So we have decided to get another dog. With a family of 6, narrowing down everyone’s choices has been a task. Was hoping THF had some first hand knowledge on some of these.

Some background:
• Family of 6 with youngest being 18 months.
• Dog will be mainly an outdoor dog.
• West Fort Worth climate
• Room for exercise (3 acres).
• Currently have a 10 year old black lab.
• Main purpose will be a family dog, but may try to hunt on side if a hunting dog.


Any feedback on the following:
• Chesapeake Bay Retriever
• Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
• Germain Shorthair Pointer
• Texas Heeler
• Australian Shepherd (possibly a mini)


Thanks!

Blue Lacy

You didn’t mention what type of hunting you’d be doing with the dog.

Don't find the Pup. Let the pup find you.

Aussie/collie cross....smartest dog you will ever know.

Not listed but think about a Boxer.

Two Jack Russell Terrier. You need 2 to keep them self occupied and not wear everyone out. Great hunting dogs who really believe they are ten foot tall and bullet proof. I had my last one 16 years. I will get another!!

The only one of those I’d consider, unless I was a hardcore duck guy, is the GSP.

Absolutely. Only dog I have owned since I got my first one 21 years ago, or will ever own.
Great dogs. Can do it all.

I wanted a miniature aussie.

Actually that one is a consideration as well.

Dove/duck ... but definitely secondary to family dog

1. why not another lab?

2. Border Collie, outdoors, He77 on wheels, indoors a true lover.

heard , during quarantine, Dog are flying off the shelves, getting hard to find

Another lab is a possibility, just looking at other options. How would you rate the early years of a lab versus these?

Are they good dogs to leave outdoors?

They are. They can adapt to anything. They love human connection, but don’t bark when alone. They are extremely smart and loyal. I have never had a more loving breed. They do become less than their normal active in the heat.
IMO there is not a better looking dog.

Get another Lab or a GSD

Just get another lab.

Also,
I’m sure a boxer would make nice house dog, but I’ve never seen one in a duck blind, retrieving a dove, or pointing a quail.

I would have suggested a wirehaired pointing griffon, but they need to be a part of the family and live inside. Great dogs in general, extremely good with kids and can hunt ducks, upland, squirrels, rabbits, whatever you want. Very smart dogs.

Given your requirements, I’d just go with another lab. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers may look like labs, but they require some specialized training compared to labs. They can be extremely hardheaded and don’t have the same temperament as labs.

I love Boxers. We just rescued a blue Pit Bull Terrier. She’s a huge 90 pound mass of bone and muscle, but as gentle as a lamb. I don’t see much difference between her and Mugs, my old Boxer buddy.

If you are not going to use it for hunting, get a Rescue dog

I would not get a lacy. 3 acres isn't enough unless you exercise them daily.
Blue lacy's are a working dog, not a family pet, even though they make great pets.
I run my lacy 4+ miles daily, and if I don't, she finds trouble.

I'd go mini aussie or a Boykin.

X2 I’ve never seen a boxer good for anything but petting. Labs are hard to beat. I have 5 breeds of dogs right now and I really like the lab but the French Brittanys are smaller, shed less, and make just as good of a pet and more versatile hunting companion than the lab. All of the shorthairs I’ve owned were pretty high strung until they got older.

X2