I have 2 pointing labs and 2 english setters. I always use one of each when I guide. I was very surprised the first time I saw a pointing lab. The guy who owns the gamebird farm I guide at has one that was 2 when I started guiding for him. After hunting with that dog on a few hunts, I knew I had to have one. My labs are an excellent all-around dog. (so were my shorthairs) They are easy to train, very affectionate, and want to please their master. They don't have the noses of a true pointing dog, but have never missed a point or retrieve either.