you know IMO AKC has ruened good sporting breeds breeding them for the show ring. They, to often, are bred for the breed standards instead of hunting ability. Don't get me wrong breed standards are good. But good in the show ring doesn't translate to good in the field. On the same note I think that If you are gong to get a dog like a lab you have to make sure you are buying from a hunting breeder as may breeders breed labs primarly for house pets and don't care about breeding hunting ability.