Raising Quality Chocolate and Black Labradors Since 1985

 

Philosophy Our goal is to produce Labradors with classic good looks, physical soundness and the wonderful temperament and working ability Labradors are famous for. All of our dogs earn Hunt Test (AKC) titles, are hunted and enjoy house time as our companions. Several of our dogs also have obedience titles. There are  over 10,000 Labradors registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) EVERY MONTH! That's why we feel responsible for every puppy we bring into the world. We plan our breedings very carefully and screen our potential puppy owners thoroughly. All of our dogs have been screened for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia (must be certified "normal") and have annual eye exams by a certified canine ophthalmologist for congenital cataracts and other eye abnormalities. We have also tested all of our dogs for carrier status of Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC), Centronuclar Myopathy (CNM), Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Retinal Dysplasia (RD). We breed only to other dogs which meet the same rigorous health standards. Most of our dogs go into companion/hunting homes where they are neutered, become part of the family and are working retrievers during hunt test and hunting seasons. We also sell all of our puppies with limited registration. Limited registration simply means that the offspring of a dog with limited status cannot be registered with AKC unless the status is changed to Full by the Breeder. We will be glad to change that status once the dog has met some basic performance standards and been certified free of hip and elbow dysplasia and certain eye conditions as explained in our warranty. Dogs with limited registration can compete in all AKC events--including field trials--except conformation shows (breed ring). If a puppy buyer is interested in competing in the show ring, we will work out an appropriate arrangement. We do this to ensure that any of our dogs which may eventually be bred have first been certified free of hereditary diseases common to Labradors AND have also demonstrated the basic retrieving and trainability qualities which define the Labrador Retriever breed. It's our way of trying to help maintain and improve the breed we love.