How to find a good Labrador breeder?

Good thread. I feel like finding a good breeder is a challenge, but a good lab breeder would be even more daunting. Due to sheer volume. Not that they arent capable animals.

Good luck OP
 
KurtR said:
Lone D and East Carolina were the two I mentioned and both Matt and Bob are good dudes.
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Thanks again, Kurt! I’ve talked to so many people and breeders, that I lost track of who recommended certain folks. Those two stood out and made the Final Cut. You were 2 for 2 on those recommendations!
 
As an active field trialer running two all age dogs currently in both Canada and the states, Most of what that has been given has some truth to it. But the best advise is contacting the pro's and I know Bob from lone duck and he is solid trainer and has some good contacts. The other option is to check out the National Amateur Retriever championship happening now in Ronan Montana. These are the best Am handlers an dogs that country has right now, Most of these Am's own the dogs that they are running and will be able to answer your questions on the traits that their dogs have, some will have the fire breathers that others have mentioned, but the fact of the matter a lot of these dogs don't make it to the nationals, the dogs that do are biddable and calm most of the time, mine is on the couch next to me now but put him in the field and its game on. But the handlers that are listed will know what their dogs came from and if they have been bred what they throw. of Breeders there are two that are the gold standard in the breed the first is Mary Howley of Candlewood kennels in WI and Chris Wincek of Kerry brook in OH both have produced tremendous dogs that are first healthy but also appropriate to the person buying the lifelong commitment of a puppy.
 
We ended up putting a deposit down with Peak Performace in NY. It was down to them and Lone Duck with Robert Owens. I talked extensively with both of them, and they both recommended the other as good people to talk to, which gave me great comfort. I was leaning towards Lone Duck, but he only had fox red labs and my wife and kids voted unanimously for the black lab from Peak, which is what we had before. In full transparency, if Bob had a litter with black pups, I would have gone with him. That’s not a knock on Renee…. Bob was incredibly knowledgeable and responsive, and you can tell he is really passionate about his craft. Thank you for all the recommendations. I’ll post pictures this winter when we get the pup.
@KurtR
 
TheCougar said:
We ended up putting a deposit down with Peak Performace in NY. It was down to them and Lone Duck with Robert Owens. I talked extensively with both of them, and they both recommended the other as good people to talk to, which gave me great comfort. I was leaning towards Lone Duck, but he only had fox red labs and my wife and kids voted unanimously for the black lab from Peak, which is what we had before. In full transparency, if Bob had a litter with black pups, I would have gone with him. That’s not a knock on Renee…. Bob was incredibly knowledgeable and responsive, and you can tell he is really passionate about his craft. Thank you for all the recommendations. I’ll post pictures this winter when we get the pup.
@KurtR
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Thats awesome to hear. Is it out of their sierra and junior litter. There are some really nice dogs in there. Looking forward to seeing puppy picks.
 
KurtR said:
Thats awesome to hear. Is it out of their sierra and junior litter. There are some really nice dogs in there. Looking forward to seeing puppy picks.
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Either that litter or the Bolt/Journey litter. She said either litter would be good for us.
 
TheCougar said:
Either that litter or the Bolt/Journey litter. She said either litter would be good for us.
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He is a nice looking guy. If you are interested you can go here and see the pedigree going back for ever. Super chief is in there and so is Lean mac both some of the best ever. I like to see the old dogs i traced mine all the way back to 1913.

www.huntinglabpedigree.com

HuntingLabPedigree

Online Labrador retriever pedigree database
www.huntinglabpedigree.com
 
TheCougar said:
We ended up putting a deposit down with Peak Performace in NY. It was down to them and Lone Duck with Robert Owens. I talked extensively with both of them, and they both recommended the other as good people to talk to, which gave me great comfort. I was leaning towards Lone Duck, but he only had fox red labs and my wife and kids voted unanimously for the black lab from Peak, which is what we had before. In full transparency, if Bob had a litter with black pups, I would have gone with him. That’s not a knock on Renee…. Bob was incredibly knowledgeable and responsive, and you can tell he is really passionate about his craft. Thank you for all the recommendations. I’ll post pictures this winter when we get the pup.
@KurtR
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Your kids have excellent taste in the color of labs.

IMG_2389.jpeg
 
I saw that picture and thought it was my house. All 3 of mine are Candlewood dogs. 2 direct and one indirect. All can pick up ducks with the best of them and still great family dogs. Good choice and best of luck with the new pup.
 
cuerro viejo said:
best way to not get a bad lab is to get a Chessie. Whole new level of loyalty
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4658ef98c6868c62b7c1522a697d9881.jpg


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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Just need to do better research it’s important that you also know the signs of a bad breeder. Buying a puppy from an irresponsible breeder could affect how healthy and happy your dog is for life, so it’s of vital importance to know the type of breeder you should avoid.
 
Chuckybmd said:
I think you’re on the right track. My yellow lab was sired by a very talented dog in field trials. The breeder was also her trainer so that was an added bonus. I could help you with a trainer in southern Idaho for sure but that’s outside your 500 mile corridor.

By the way, it was worth every penny. She is the most obedient, loving and eager to please dog I have ever had.

Think I spent about 1500 for the dog and 2000 for four months training.
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This is an older post, do you still have the contact information of that breeder? I have the same question as the OP
 
Anybody have an informed opinion on Goshen Swamp Retrievers? Their website seems to says all the right stuff and the pedigree on their recent litter looks solid to me, but I've never crossed paths with them or the sire they used (FC/AFC Blue).
 
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