As an ex-Chessie owner who now has a Lab, I agree with everyone here. Gat a Lab. I had Chessies for years, and fought with them for years, trying to get them to do things my way instead of their way. No doubt they are fantastic water dogs, but they are SO HARDHEADED!! Two years ago I finally gave in and got a Lab. What a difference!!! He's so good to work with, I kick myself every time I think of all those years I spent being frustrated and angry at my Chessies!

As far as color, I'd say don't get hung up on a color, get hung up on quality, traits and characteristics of the parents. If my years of experience are any guide, you'll be happier with a good black or yellow than a bad chocolate. So don't be hung up on color, or you may find yourself having compromised quality for color, kind of like buying a Ferrari to take hunting in fields. Pretty but not practical.