tailcrakin,

I used to hunt with a guy who had a chocolate lab out of a fathe who was a PL. He NEVER encouraged the dog to point, in fact, since he ran UKC, the dog had to flush.

The lab still pointed, and pointed HARD.

After viewing this, I believe it is genetic in some labs. I also think that some from pointing stock do NOT have any instinct to point, but can have it trained into them, and I think this happens more than you think, but since guys are paying two grand for some of these dogs, no one wants to admit that the dog had no genetic predisposition.

I do not find it hard to believe. Look at the wire haired breeds. LOTS of varaition within a litter sometimes, and two wooly buggers can throw a slick pup.

I do not believe they have the genes locked in well enough yet.