I am looking at getting a pointing lab. I have heard good things about Alma Bottom kennels in Wisconsin. Does anyone have any experience? Also, how about Sauk River Kennels in Osakis, Minnesota?

Probably the best way to get lots of info about these kennels is to go to www.pointinglabs.com - then enter the Talk Forums - then so a 'search' using the kennel names you are interested in - there should be quite a few threads come up.

Codydawg: Why are you looking for a pointing lab? Pretty expensive to say the least. The great Bill West(dog trainer) takes normal labs and teaches them to point. When they breed pointing labs they are breeding certain things into and out. If you want a dog that points you should buy a pointing dog. If you want a retriever than buy a retriving breed. I have not seen too many pointing labs that I would feed!

1. Why not?

2. Incorrect, my friend -- Bill teaches them to "stand game" -- HUGE difference between pointing and standing game.

3. Please tell me what has been bred out? My PL got his first RETRIEVER Title at 16 months of age and his next title exactly one year later. He now has his Master Hunting Retriever Title.

4. And if a person wants ONE dog that does both, you have 3 choices -- GWP, DD or PL.

5. Then you haven't seen any decent ones. [8D]

Doc:

I guess we will agree to disagree. Are you trying to sell me on the notion that they are of the same quality as an English pointer at doing a Pointing Dog's game? As for the breeding, yes they do breed for the point at the expense of the retrieve as I am told by pointing lab guys in my area.

1. Did I say that? Please show me where.

2. Please have them email me so that I can verify your statement (I have never had a PL person tell me that). PLs are winning ribbons and getting titles (in the RETRIEVER Games) at the same rate as Flushing Labs.

Doc:

You know and I know that PL's have been argued over on many web sites. The PL guys will tell you how great their dogs are etc........ bottom line is that many pointing labs are around $1,000 or more in my neck of the woods. How much are they from Alma Bottom for example. I may be wrong on this one, but I believe that the AKC does not recognize the PL as a separate breed. Is that correct? I thought you inferred that the PL was as good as a pointer on that game. I still believe if you want a dog that can do it all and pheasant is your game, the Springer is the finest all around dog a person can find. With that said, I own English Setters for I want a dog that can truly cover area. We just have a different opinion of the PL.

Doc: Congrats on the ribbons! Is he a master hunter?

Why do I want a PL? That is a good question. Hard to answer however. I have a 13.5 year old Brittany that is the best dog I will ever own. However, I do not like how Brits like to roam. Let'em out and they always like to do their own thing (just around the house, in the summer, etc.). I hunt Minnesota, and there is some mighty thick stuff that a bigger dog may be advantageous for as well-although I would like a small lab. I don't like Wirehairs or GSPs at all. I really want a pointing dog, thus Springers are out. I like the tempermant of a lab as well. So, I have gravitated toward the PL. I know there are some other breeds out there, but I have read a little on most of them at least and I keep coming back to the PL.

Will it be the end of the world if it doesnt point? No, but I surely do like it. I also like their retrieving ability.....although hunting with my cousin's lab I have learned that not having your dog bring back your bird to you does have its advantages.....you don't usually have to carry it!!

I am looking to get a dog in the spring, so am starting the process now.

I do love my Brittany though, man, what a heart.

Doc E
Allow me to show my ignorance, perhaps you can cure me. DD???

Codydawg-
Best of luck with your endeavors. I know some brothers here in KY who owned PL's, not sure where they got them, but I'll ask. Anyway the one brother picked up a GSP this year, wasn't too impressed with his PL apparently. Why are you against the GSP? Same reason that folks who run GSP don't usually like BRITS?