I had a female chessy years ago and hardheaded is an understatement. Very loyal, and strong swimmers. My female was protective but never bit anyone, but she would do her best to scare the sheet out of a stranger. Tried to make her my duck dog, however half the time she would retrieve perfectly and the other half she would destroy the bird while staring at me!! Almost as if to say "I dare you to come stop me"!! In the end she was a great dog and my daughter really loved her and my dog loved her as well. She went everywhere I did except for the dove field and duck swamp! They can and will be great duck dogs but you need to be prepared to work with them, a good bit more than you would a lab. And I'll back up Fred, they damn sure ain't a lab! Good luck and keep us updated on your progress!