Does anyone have any experience of chocolate labradors?

[HarrySnotter]

Am asking for a friend who is thinking about getting one but has been advised by another friend that they can have a weaker immune system than the black or yellow, a lower IQ and can be more difficult to train. Can anyone advise if this is indeed the case? She's worried that they are kind of a 'novelty' IYSWIM.

They do come from a smaller gene pool than the blacks/yellows. We walk a lot of dogs for different owners, and I have to say the two chocolates on the books atm seem to be dimmer than the other labs. However, no obvious health problems and just as good natured as any other lab.

My sister had one. He was a bloody wonderful dog, really placid, calm but still lots of fun.

Shit at recall, would completely ignore you, but was a plodder rather than a runner so he was never out of sight anyway and certainly never bolted.

He died at 7 sadly as he developed tumours on his spine. He was perfectly healthy up til then though.

That's probably not helpful at all but he was such a lovely dog I can't help taking every opportunity to talk about him!

Thank you, apparently this has come from someone who used to breed them for twelve years but stopped because they could not 'get them up to scratch to field trial'. They are looking for a solid family pet, one that will train well so I said i would ask on here.

Great advice from everyone thank you. I think they're definitely prepared to put the time and attention in (she's reduced her working hours to tie in). I think she was just really disappointed that someone seems to be trying to put her off as she has her heart set on one. :)

Any recommendations in beds/herts/bucks? Or even a bit further afield she'd travel 100 or so? She doesn't have t'internet hence me being her go between! :)

Brilliant, thank you. :)

my next door neighbours have one. hes stupid and tries to chew up their house and barks a lot compared to their black lab.

I dont think there is any such thing as a reputable breeder. Its all bringing more puppies into the world at the expense of all the dogs that are already here, for the sake of money.
Go to a rescue centre and find a puppy or a dog you like, is my advice, and dont get fixated on a breed you want.
A dog is a life companion, and choosing a puppy for a breed, makes no mpore sense than choosing to adopt a child with a certain hair colour, or deciding to get a partner of a certain race.

I've got a 15 year old chocolate lab. She is a delight and still as game and up for fun as she ever was. She did have terrible allergies when she was young but once we worked out it was to dust mites and clover it was easyish to deal with.

Healthwise she is great a bit of arthritis but still up for daily walks with the other guys.

I did working trials and field trials with her and it was looked down on in the early days! As Choccies were meant to be a bit dim but she did very well and has lots of initials after her name due to her wins in this. (however she is not as bright as my other labs who are working lines and keep up with the collies in the intelligence stakes).

Do be careful who you get the puppy from and look into the background of the pedigree it is easy to do so with labs. Do check hips, skin of previous litters etc I would not go for a first breed litter myself. Also consider labrador rescue

Choc lab bitch at my training group (working trials) is super clever and quick, so wouldn't say they are 'dim' at all. Her owner has always had choc labs and works them all.

My choc lab is wonderful, her recall is very good and she is a great loving and loyal friend. She is my shadow . We went to dog training classes up to a certain level and now happy the way she is ...