The next step was speaking to some people who knew more than me (ie something :) I spoke to the VP of the Labrador Club of Scotland first off as well as an experienced breeder from the Labrador Forums who kindly spent lots of time making up sample pedigrees and fielding lots of questions (thanks Sue !!) and a few other people who had spent a long time in the "industry".
They all arrived at the same suggestion, that mating Jess with a show line could help to produce calmer, more rounded puppies (more suitable for day to day life). For those who don't know, Jess is extremely wired ! She could happily tear through fields for hours only to start the whole thing over again. Super high amounts of energy, which for some people, would be too much (sometimes is for me also :) I initially thought I would be breaking some special "code" amongst breeders by crossing working lines with show lines but it seemed not the case, in fact everyone agreed it was the best way for me to move forward.
So all that work, whittling down all my working stud dogs was tossed out the window and I felt like I was back at square 1 :( There were a lot of show line studs that I just didn't like the look of though, so that reduced the numbers (perhaps not the most sensible grounds for elimination ;) I was keen also to have some element of working ability in the dog (didn't want to lose all of Jess' fire and love of hard work). Two people highly recommended the same kennel/dog - Charway Water Reed of Brigburn Kennels.
As soon as I saw Reed on the Brigburn website, saw him diving in to the water and hearing how Lynda (Brigburn owner) had a lot of experience in both the show and working lines, I knew I had found my man (so to speak ;) A chat with Lynda who told me how Reed loved going out on hunts (and was proving very capable) further confirmed this. I also appreciated Lynda's no-nonsense attitude and considerable experience and I at once felt comfortable working with her. So, a trip down to see Reed was made (cost £35 petrol) - but we got a free coffee :D
Here is the magnificent Reed in all his glory
http://www.brigburn.com/html/reed.html
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