Thread: Are Labradors good at finding Large Game?

Originally Posted by Flyblown

Watching this thread with interest as it is of current relevance to us.

Have read heaps of hunting dogs threads on this forum so far and picked up some really really good tips re breeds. I am also leaning towards the Black Labrador as a good all-rounder. As an owner of fully documented pedigree dogs over the years (Staffords, Rottweilers) we have been very careful and very lucky to avoid any of the inherent genetic weaknesses that some of the breeds are prone to.

My question to the experienced owners here is are there any merits to this view put to me recently by a hunting mate? He will only go with crossbreeds, careful crosses of dogs with specific characteristics. He wants hybrid vigour and minimum risk of dysplasia or other hereditary problems. I know nothing of Labrador genetics here but my mate is convinced it's risky going with pedigree dogs from well-known kennels. I remember someone on here recently had to take a juvenile Lab back after it was diagnosed with something hereditary?

There have been some Lab crosses on the Dogs page, has anyone deliberately crossed a Lab to improve genetics, both in terms of health and hunting skills?

@Flyblown The idea that cross breeds are the magic cure to health problems is a myth. If you cross a labrador with genetic hip dysplasia with a pointer that has a genetic eye condition then the crossbred pups will inherit those genetic issues.. It’s about doing your homework before you purchase a pup or dog and obtaining medical proof that the parents are healthy and issue free. Dogs with health issues are a case of breeding poor genetics as opposed to a purebred vs crossbred argument.