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Original poster

Anyone got a Chocolate Lab or a Boxer?

46 replies

SpringChicken · 22/09/2004 15:57

Have decided i am going to buy DP a dog for his birthday as we have been going on and on about getting one for ages. Now seems like the perfect time as i am off on maternity leave and will be around alot of the time.

I have narrowed it down to either a boxer or chocolate lab but would be interested to hear what people who have one think - i.e. not sure how they are around babies, how they will be when DD gets a bit older and starts pulling tails etc.

Any advise?

OP posts:

Angeliz · 23/09/2004 12:49

The thing is though Springchicken, ANY dog can turn, it's a chance you take. I suppose the boxer is a big one to handle.

Hope you have fun searching.

secur · 23/09/2004 12:51

Message withdrawn

nutcracker · 23/09/2004 12:56

I would love a choccie lab but my dad has said they are really daft. I feel that would fit in very well with us though

Anyone know where i can find a breeder of them ???

Sorry Springchicken, didn't mean to hijack

Original poster

SpringChicken · 23/09/2004 12:58

Good Point - Looks like i've got my work cut out then! !

OP posts:

secur · 23/09/2004 12:59

Message withdrawn

Original poster

SpringChicken · 23/09/2004 13:01

Will let you know if i come accross any Nutty

OP posts:

fruitful · 23/09/2004 13:25

Started to read this thread title and thought that I'd love to have my own private chocolate laboratory...

hatter · 23/09/2004 19:20

has to be said dh's choc lab ate any sort of poo going (had forgotten about that). The plus side was no-one needed to clear out the cat litter tray. She was totally gorgeous dog though and I would dispute that she was thick. but I guess you don;t see too many chocolate guide dogs do you. I Guess I'd go for a yellow lab personally

scotlou · 24/09/2004 11:07

Springchicken, didn't mean to put you off boxers -I still love them and would have one if my dh would let me. Think the problem with any breed is the breeder! Many pedigree dogs seem to be prone to various ailments that are caused (in my opinion!!) by over breeding. same goes for problems in behaviour. Check the breeder out carefully, and ask to speak to people who have bought dogs from them. My parents last 2 dogs came from 2 very different breeders. The breeder of the boxer kept the pups outside in kennels, and our dog was very nervous at first. The poodle on the other hand came from a breeder whe kept tehm in the house - and she was very sociable!

MarmaladeSun · 24/09/2004 11:49

Hi Springchicken, nice to see you again . Ok, here's my contribution. I have 2 labradors...a black lab and a chocolate lab. Both are still puppies, although you wouldn't think it to look at them. We got them both before the baby was born, and there have been no problems at all. I have to agree that choc labs are stoooopid, but that is an endearing quality in my eyes. They have a lovely temperament though. Labs would do just about anything to please their owner and they are SO easy to train . Although I would never leave the baby in a room alone with ANY dog, I have no fear of either of the dogs harming any of the kids...it's just not in their nature IYSWIM. Labs also don't need too much exercise in their first year as they can suffer hip problems, so short walks are the order of the day (wise words from the vet, not just an excuse to not walk them lol). I wouldn't be without either of them, even though they drive me bonkers sometimes. HTH

CountessDracula · 24/09/2004 11:53

springchicken have you considered a Rhodesian Ridgeback?

We have one, she is the sweetest most docile dog there is! very similar in looks to a boxer but with more of a labrador's head IYKWIM, very expressive wrinky faces. She arrived fully housetrained at 7 weeks, never chewed anything, they are very quiet around the house and sleep most of the day but love walks and are very bouncy when out. Don't need huge amounts of walking either, an hour a day will suffice if that is all the time you have.

Here is her breeder's website . They breed for temprement and the dogs are so lovely.

secur · 24/09/2004 12:39

Message withdrawn

CountessDracula · 24/09/2004 12:43

Do you have one too Secur? Honestly I think I would never get another breed now, they are the perfect dog! We did LOADS of research.

SpringChicken if you can wait a bit go to Discover Dogs at Earl's court (usually in November) It is amazing, they have 150 breeds of dog there with owners, breeders etc to talk to. It's certainly not something you should rush into just to make it in time for a birthday I think. You have to find a breeder who you like and whose dogs you like, then wait for a litter etc.

secur · 24/09/2004 12:46

Message withdrawn

tiredemma · 24/09/2004 12:55

ooh i love labs, we had a golden lab from the age of 5 ( my age not the dogs) she was a great family pet, a bit stupid at times but very protective and not a bit of trouble. then she died when i was 17 and we were all devastated a few months after my dad rescued a black labrador (molly) who was 18 mths old. she had been treated appallingly in her home( he actually stormed into her old owners house and just carried her out and bought her home to ours!)she had been kicked in the head etc so can only hear from one ear and for a few months just sat cowering under a chair. he has had her now for 8 years and she is a great comapanion for him as he lives alone now, he even takes her on holiday twice a year to cornwall!
labradors are without a doubt, great dogs!

nutcracker · 24/09/2004 13:00

Ahhh they look like lovely dogs CD .

So they would be good round kids do you think then CD ??? Had never comnsidered one of those as i hadn't heard of them bfore.

secur · 24/09/2004 13:02

Message withdrawn

CountessDracula · 24/09/2004 17:21

Nutty ours is amazing with dd who is just 2. I caught her dragging the poor dog by the nostrils across the living room the other night, I swear the dog's eyes were watering When I finally got dd to let go the poor old dog just came running to me for cuddles! If it had been me I think biting would have been theonly option....

oxocube · 24/09/2004 21:53

3 weeks ago, we got a golden lab cross from a rescue centre. He is very sweet natured, brilliant with the kids, even with ds2, aged almost 3, who tries to ride him like a horse and walks him indoors on a lead!! The dog never snaps, only runs away and looks for me for hugs. He is fantastic with other dogs too. As this is our first dog, I can't really comment on which breed would be best, but can only say how happy we are with our choice. The potential downside as you will have a new baby is that our needs a lot of walking - about an hour off the lead in the woods each day and roughly 4 other short walks (about 20 mins each) but don't know if this is typical of the breed. Suspect it is!

OldieMum · 24/09/2004 22:01

Don't know about boxers, but golden labs are wonderful dogs. We had one from 1976 to 1988 and he was intelligent, friendly and gentle. A truly lovely dog. If we are ever in a position to have a dog, I wouldn't want anything other than a golden lab.

zaphod · 24/09/2004 22:04

I currently have my Mum's boxer to stay and today she tried to eat her way out of the kitchen, via the door, which is now ruined.

She is 11 and old enough to know better. When she was a pup she chewed through a three piece suite, and a reclining chair, because my Mum left her to go to work.

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