Labrador Retrievers are fun, energetic, and loving dogs. Adding one to your household is an exciting time! It can be hard to know where to begin your journey for a puppy, though. Reputable breeders care about their puppies and the homes to which they are going.

Our list of breeders in Illinois can help give you a place to start your search for a healthy, happy Labrador Retriever. The breeder whom you choose should be comfortable answering your questions and allow you to visit the puppies before you hand over any money. Enjoy finding the right puppy for your household!

The 9 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Illinois

1. Empress Labradors

Some Labrador Retrievers from this breeder have been donated for their use as therapy and service dogs. Puppies have the space and interaction that they need while they’re raised to be socialized and well-mannered. Over 5 acres of wooded land enables the dogs to have access to trees, swimming pools, and obstacle courses where they can run and play. Empress Labradors breeds English-style Labs in three colors: yellow, chocolate, and black.

2. Mackinaw Valley Gun Dogs

In addition to being family companions, the Labradors from Mackinaw Valley Gun Dogs also make excellent waterfowl hunters. This breeder’s dedication to genetic testing and breeding out certain health issues means every puppy that they sell comes with a written genetic health guarantee. These dogs are bred to have strong pointing abilities without the dilution of their retrieving instincts. They are active in hunting, obedience, and agility while being loving family companions at home.

3. Mabry Kennels LLC

The Labs at this AKC-inspected kennel are part of a family. The building that the puppies are born and raised in is just a few years old and gives the dogs a climate-controlled environment. It has 24/7 access to the outdoors, beds, toys, and a camera system in place for the breeders to keep an eye on the pups. Each puppy is socialized and loved and comes with a 3-year hip health guarantee in addition to vaccinations, AKC papers, and microchipping.

4. Simpson’s Labrador Retrievers

Simpson’s Labrador Retrievers sits on a 10-acre property and the puppies are exposed to nature and activities from the start. Swimming, running, playing, and obedience training make up their days. Each puppy comes with their AKC registration, vaccinations, deworming, and a health statement from a veterinarian. Chocolate, black, and yellow Labs are available here. Simpson’s is dedicated to preserving the health and temperament of the breed while eliminating genetic health conditions.

5. Puddle Jumper Labs

The puppies at Puddle Jumper Labs aren’t sold to just anyone. They are guaranteed healthy after numerous genetic tests and come with OFA certification for their hips and elbows. Since these puppies are in high demand, potential buyers must fill out a survey beforehand. This ensures that you understand the responsibility and commitment that a Labrador puppy requires. Once your survey is accepted, you can then be placed on a waitlist for a pup.

6. Burlingame Pointing Labs

Burlingame Pointing Labs has been breeding AKC-registered Labs for over 30 years. These puppies are bred to be highly trainable and make ideal hunters. While they can be active with a desire to work, they are calm and gentle family companions when in the house. This breeder concentrates on creating Labs that guide bird hunts at hunt clubs in Illinois and Wisconsin. If you aren’t interested in a hunting dog, these puppies will still enjoy obedience and agility classes and be loyal family pets.

7. Clearwater Labradors

The love of the breed is what led to the creation of Clearwater Labradors. Their goal is to create Labs that will be wonderful family companions, hunters, and show dogs, depending on your choice. Over 2 acres of land are home to these dogs, located 30 minutes south of Chicago. All the dogs are genetically tested before breeding to produce the healthiest puppies possible. Labs are available in chocolate, yellow, and black.

• Related Read: Labrador Retriever Puppies for Sale in Kentucky

8. Cricket Hollow Farm

Each litter at Cricket Hollow Farm is carefully planned with the desire to improve the health and temperament of the breed. From birth, the puppies are neurologically tested and provided with socialization and enrichment. Potential buyers are screened and carefully selected to ensure that the puppies are going to loving forever homes. The puppies’ personalities are studied and assessed in order to make the best match possible for the customer.

9. Mud Creek Retrievers

The two to four litters per year produced at Mud Creek Retrievers are carefully planned by the breeder. Both parent dogs have AKC and UKC Hunt titles and hunting experience. This facility specializes in gun-dog training and can even help customize a training program for you and your puppy, depending on your interests. They also offer stud services if you’re looking to breed your own Labrador Retriever. This 280-acre kennel is a perfect spot for growing puppies to run and play. Exploring the lakes and streams helps prepare the dogs for hunting. By the time they’re ready to go to their forever homes, they are socialized, confident, and curious.

Conclusion

With Labs being one of the most popular dog breeds in the US for years, it is no wonder you want to welcome one into your family. As long as you do the research to find a reputable breeder, you should have no problems finding one near you so that you can bring your canine companion home as soon as possible.

Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock