I would recommend our breeder (Whispering Pines Labradors) but I think they retired, unfortunately. You could check anyway. If I could get another puppy, I'd try to get one from Red Barn Ranch labs:

https://rbrandl.com/

Please do your homework and look into some of the recommended breeders from this page (or any other breeder you might find out there). AKC-registered pedigrees are just the beginning. You need to find a breeder who has OFA/CHIC certification information and other genetic testing for their breeding lines on both sides:

https://ofa.org/chic-programs/browse-by-breed/?breed=LR

Labs are quite overbred and there's such a huge demand for them that there's a lot of bad breeding out there. Getting the genetic clearance information not only helps (but doesn't guarantee) avoid some of the major health issues due to overbreeding but also is a signal of a responsible breeder.

Be prepared to sign up on a waiting list and often go through an interview process with a breeder as well (it's not just rescues that require jumping through hoops). It's hard to find a quality breeder with a bunch of puppies available immediately -- many of these engage in shady breeding practices. You also need to be able to visit the litter and see what conditions they're being raised in. I wouldn't get a puppy that's been whelped/reared in a kennel.

Also read Google and Yelp reviews -- don't just trust the websites because they look snazzy and have lots of cute pictures of Labs and kids gamboling on green pastures.

Good luck, it's a challenging process!

I have to agree about rescues. I would have really loved to adopt an adult dog from a rescue, but I have been turned down numerous times. I would give a dog in need a wonderful home. I already have an adult Golden Retriever, but I've turned down because my 7yo was too young, and because I have an invisible fence. I've been turned down for the latter reason about 5 times. So frustrating. I understand they want the best possibly situation for these poor animals, but they're really missing some wonderful opportunities. I got exhausted with the process and stopped looking.

Anonymous wrote:A rescue. Go to a rescue.

they want a lab, not a pit bull mix

Anonymous wrote:A rescue. Go to a rescue.

DID YOU READ THE OP? Like many, the OP is having trouble getting a lab from a rescue since so many are becoming super high maintenance in terms of what they want from potential adopters. OP started with the rescue route and is now seeking a reputable breeder because rescue isn't working out.

A rescue. Go to a rescue.

We got our last Lab from a rescue in 2013 b after she died we applied again. We lived in the same townhouse with a fenced yard but now the rescue wouldn’t allow many dogs to go to townhomes. They had no problem giving us a dog in 2013 but not now. Very frustrating.

I have to admit that while we just adopted through a rescue, and had two labs prior to this, the rescue process is intense and off-putting. I get the reasons, but they do themselves no favors. Still, I'd go with the rescue given the inhumane oversupply.

not sure if she retired or not but Chilbrooke is amazing.

We got ours from Cedar Hill Farm Labradors in VA.

Anonymous wrote:I'm fed up with trying to adopt a dog from a rescue. Everyone has a different excuse (you have a kid who is 8, you just moved into your house less than a year ago, you don't work from home full time, etc.). We've owned a dog before and understand what is required. We're looking for a lab. What are some responsible breeders that we could look into?

Dont have a suggestion but totally understand your pain. Our husky passed 7 months ago. The breed rescues are impossible. We work from home, no kids, have 12 years experience with the breed-our fence isn't high enough. SMH!

Belquest in Mount Airy, MD

Anonymous wrote:We just adopted from Boynton’s Labs and have been really happy!

Thanks!

Brookhaven Labs in King George, VA

We just adopted from Boynton’s Labs and have been really happy!

I'm fed up with trying to adopt a dog from a rescue. Everyone has a different excuse (you have a kid who is 8, you just moved into your house less than a year ago, you don't work from home full time, etc.). We've owned a dog before and understand what is required. We're looking for a lab. What are some responsible breeders that we could look into?