them. I want to do this because boxers are very energetic as puppies and I want mine to be past that and to be already house trained. The rescue will also already know what age kids they are good with and if they are good with other dogs.

[Triple 7]

Check out the Boykin Spaniel....GREAT family dog and hunting companion. I've got such terrible puppy fever that I have been cruising through looking at Boykin puppies for myself

Wow, those are cool looking dogs. Have you found any?

[Timemachine]

When my wife & I lost my 15 year old Coyote dog in May, we quickly jumped in again. We have 2 4month old Golden Retrievers now. My 12 year old son loves them as do my wife and I. Goldens are rated as highly as Labs when it comes to Waterfowl dog and house pet. Bred in 1819 by crossing a fair colored Flatcoat Retriever and the now extinct Tweed Water Spanial, they are excellent at both task. They have a waterproof under fur and can handle cold weather quite well. They do do not shed as badly as a lab. Life expectancy is 13-15 years. Whether you go with another Lab or Golden...you can't go wrong.

They play well with my 10 year old Aussie but my 13-1/2 year old Dalmation want nothing to do with the little bastages.

[CastAndBlast]

I have always had labs, and will always have labs. However, I did hunt with a couple of Drathaars a few times in NE and all I can say is WOW. They are some great dogs! A lot of it has to do with the training, but these dogs were tough, birdy, and had some insane drive.

[Mary]

Wow, those are cool looking dogs. Have you found any?

They are cool dogs! I used to have one and he was the best (obsessed) hunter/family dog. He was a spoiled rotten house dog too

I have heard Texas Trace has puppies coming. Trickyolgus got one of his from there. My old breeder is in Mississippi (madisonboykins.com). I'm not sure if he has pups yet....but he would definitely know where there are some.

I am trying to decide right now whether to go ahead and get one while in my apartment, or wait until I move to a house after my lease. Either way...there is a Boykin in my future!

[Timemachine]

I have always had labs, and will always have labs. However, I did hunt with a couple of Drathaars a few times in NE and all I can say is WOW. They are some great dogs! A lot of it has to do with the training, but these dogs were tough, birdy, and had some insane drive.

Roger That. I have 2 friends that hunt with these. They are great waterfowlers but are also trained as blood trailing dogs. Kind cool to watch them track down a wounded or dead deer in the thick.

[M.E.B.]

I had a Golden Retriever Yellow Lab mix. Great dog.