My wife likes labs. Loves labs. I like labs, want a lab. However, my wife
does not like the large size of labs. If we were to get a dog that size, it
would be an outside only dog (and that is not something I would even
consider).

That being said, she asked me to ask my "dog friends" if there is anything
like a mini-lab. Not a BYB variety or something like that, but another
breed of dog that is smaller (max 20 lbs or thereabouts) and has some of
the smae characteristics as a lab.

--
Marcel and Moogli
http://mudbunny.blogspot.com/

On 13 May 2005 12:59:06 GMT, Marcel Beaudoin
wrote:



That being said, she asked me to ask my "dog friends" if there is anything
like a mini-lab. Not a BYB variety or something like that, but another
breed of dog that is smaller (max 20 lbs or thereabouts) and has some of
the smae characteristics as a lab.


Marcel - it might help if you were to detail WHAT specific
characteristics you're looking for. In other words, what "lab like"
qualities are appealing? Obviously not the size ;-D, but do you like
the coat? energy level? retrieving ability? friendliness? Labs can
be all over the map in the last 3 things, so nailing down exactly what
you like may yield some better answers.

--
Janet B
www.bestfriendsdogobedience.com
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/bestfr...bedience/album

Janet B wrote in
:

Marcel - it might help if you were to detail WHAT specific
characteristics you're looking for. In other words, what "lab like"
qualities are appealing? Obviously not the size ;-D, but do you like
the coat? energy level? retrieving ability? friendliness? Labs can
be all over the map in the last 3 things, so nailing down exactly what
you like may yield some better answers.

I should know better than to post a question like that without all the
details... Emilie was up late last night, can you tell.

From talking with Gen, here is what she like about labs: The friendliness,
gentle disposition, willingness to please. The energy level would be on the
middle-low end of the scale. The retrieving is nice, but not anything that
would make or break a decision. She loves the color of chocolate labs.

Note that this is not for anything in the near (or not-so-near future).
What with Emilie being 9 weeks on wednesday (got her shots. She was an
unhappy baby) and us wanting another child in 2 or 3 years, any new dog
will not show up until the kids are at least 6 years old.


--
Marcel and Moogli
http://mudbunny.blogspot.com/

On 13 May 2005 13:10:17 GMT, Marcel Beaudoin
wrote:


Note that this is not for anything in the near (or not-so-near future).
What with Emilie being 9 weeks on wednesday (got her shots. She was an
unhappy baby) and us wanting another child in 2 or 3 years, any new dog
will not show up until the kids are at least 6 years old.


Oh goodie - we have PLENTY of time to find a new dog! ;-D

Poor Emilie - shots are a drag. 9 weeks already - how the hell did
THAT happen?

Are you familiar with the "right dog for you" book that several of us
recommend? It's a great starting place.

So, you like active but not too active. Looking for gentle.
Chocolate coloring appealing. Happy, I-wanna-do-stuff-with-you
attitude desired.

I know you'll probably hate me for saying this, but a young adult
mixed breed (like a choc lab mixed with something else) shelter dog
who already shows those qualities, would be an exceptionally good
choice.

My Lucy is a prime example of WYSIWYG. She was almost 2, had lived
with cats, dogs and kids, and was full grown (well, a little too full
- she weighed 17# more than she does now, at 8.5!). While she's a
larger dog than you're interested in (57# currently) and not chocolate
(she's a pretty gold), she is a good example of the lovely "type" of
dog you can find at a shelter. She moved in effortlessly, is calm and
gentle and adoring, but has energy when required, and many, many
people have said "If I could have a dog just like Lucy"......

I don't have a large house or large yard. Lucy is a curl-up-in-a-ball
sleeper, taking up a really little amount of room. She can and has
put herself into a Border Terrier sized crate. Size may not be all
you think it is.....


--
Janet B
www.bestfriendsdogobedience.com
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/bestfr...bedience/album

Janet B wrote in
:

On 13 May 2005 13:10:17 GMT, Marcel Beaudoin
wrote:


Note that this is not for anything in the near (or not-so-near future).
What with Emilie being 9 weeks on wednesday (got her shots. She was an
unhappy baby) and us wanting another child in 2 or 3 years, any new dog
will not show up until the kids are at least 6 years old.


Oh goodie - we have PLENTY of time to find a new dog! ;-D

Yeah, my I want list is severely conflicting with Gen's "I can't live
with" list. However, by the time the kids are old enough to not be a
danger to dog (or vice-versa) I figure I will be able to get them
involved and on my side...

Poor Emilie - shots are a drag. 9 weeks already - how the hell did
THAT happen?

Not sure at all. It doesn't seem that long that she has been here. She is
now starting to smile and laugh. Her contented sighs (after she sneezes)
are so content and happy that all your troubles melt away.

Are you familiar with the "right dog for you" book that several of us
recommend? It's a great starting place.

Nope. I will google the archives to see what book you are talking about.

So, you like active but not too active. Looking for gentle.
Chocolate coloring appealing. Happy, I-wanna-do-stuff-with-you
attitude desired.

I know you'll probably hate me for saying this, but a young adult
mixed breed (like a choc lab mixed with something else) shelter dog
who already shows those qualities, would be an exceptionally good
choice.

Why would I hate you for that?? Going to the local Humane Society
(remember, I am in Canada, so it is not the same as the HSUS) is
definately something that will be considered. We are quite certain that
the next dog will come from there (or a breeder if we decide to get a
yorkshire terrier that we both covet).

My Lucy is a prime example of WYSIWYG. She was almost 2, had lived
with cats, dogs and kids, and was full grown (well, a little too full
- she weighed 17# more than she does now, at 8.5!). While she's a
larger dog than you're interested in (57# currently) and not chocolate
(she's a pretty gold), she is a good example of the lovely "type" of
dog you can find at a shelter. She moved in effortlessly, is calm and
gentle and adoring, but has energy when required, and many, many
people have said "If I could have a dog just like Lucy"......

I don't have a large house or large yard. Lucy is a curl-up-in-a-ball
sleeper, taking up a really little amount of room. She can and has
put herself into a Border Terrier sized crate. Size may not be all
you think it is.....

Right now, Gen is pretty focussed on size. One of her worries is the
table-clearing tail. However, once we move into a bigger house (in about
5 years), the size may be less of an issue for her. This is still all
wayyyy in the future, so there is lots of time for me to
scheme...errr...think about it.
--
Marcel and Moogli
http://mudbunny.blogspot.com/

Marcel - I know a few folks with Boykin Spaniels that are very happy
with them. Dark liver or chocolate, right size range, and the ones
I've met have been very nice (had a few as students). Have also had
some nice Field Spaniels.

--
Janet B
www.bestfriendsdogobedience.com
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/bestfr...bedience/album

Janet B wrote in
:

Marcel - I know a few folks with Boykin Spaniels that are very happy
with them. Dark liver or chocolate, right size range, and the ones
I've met have been very nice (had a few as students). Have also had
some nice Field Spaniels.

Looked at the Boykin Spaniel, and OMG, they look adorable. Will have to
remember that one. They seem pretty rare up here in Canada, couldn't find a
breeder. Foound two breed sites, the Boykin Spaniel Society and the Boykin
Spaniel Club. (and, interestingly enough, the BSS is suing the BSC over the
use of the name Boykin Spaniel). The dogs look a bit heavy, but a bitch
seems about the right weight range and seem to have (according to the
websites) the right temperment.

--
Marcel and Moogli
http://mudbunny.blogspot.com/

Marcel Beaudoin wrote in
:

Right now, Gen is pretty focussed on size. One of her worries is the
table-clearing tail. However, once we move into a bigger house (in
about 5 years), the size may be less of an issue for her. This is
still all wayyyy in the future, so there is lots of time for me to
scheme...errr...think about it.

Marcel, I know Janet has got here ahead of me, but I'm thinking one of the
spaniels could do nicely for you: many of them even have docked tails!
Clumbers are very, very, very cool dogs: They are unflappable and steady
companions. They're also a hoot at a hunt test. Boykins and Field spaniels
have the colour you're looking for.

The Boykins I've met have been little balls of fire - but adorable and
wonderful dogs.

Proceed with extreme caution before contemplating an ESS.

--
Kate
and Storm the FCR
arfenarf at hotmail dot com

KWBrown wrote in
. 4:

Marcel Beaudoin wrote in
:

Right now, Gen is pretty focussed on size. One of her worries is the
table-clearing tail. However, once we move into a bigger house (in
about 5 years), the size may be less of an issue for her. This is
still all wayyyy in the future, so there is lots of time for me to
scheme...errr...think about it.

Marcel, I know Janet has got here ahead of me, but I'm thinking one of
the spaniels could do nicely for you: many of them even have docked
tails! Clumbers are very, very, very cool dogs: They are unflappable
and steady companions. They're also a hoot at a hunt test.

I checked out the Clumber, and right now, the weight disqualifies them. at
50+ lbs, they are about twice what Gen is willing to accept at the moment.
(However, 6-8 years down the road, that may change)

Boykins
and Field spaniels have the colour you're looking for.

The Boykins I've met have been little balls of fire - but adorable and
wonderful dogs.

The pictures I have seen of Boykin Spaniels make them look adorable. As for
being balls of fire, do you mean energy-wise? Comparable to a terrier
energy level? Or are you talking more along the lines of temperment and
"attitude"

Proceed with extreme caution before contemplating an ESS.

Why? I have this fuzzy idea you are talking about a rage or something like
that that may pop up, but I am not certain.

--
Marcel and Moogli
http://mudbunny.blogspot.com/

Marcel Beaudoin wrote:


Right now, Gen is pretty focussed on size. One of her worries is the
table-clearing tail.

Between the two big dogs, we haven't had a single table cleared by them.
Curving over the butt tail is good for that, as is a waggy tail that
is low to the ground.

Suja