Labrador Retrievers are consistently among the most popular dog breeds worldwide, due in large part to their cheerful personalities and obedient natures. In fact, these dogs are so popular that finding a breeder isn’t that hard—but finding a trustworthy breeder can be.

If you live in California and want to expand your pack with a new Labrador Retriever puppy, the breeders on this list should be the first places that you check. We’re not saying that they’re the only good breeders in California—just that they’re considered to be among the best.

The 8 Labrador Retriever Breeders in California

1. Marble Mountain Kennels

Labrador Retrievers undoubtedly make great pets, and the puppies you’d get from Marble Mountain Kennels are no exception. However, they emphasize preparing their pups to be working dogs, ready to help you with your next hunt.

For an additional fee, you can have your new dog taught basic obedience and advanced gun dog training. Your pup will come to you fully ready to assist the next time that you go duck hunting, and they’ll bring your quarry back unharmed every time.

2. Summerland Labradors

Summerland Labradors is a small operation, producing only two to three litters per year, so you need to be on the ball if you want to adopt from them. However, their pups are well worth the effort, as they’re bred to have a reduced risk of heart disease, eye issues, and hip or elbow dysplasia.

Their dogs all have champion bloodlines, so if you’re hoping to show your new friend, you’ll most likely have a good shot at success. Many of their dogs are also trained for hunting, obedience, and therapy work, so you’ll most likely have a well-behaved new best friend.

3. Kenya Labradors

The biggest downside in buying a dog from Kenya Labradors is that the animals are raised on a gorgeous, 20-acre plot overlooking the California coast, so the dog might be a bit disappointed when they get to your house. Still, all that room enables these dogs to get plenty of exercise and socialization before they join your pack.

This kennel breeds well-pedigreed dogs, and your pup will come with more paperwork than the average new car. That’s great news if you want to show them, as you can rest assured that champion blood runs through their veins.

4. Kingdom Acres Labradors

At Kingdom Acres, their dogs are truly members of their family. They’re never kept in cages, and they’re all allowed to sleep indoors at night while running around outside during the daylight. Your dog will be accustomed to living like you do long before you pick them up, which should cut down their adjustment time significantly.

The breeders have a large family with plenty of kids, so your dog will know how to get along with children from the day that they’re born. Their pups are also fed high-quality food and start on a vitamin regimen as soon as they’re old enough, giving you the best chance of adopting a healthy, happy pooch.

5. Sierra Valley Labs

The breeders at Sierra Valley Labs are hunters themselves, so their pups are trained to be expert gun dogs as soon as they’re old enough to keep up. All their dogs are AKC-registered, and each one has many generations of champions in their heritage.

While you can pick the dog that you want from this kennel, you won’t necessarily get it. They go to great lengths to try to match each pooch up with the perfect home for them, so your dog will be chosen based on how their temperament fits in with your existing lifestyle.

6. AAA Labs

AAA Labs raises all colors, so regardless of whether you want a yellow, chocolate, or white Labrador, they can accommodate you. They’ve been raising Labs since 1970, so you’ll benefit from their 50+ years of experience when choosing and raising your dog (their name also indicates that they’ve been around since a time when being first in the phone book was more important than being number one in the Google rankings).

Unlike many part-time breeders, this kennel makes 100% of their income from their dogs, so they are committed to ensuring that you have the best buying experience possible. They also guarantee that their dogs will be free of genetic defects up to 1 year of age or your money back.

7. Kentfield Kennels

As the name suggests, Kentfield Kennels is dedicated to breeding English-style Labradors, which means their dogs are better used for showing than hunting. However, it also means that there’s a special emphasis placed on proper weight, good bone structure, and everything else that goes into building a healthy Labrador.

Your new pup will be thoroughly vetted, registered with the AKC, and microchipped before being handed over to you. They also have an extensive blog that answers just about any question that you might have about raising your new family member.

8. Stofer’s Labs

Early socialization is the name of the game at Stofer’s Labs, as their pups are kept right in the middle of their active household, complete with children. Your dog will be exposed to all sorts of people and situations, ensuring that they are confident and easygoing as they mature.

If that’s not enough, Stofer’s also offers puppy training services, so you can walk out of their home with a perfectly well-mannered pup at the end of your leash.

• See also: Labrador Retriever Puppies For Sale in South Carolina: Breeders List

Featured Image Credit: Piqsels