DuckSouth.com

Well, I may be getting a new lab puppy in the next few months and have been looking at different kennels which led me to the American and British breeds of labs. From what I have read about the British breeding is that they breed dogs that have the desired traits that they are looking for in a dog such as being easy to train, natural delivery to hand, etc. I have noticed on several of the websites of kennels that sale British labs that a lot of them to tend to be on the heavier side, not all but some. I have seen some that are just the same size as the American breed too. I really like the British breeding method. So, I am looking for some input on this subject as to the pros and cons of the British or American breed of lab. I would love to hear of anyone that has a British lab and their opinion.

Thanks

Please use the search function. This has been debated and debated and .......

I have a british dog and I really like her.

I have a british and an american and they fit to a tea the differences that you hear about.
My British lab is calm, very easy going and well mannered. My american is an idiot!!

Not sure if its just these paticular dogs or if its the actual british vs american breed???

I have 2 British labs and I think they are great. In a hunting scenario they perform just as well as any dog. When ever this is brought up there are always people that strongly believe one type is better than the other. It is more of a personal preference than anything. The best thing for you to do is go to the kennels and watch some dogs work and determine what your needs are.

I have a HRCH/MH that "happens" to be from british FT lines, as does B3 and a couple other folks that lurk but don't post on this board. I would not trade mine for the world. But I also would not get hung up on "british" or "american." Smart folks pick a LITTER based on the performance characteristics of the PARENTS, and don't pay much attention to the marketing lables. Avoid "brood bitch" litters from non-hunted females, and demand clearances for gentic health issues. If you want a jam up british dog without going to England, call Tom Hamilton at brackenfen.com. There are also awesome US litters advertised here, and on RTF that would meet your needs as well. Good luck finding a puppy!

Anyone know how much Tom Hamilton charges for puppies at brakenfen?

I have had labs all my life. I finally broke down and went the British route last year. I can't be happier. Got my pup at WildWind British Labs in Nebraska. Small kennel with quality bloodlines.

Thank you Lord for this very day............amen.

AMEN and AMEN !!

And the colored girl sings: doo daa doo ......

Does anyone have any preference on Brackenfen vs. Duckhill Kennel? Both seem to be top of the line british kennels and i was wondereing any personal preferences or experiences with each. Thanks guys.

This is my dog. HRCH Ellie Mae of Bracken Fen MH. She qualified for the MN last year, should this year as well. She is very well known to the HT guys on this forum. I am sure if you ask them privately, they can give you an unvarnished run down of her strengths and weaknesses. She has picked up literally thousands of ducks in the blind, but no where close to what Pat Pitt's dogs have done. I would buy another dog from Tom Hamilton, especially if Tommy or Thor were the sire, depending on the bitch. Tom is a good friend and has actual "UK" credentials. He is an excellent trainer who chooses the "amish" style, has trained HRCH dogs, and runs a nice, limited breeding program. If there are any titled Duckhill dogs, I am not aware of them, and have never seen one at a test or trial. If I were limiting myself to just "british dogs" for a new puppy, and did not buy from Tom Hamilton, I would look at Haynes Floyds' TT kennels for a Spud or Sweep pup. I am probably going to breed HRCH Ellie Mae MH to HRCH (500) UH Spud MH this year, he is a really nice dog.