I have had labrador retrievers all my life and am now breeding for nothing BUT working labs. As a former police officer I have had labs trained for narcotics dogs, search and rescue, federal and state level. So many in my area are trying to put out show dogs that look nice but don' t necessarily have the ability to do anything but look nice! In my honest opinion start by buying from an excellent field line breeder that is also checking hips, eyes (in the case of labs) or other medical problems that other breeds may have. Research a breed before you buy a pup and then put time and love into that pup. I guess I am getting a little off the subject.... But honestly for a good all around dog that can hunt, be a calm, great disposition companion, you cannot beat a lab. OF course I am bias now aren' t I? LOL However any of the sporting dogs, given the correct training and coming from a field line background, with proven abilities, can be a terrific hunter. Just depends on what you' re looking for and what you' re hunting.