Windy Acres Labradors

[coachtil]

I'm looking for a full-blooded Lab pup. I came across Windy Acres Labradors in Rolla. Does anyone have any experience with them? I've read several good reviews and they've been very upfront and honest with all questions I've had. I was hoping to connect with someone who's dealt with them in the past.

Thanks and Happy New Year to all!

 

[tho1mas]

I have had & some times raised Labs since 1973. Still have one today.

I say big, wide head & all BLACK.

Good luck with your search & do not buy the first one you see (they are all too cute at that time).

[ness]

20 minutes ago, tho1mas said:

I have had & some times raised Labs since 1973. Still have one today.

I say big, wide head & all BLACK.

Good luck with your search & do not buy the first one you see (they are all too cute at that time).

I'd add -- If you've got kids and/or a wife leave them at home.

[coachtil]

I'm looking more at the "English" Labs, they have a bigger frame with the big, block head. However, I am leaning toward Yellow. 

[Old plug]

I take care of one for my neighbor. She  is 15 yrs old and coming to the end of her days. They had two of them at one time the other is gone now. Anytime there was a child in the yard that child was the center of attention. When the young ones would go down on the dock she would insist on staying there watching them the whole time they were in the water. I do not think she was ever comfortable with them being around the water. They certainly are built like you say. The only thing about them is the undercoat is so thick you need a need a sheeps comb to brush them. And  brush them you will. The undercoat is so fine it will  float in the breeze. But you could never find a sweeter natured animal. 

 

[Mitch f]

There are 4 different camps in Labs.

1. Field Trial Labs

2. Hunt Test Labs

3. Show Labs

4. English labs

The Field trail labs are the high end rockets, extremely intelligent, typically longer and leaner.

The Hunt Test labs and English Labs are a good happy medium.

The show labs are confirmation only. They typically have the blocky heads you're looking for but aren't as smart. Just like a beauty pageant.

Colors:

the typical field trial winners are broken down as follows:

Black lab males represent 75% 

Black lab females make up 10-15%

All other colors represent the remainder.

draw your own conclusions.

I really don't think this will change your mind.....

But I did field trials and hunt tests for over 10 years. 

Hope this helps

[ness]

12 minutes ago, Mitch f said:

But I did field trials and hunt tests for over 10 years. 

 

Good post, Mitch. Assuming it's, accurate that is Can you save me a Google and talk a little about the difference between field trial and hunt test? I kinda know what field trials are, for Brittanys at least.

[Mitch f]

6 hours ago, ness said:

Good post, Mitch. Assuming it's, accurate that is Can you save me a Google and talk a little about the difference between field trial and hunt test? I kinda know what field trials are, for Brittanys at least.

In a nutshell, Field trial dogs have to go to extreme lengths to find a winner because they are competing against each other. Hunt test dogs compete against a test, so you basically have to either pass or fail.

Field trial dogs are forced to run in straight lines to the bird. Which usually means running across a tip of a lake without running around it to prove themselves worthy of exactness. Whereas a hunt test dog will be more practical in his approach to finding the bird. 

Note: all 4 types of labs make excellent companions. 

[ness]

22 minutes ago, Mitch f said:

In a nutshell, Field trial dogs have to go to extreme lengths to find a winner because they are competing against each other. Hunt test dogs compete against a test, so you basically have to either pass or fail.

Field trial dogs are forced to run in straight lines to the bird. Which usually means crossing across a tip of a lake without running around it to prove themselves worthy of exactness. Whereas a hunt test dog will be more practical in his approach to finding the bird. 

Note: all 4 types of labs make excellent companions. 

Thank you.

I love my Brittanys but I think I may get a lab when my older dog goes. These days ness' legs don't want to do all the walking upland bird hunting requires.

 

3 hours ago, coachtil said:

I'm looking for a full-blooded Lab pup. I came across Windy Acres Labradors in Rolla. Does anyone have any experience with them? I've read several good reviews and they've been very upfront and honest with all questions I've had. I was hoping to connect with someone who's dealt with them in the past.

Thanks and Happy New Year to all!

 

What do you want this lab to do? Retrieve ducks, point & retrieve, chew up shoes, all of the above?

[coachtil]

The only retrieving it will be doing is my next bud light from the fridge, kidding!! It will just be a family pet. I was specifically hoping for feedback on this particular breeder, not necessarily Labs in general. I've grown up around and owned many retrievers, both Goldens and Labs.