10 Best Labrador Retriever Breeders (2024 Updated)

Year after year, the Labrador Retriever has gained recognition as one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, and reputable breeders have a lot to do with preserving this breed’s superb characteristics. 

Not only are legitimate breeders concerned about the appearance of their breed of specialization, but they also emphasize the health and behavior of both their breeding stock and their puppies. 

If you are thinking of bringing a Labrador Retriever home soon, this article will give you an idea of the most trusted breeders in the country. You also learn about Labrador prices and how to search for the best breeders in your area.

10 Best Places to Buy Labrador Retriever Puppies

If you want to get the best deal for a Labrador Retriever, you can never go wrong with a credible breeder with an excellent track record. The breeders listed in this section are exactly described as such.

Being members of The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. (LRC), the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) national parent club for the Labrador, expect these breeders to follow the official breed standards religiously.

Further, coordinating only with reputable breeders ensures you avoid backyard breeders and puppy mills with unethical breeding practices. 

To help with your search, here are the most recommended sources of Labrador Retriever puppies: 

1. Ridgeview Labradors – Iowa 

With 35 years of breeding experience, Ridgeview Labradors have proven themselves with the production of over 100 AKC-titled Labradors. 

True to their accolade of being an AKC Breeder of Merit, they have created various Best in Show and Westminster Best of Breed champions, along with AKC retriever hunting and obedience trial winners.

With their breeding objective of balancing beauty, intelligence, and retrieving ability with a calm disposition, they have successfully produced loyal companions, quality hunters, and dependable service dogs.

Their puppies aged 8 to 12 weeks have a price range of $2,500 to $4,500, while those who have undergone their training programs may be sold between $4,500 and $5,500.

Training for the puppies is up to the client’s discretion and covers socialization, crate training, potty training, grooming exposure, travel desensitization, retrieving basics, and beginner obedience. Extended training is also an option. 

Further, all their dogs are certified through the Orthopedic Foundation of Animals (OFA), echocardiogram, and Embark. This gives them the confidence to offer a 30-month health guarantee on puppies for hips, elbows, and eyes. 

Ridgeview Labradors Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Ridgeview Labradors
• Address: 27384 Galaxy Road, Elkader, IA 52043
• Phone: (563) 245-2049
• Email: RidgeviewLabs@gmail.com
• Socials: You can find them on Facebook and Instagram.
• Special Note: Puppies may be requested to undergo their Amazing Puppy Program or Extended Training Program

2. Danikk Labradors – Minnesota

This veterinarian-run kennel has been breeding all three colors of Labrador for over 30 years: yellow, black, and chocolate. 

On top of this, the owner is the only board-certified reproductive specialist in small animal private practice in the United States and has also been involved in the sport of purebred dogs as early as 1956.

With their specific focus on health, expect that the Labradors from Danikk are OFA certified for hip and elbow dysplasia and are checked free from eye problems by the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF).

Further, their dogs are DNA tested and are guaranteed to be free from certain illnesses, such as progressive rod-cone degeneration (PRA-PRCD), exercise-induced collapse (EIC), and centronuclear myopathy (CNM).

They also ensure that their dogs are free from the D-locus gene, so they will not produce silver or dilute-colored Labradors.

Additionally, their puppies are up-to-date with vaccinations, dewormed, dewclaw removed, microchipped, and have undergone early socialization.

Ridgeview Labradors Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Danikk Labradors
• Address: 5162 Union Lake Trail, Lonsdale, MN 55046
• Phone: (507) 744-2284
• Email: info@danikklabradors.com
• Socials: You can find them on Facebook.

3. Bayside Labradors and Gundogs – Montana

Since 1983, Bayside Labradors have been breeding versatile Labradors that excel in work-related arenas. They are breed preservationists and do not tolerate dilute-colored Labs, such as silver, champagne, or charcoal.

They have already established their credibility as an AKC Breeder of Merit and have been very competitive at the Master National Retriever Club for the last 18 years.

Part of their success with the organization is having numerous dogs making it to the Master National Hall of Fame, being named Master Hunters, and excelling in field trials.

Further, part of the wide variety of skills displayed by Labradors from Bayside is that they are certified as working Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), search and rescue, agility, and international therapy dogs.

They are also well-trained in detecting human remains, cancer, meth, cocaine, and marijuana.

In terms of lineage, their production is a combination of champion English Labradors and field trial Labradors. This type of merging created excellent working field dogs and gentleman gundogs.

Additionally, their breeding stock is OFA certified for hip and elbow issues, CERF screened for eye problems, and are also cleared for EIC, CNM, copper toxicosis A and B, and D-locus gene.

Bayside Labradors and Gundogs Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Bayside Labradors and Gundogs
• Address: P.O. Box 1385, Three Forks, MT 59752
• Phone: (530) 515-5971
• Email: dog2line@yahoo.com
• Socials: You can find them on Facebook and Instagram.

4. Stonewall Labradors – California

With their purchase of their first Labrador in 1994, Stonewall Labradors has been competing in conformation, obedience, and hunt tests since then. Their kennel is proud of the multiple champions they have produced over the years. 

The kennel is not just an AKC Breeder of Merit, but the owner is also a judge for AKC’s retriever hunt tests and a board member and president of the Labrador Retriever Club of Southern California. 

Additionally, the owner is also a founding member of the Southern California Labrador Retriever Rescue, a member of the San Diego Labrador Retriever Club, and on the board of directors of the LRC.

Health-wise, their breeding stock is fully cleared from hip and elbow dysplasia, PRA, EIC, tricuspid valve dysplasia (TVD), Chiari-like malformation (CM), and hereditary nasal parakeratosis (HNPK) through DNA testing.

Their litters are sold on AKC limited registration with a spay/neuter contract. They are also vaccinated, dewormed multiple times, microchipped, and have been health-checked by a veterinarian before being rehomed.

Stonewall Labradors Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Stonewall Labradors
• Address: Costa Mesa, CA 92627
• Phone: (714) 457-6477
• Email: ron.morelos@gmail.com
• Socials: You can find them on Facebook.
• Special Note: They do not ship puppies. The new owner must personally pick the puppy up from the location.

5. Chillbrook Labradors – West Virginia 

Established in 1969, Chilbrook is the most experienced breeder on this list, with over 50 years of producing a select bloodline of versatile performance dogs.

Chillbrook’s successful heritage includes Labradors that have excelled as detector dogs, guides for the blind, service dogs for the physically challenged, seizure-alert dogs, and search and rescue dogs.

Chillbrook has also been very successful in producing specialty and group-winning Champions, Grand Master Champions in the show ring, and winners in the obedience, rally, tracking, and agility trials.

The kennel’s owner is also a founding officer of The Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac and a professional member of the Dog Writers Association of America and The Association of Professional Dog Trainers.

Chillbrook is also behind the famous Super Sniffer program for detection and the Sweet Snoopers course, an online scent training for medical alert dogs.

Further, Chillbrook is also recognized as an AKC Breeder of Merit and is a member of its Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program, which advances the health, welfare, and overall well-being of all its dogs.

Chillbrook Labradors Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Chillbrook Labradors
• Address: Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
• Phone: (304) 724-6445
• Email: debby@chillbrook.com
• Socials: You can find them on Facebook and Twitter.

6. Bluewater Labradors – Florida

Established in 2006, Bluewater Labradors focuses on producing healthy and well-socialized yellow and black Labradors. Their breeding is aimed toward temperament, conformation, and structural soundness.

Their 23 years of experience have produced Champions, Grand Champions, and Bronze Grand Champions in the AKC. 

All of their dogs have also attained the highest title of Grand Champion in the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the top title of International Champion in the International All Breed Canine Association (IABCA).

If interested in one of their puppies, expect a waiting list as their call for responsible breeding means they carefully plan their litters and average only one per year.

All their dogs are screened for most medical clearances, while their pups come with a full refund guarantee if the puppy is not in good health. However, a veterinarian examination must be done within 72 hours of getting the puppy.

Further, all their puppies come with a microchip, veterinary checks, up-to-date vaccinations, deworming, AKC registration, a copy of the parent’s pedigrees, and a puppy starter kit.

Bluewater Labradors Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Bluewater Labradors
• Address: 229 W Martin Luther King Jr Drive, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
• Phone: (727) 944-3000
• Email: mary@jlpint.com
• Socials: You can find them on Facebook.

7. Aldebaran Labradors – Washington

Aldebaran Labradors purchased its first AKC-registered Labrador in 1996 and has been competing in the show ring and sporting events since then. All their breeding stock have also entered the AKC’s Bred-by-Exhibitor classes.

With the kennel owners being judges in the AKC hunt test, AKC coursing ability test, and the LRC’s working certificate, you can be assured that the Labradors coming from them are very functional and fits the breed standard. 

Aldebaran Labradors is also a proud member of The Labrador Retriever Club of the United Kingdom, the Walla Walla Kennel Club, the Richland Kennel Club, and the Sage and Sand Hunting Retriever Club.

Their dogs enjoy a three-acre location that contains the kennel and the exercise yards for the dogs. This is where their puppies also undergo early socialization and neurological stimulation.

Meanwhile, all their puppies also come with a limited AKC registration, microchip, multiple deworming, vaccination, eye examination, and wellness check before rehoming.

Aldebaran Labradors Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Aldebaran Labradors
• Address: Walla Walla, WA 99362
• Phone: (509) 529-7471
• Email: rdmilks@charter.net

8. Van Dalen Ibim Labradors – Georgia

Van Dalen Ibim Labradors have more than 45 years in breeding, but their easy-going Labradors are more of companions and are not bred for business. 

Even if this is the case, their Labradors do well in conformation shows and in obedience events. Their main purpose for breeding is to improve their Labs’ lines, and they have been recognized as an AKC Breeder of Merit.

Not all their puppies go to breeders and show homes, though. Those puppies that go to loving homes as pets come with limited registrations, meaning they can’t join dog shows but can participate in AKC sporting events.

As a veterinarian, the kennel’s owner ensures the OFA and CERF certification of all the dogs, including their testing for PRA and EIC.

Behavior–wise, trainability is something at the top of their list. They can guarantee that their dogs do not display aggression, excessive shyness, or hyper temperament.

In fact, socialization and brain stimulation is done as early as the point of birth.

All puppies released by Van Dalen Ibim on their 8th week are already potty trained, vaccinated according to age, dewormed, and microchipped. The average price of their puppies is around $2,500 to $3,000.

Van Dalen Ibim Labradors Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Van Dalen Ibim Labradors 
• Address: Winder, GA 30680
• Phone: (770) 330-8841
• Email: laura@vandalenkennels.com
• Special Note: They do not ship puppies. Arrangements must be made by the new owner to bring the puppy home safely.

9. Paddington Labrador Retrievers – Massachusetts

With more than 30 years of Labrador breeding experience, Paddington Labradors is an AKC Breeder of Merit and has produced top-quality obedience, agility, tracking, therapy, service, and show dogs.

As part of their process to find a good family to match with their puppies, they apply the Volhard’s puppy aptitude testing for all their litters as they reach 49 days.

From a health perspective, Paddington complies with all of LRC’s recommended checks for its breeder members. 

These include the Embark breeder panel DNA testing for genetic diseases and OFA certifications for eyes, heart, hips, and elbows. 

They also ensure that all their puppies are AKC registered, microchipped, and enrolled in the AKC Reunite program upon release.

As part of their warranty, Paddington also offers a two-week trial period where a full refund or a replacement may be given if the client is not satisfied with the puppy, provided that a vet has examined the puppy.

Paddington Labrador Retrievers Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Paddington Labrador Retrievers
• Address: 80 Richardson Corner Road, Charlton, MA 01507
• Phone: (508) 248-3618
• Email: ann@paddintonlabradors.com

10. Rhumbline Retrievers – New York 

Rhumbline Retrievers started competing with Labradors as early as the late ’80s but was formally established in 1993. Their breeding started with a focus on the production of field trial dogs but has evolved since then.

Though they do not breed often, they are proud to have produced Labradors that have excelled not just in field trials but also in obedience, agility, hunt tests, nose work, and dock diving.

On top of this, their Labs have also been successful in other fields, such as hunting, service work, therapy work, police duty, print ads, commercials, movies, and music videos.

The breeding program that prioritizes the health and temperament of their litters, along with their focus on working ability, has earned them the recognition of being an AKC Breeder of Merit.

Further, Rhumbline Retrievers do encourage kennel visits so that prospective buyers can interact and watch the puppies actively play in their huge outdoor play area, 

Rhumbline Retrievers Breeder Information and Details:

• Website: Rhumbline Retrievers
• Address: 9395 Sound Avenue, Mattituck, NY 11952
• Phone: (631) 298-1677
• Email: rhumblineret@yahoo.com
• Socials: You can find them on Facebook and Instagram.

Other Sources to Find Labrador Retriever Puppies for Sale

Understandably, there may be instances where it might take longer to acquire a Labrador puppy from a reputable breeder since they carefully plan their breeding.

Do not fret, though, as there are more options on where to search for reputable breeders that can provide you with healthy and functional Labradors with sound minds and bodies. 

Here are some legitimate sources of Labrador Retriever puppies for sale:

• AKC Marketplace – The AKC is the premier organization that regulates and sets the breed standards for all recognized purebred dogs in the United States. Hence, all AKC-recognized breeders that advertise their Labradors within its marketplace are sure to meet the breed’s standards from both a health and behavior perspective.
• The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. (LRC) Breeder’s Directory – As the AKC’s national breed club, all LRC breeder members implement ethical breeding practices. They also breed towards the preservation and improvement of the Labrador’s standards. Clicking the search tab while leaving all fields blank should display all the LRC breeders’ details for you to check.
• Good Dog – Good Dog is a legitimate platform that screens its breeders based on their breeding practices, the physical and mental health of their puppies, their environment, their way of educating buyers, and their policies. Hence, you can be worry-free as you sift through and research the Labrador breeders advertising through the site.

Regardless of your preferred source for acquiring your Labrador puppy, diligent research is always highly recommended. Remember that even the most reputable breeders have their differences in terms of practice.

You can also check this video for more tips on finding a good breeder:

How Much Does a Labrador Retriever Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

a Labrador Retriever puppy from a reputable breeder costs around $600 to $2,000 on average. However, Labradors from top-of-the-line bloodlines could fetch somewhere between $2,000 and $5,000.

These prices are also influenced by the breeder’s reputation and location, as well as the dog’s age, gender, quality, and training.

Meanwhile, to ensure that Labrador puppies are given the proper care and environment they deserve, new owners must also prepare beforehand for the initial expenses related to acquiring one.

Below is a summary of the first-time expenses to consider as you bring your puppy home:

Many of these initial expenses are one-time costs. You just need to go for high-quality items made of sturdy materials so these can withstand the dog’s lifespan.

How Do You Find the Best Labrador Retriever Breeders in Your Area?

If you have already scouted all the recommended breeders in the article and still haven’t found the ideal Labrador for you or are having difficulties in terms of their location, looking for one in your vicinity will be a better option.

To assist you with this, here are some strategies to look for a reputable Labrador Retriever breeder in your area:

• Join social media groups dedicated to Labrador Retrievers. There are a lot of social media groups of Labrador Retriever enthusiasts across multiple platforms. These groups may be composed of pet owners, breeders, handlers, trainers, and veterinarians. Joining these groups can help you network with breeders near you. 
• Attend local dog shows. Attending local conformation shows is a great way to connect with breeders that conform to the breed’s standards. As the dogs compete with each other, it also becomes a great opportunity to observe the quality of these breeders’ dogs.
• Ask for recommendations from your vet. The most responsible breeders always visit the vet for regular health checks and vaccinations. Hence, expect that your local vet can recommend some of the best Labrador breeders in your community.

Though it is more convenient to deal with these breeders near your area, continue to be meticulous when checking their breeding practices and their dogs’ quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Find the Best Labrador Breeder?

It will be difficult to pinpoint the best dog breeder since many excellent breeders can produce excellent dogs that conform to a breed’s standards.

However, the most ethical and reputable Labrador breeders preserve and improve the breed’s standards. They are also mostly proud members of the AKC and its national breed club, the LRC.

How Do You Tell If a Breeder Is a Good Breeder?

Aside from their years of experience, a good breeder will be a recognized member of prestigious kennel clubs, adhere to the breed’s standards, and ensure that its breeding stock is free from any genetic diseases. 

Further, their confidence in their litters makes them more likely to provide health guarantees, educate their clients on proper care for their dogs, and partner with the new owners to raise the dogs properly.

What Questions Should You Ask a Breeder When Buying a Puppy?

Identifying all the possible questions to ask breeders when buying a puppy would be difficult. However, the most important ones should be related to the health and environment of the puppies. 

This includes their breeding practices, the parents’ genetic certifications, the pups’ medical records, and the vaccinations yet to be given.

Further, as you have selected the dog you want, you need to know its dietary habits, toilet routine, and overall behavior.

How Do You Know If a Dog Breeder Is Scamming You?

The AKC has provided a few red flags to help spot a shady breeder. These include avoidance of more personal means of communication, stealing photos of puppies from the internet, and using the AKC badge on their photos.

In terms of pricing, an unbelievably low cost for a certain breed should also catch your attention. Likewise, watch out if the breeder wants you to transact through a non-secure payment method like a wire transfer or gift card.

Final Thoughts

As a popular breed, the Labrador Retriever is easy to source, and there will be many reputable breeders for you to discover. They will be an ideal source for a healthy, functional, and well-rounded Labrador.

On the other hand, backyard breeders and puppy mills may also take advantage of this opportunity to sell unhealthy and poor-quality puppies. Hence, diligence in research is needed to avoid being scammed.

It would be great to hear about your experience dealing with reputable Labrador breeders. Let us know in the comments below!