Labrador or springer spaniel???

bernesemad

One thing that hasnt been mentioned on here which I have found to be a very useful training aid is a puppy pen.
I am now on my second springer, my 1st 11 years ago was allowed to roam free as a pup and literally destroyed the house over the first two years.I was advised by a dog behaviourist to buy a puppy pen for my next springer and it has been the best investment ever!!
The pup,who is now 11 months old, loves his "home" and wanders in and out when he pleases.He was enclosed in there overnight and at times through the day if we were out,this gave us peace of mind that he wasnt able to get up to any mischief around the house and also helped to toilet train him quicker.
We soon noticed that when he was teething,he only chewed his own possessions,things that were in his "house" and still to this day, his pen is still there with the door open,but he is now left to roam the house and hasnt chewed a single thing in the house.

As for Lab or Springer- What about a King Charles or Cocker? Just a thought?

Strapped

Lab, lab, lab!!! (Not that I'm biased or anything). Grew up with them, they are so gentle and loving and good around children. They train up well too. Good advice re. the hip scores, and seeing both parents if pos.

gromit_2

We had a springer for 10 years, called gromit! She was fantastic, excellent with kids, very intelligent. Not needing too much grooming. Extremely loyal, with each of my 3 pregnancies she had phantom pregnancies, producing milk when they were born! Sadly she died and I swore I wouldn't get another dog but I looked on labrador rescue website and ended up with a choc lab,Sally she's not as intelligent or acts as if not. Needs regular brushing but not hair clipping. Shes ace with the kids, a bit bigger than gromit was though, she eats everything in sight so dont leave food about!Both breeds need the same amount of exercise really, both excellent family dogs,both easy to train. I think both me and my husband prefer springers tho.

Jummy wrote: »

Hi!
We have decided we are ready to have a puppy join our family.
I want a lab,hubby wants a springer spaniel.
He is reluctant to get a lab because he says it will grow too big for our house/car (citroen c4).
I dont think there is much in it sizewise between the 2 dogs or am i wrong?
I have done lots of research on labs but not really looked into springer spaniels yet.
Do spaniels need lots of grooming?
We live in a 3 bed terrace with a medium size secure garden and we have 2 kids 10 and 9 yrs.
There are lots of woods/parks nearby so lots of exercise will be given and i am at home all day so the dog will be left alone very rarely.
I had my heart set on a lab and I'm now not sure what to get.
Any ideas welcomed.
Thanks:D

clairey_em

I'd say Lab definitely!! Just make sure you do the checks as have been mentioned, hip/ elbow scores and eye tests of the parents, and if possible get the pup from a recommended breeder and def not from an ad in the paper! Do lots of research first. Don't be put off by people's generalisations, our choc lab had a very laid back disposition and was extremely intelligent and loving. Also, make sure you get a very comprehensive insurance cover, that is unlimited, any animal vet fees and ops are very very expensive, this is regardless of breed!

Labs are fantastic dogs and getting one was the best thing we've ever done, so good luck!

clairey em x x

GarethK

Another vote for a Labrador! I grew up with a yellow lab, there is no better family pet IMO, they seem to vary in personality between colours, chocolates are definatly dopey and more likely to put on weight than blacks and yellows. I have a black labrador who is 2 years old, no sign of calming down yet! Dont forget that not all labs are the same size, there is quit a big difference depending on what they have been bred for, the field/gundog type tend to be less stocky, longer in the leg, the other type bred for looks have broader heads, shorter in the leg and tend to be heavier.

As an example, my black lab weighs at the bottom end of the range at 28kg which is great for me because i can pick him up and throw him about , our yellow lab (no longer with us sadly) had a steady weight throughout his life at 32kg and was the perfect size, in contrast my parents choc weighs nearly 40kg yet is no taller than my black lab, he is like a barrel on legs!

Take your time when finding one, see the mother and the father if possible, you will never regret getting a lab as long as they are properly trained as they can be quite head-strong, get that clear from day one!

Jummy

Thanks for your replies:D
The decision has been made............we are getting a LABRADOR!!!!!
We have even convinced DD and she is so excited.
We have been dogsitting the neighbours king charles spaniel in our house regularly and our autistic son is really coming along with the idea of having a dog as well.
My son thinks that animals talk so he loves talking to it which is fantastic.
We are waiting till the New Year before we even start looking as Xmas is on its way and my dear dad has terminal lung cancer and i am reluctant to get a dog till my frame of mind is better IYSWIM.
I think having a dog will also be a help to me when my dad goes so i can keep occupied.
I'll let you know when we choose our dog.

west_is_best

Lab for sure. I have 3 and they are absolutely adorable. When I lie on the floor at nights watching TV, I use one as a pillow and the other 2 cuddle in each side to me.... we just love them

As for hip score, I discussed this with my vet last year because I wanted to give my little babies a couple of litters each (to cool them down), even if the parents are hip-scored, it doesnt mean the puppies will be clear.... and vice-a-versa... I have since then contacted 3 other vets regarding this, and all have said exactly the same. Hip-scoring doesnt prove anything.
What they did point out was, if you see the puppies, Mother laying flat on her tummy and legs out behind them, it shows they have a good strong hip posture.

Another thing I would advise, be carefull where you buy your puppy. I come from a puppy farming area, so I hear all the tricks and the way these people work. Lots of these puppies are being sold to kennels where they are being sold on as their own... Im not saying all kennels take on puppies from puppy farmer's, all Im saying is be very carefull. You are better off buying from a loving home... Trust me.

I hope this helps xxxx

Charisma

Hi. Ultimately you will fall in love with whichever you see first, whether it is a lab (think Andrex pup) or a springer. I can only echo what others have said re exercise. We have two labs - one 2 years and one 7 months - and wouldn't swap them for anything. Having said that, they can be destructive if bored and do need a daily walk and a swim if possible.

They are the most wonderful dogs - very loyal and loving. I think you ought do as much research as you can about the two breeds and make a list of pros and cons (don't you just love lists?).

However, I challenge you to visit a pup with a view to buying and walk away without it......

Good luck choosing,
Charisma.

lil_me

Do you want the ultimate compromise, this is Luke, he's a labrador and springer cross!!! His Mam was a black labrador, his Dad was a brown and white spaniel and this is how he turned out.


Only kidding, he's mine and even if he's chaos I wouldn't be able to part with him. He was only 6 months old then, was the day we went to get him as he was going to be PTS, doesn't look much different now.

He has the appetite of a labrador and the energy/bounce of a springer! He can run for miles, he doesn't get tired out, ever, he loves water, he eats like a pig, steals anything he can like socks etc, and boy can he jump! Clears 8ft fences without a problem.

dorry_2

t's gotta be the lab for sure. we got our black lab pedigree, megan, 5 years ago and she is fab:j She is safe around children and the most adorable loyal friend you could ever want. she sleeps at the foot of my bed and is an excellent guard dog, boy can she bark loud, if anyone comes near the house that should not be there!!! She makes you feel very secure and is totally our best friend.

She guards the house while at work and when you arrive home she brings you a cushion and gives you a great welcome.

The puppy lab will be quick to learn and won't take long to train and your heart will melt when she choses you:A I would go for a girl, as meg's brother digger tried to dig the garden up!! Girl dogs are so sweet and soon will become your best friend :T