I'd suggest an older Lab; there are lots of them at Lab-specific rescues.

Well my hunt is ending for a while - financial crisis atm. Although Louie wouldn't know it - he's still going to training and he has about a months worth of food.

I'll let you know when it's back on - I need to talk to the OH about it all first - bit difficult when I can't get a proper signal!

Thanks for your advice guys.