Labrador Retrievers have been the most popular dog breed in America for 30 years and that popularity holds for the state of Iowa as well.¹ Because bird hunting is also popular in this state, many Iowa Labrador breeders focus on producing strong hunting and retrieving dogs as opposed to show and pet dogs.

Until recently, Iowa was one of the worst states in America when it came to animal welfare laws. While stronger protections were passed in 2020,² you should continue to screen breeders carefully before you buy a puppy to be certain you are getting a healthy puppy from a clean, safe kennel.

The 9 Labrador Retriever Puppy Breeders in Iowa

1. Shadowmyst Labradors

This breeder prioritizes combining both quality Labs and working dog lines, resulting in puppies who can fill a variety of roles. They are also dedicated to the health of their dogs, with numerous health screenings including genetic testing performed on their Labs before breeding.

Only the three original, AKC-recognized colors of black, chocolate, and yellow labs are available from this breeder. This breeder makes a point to have their puppies start early training before they go to their new homes with the goal of a smooth transition for the dog and owner.

2. Prairiesky Labradors

Prairiesky Labradors describes themselves as a hobby-breeding kennel, with puppies available only a few times a year. They focus on show quality Labradors, with several champions among their breeding stock. Because they are a small operation, this breeder maintains a waiting list for new litters. The improvement of the Labrador breed as a whole appears to be the main focus of this breeding operation.

3. Sioux River Retrievers

Sioux River Retrievers’ primary focus is breeding healthy dogs who can serve as pets, hunters, show dogs, or therapy dogs. The family who runs the breeding kennel also created a foundation to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. They don’t produce many litters for sale but use the proceeds from puppy sales to support their charitable foundation. The dogs they breed come from both show and hunting lines but are specially bred to have good, even temperaments.

4. Iowa Prairie Dogs

This hobby breeder has only two females and raises their litters on a 10-acre property. They are more interested in producing high-quality puppies than a large number of dogs. This breeder will ship dogs by air for an additional fee, but only with a courier inside the cabin, never in cargo.

5. Doggie Dude Ranch

This is primarily a dog boarding facility that also breeds and raises Labrador puppies. Their dogs come from hunting and retrieving bloodlines and are sold as both pets and hunting dogs. The owners of this kennel are veterinarians and the puppies come with a health guarantee. They will also take back any puppy who doesn’t work out in their new home.

6. K and J Pointing Labs

K & J Pointing Labs only raises a litter every other year or so from their two family hunting Labs. Both the male and female come from a long line of hunting and pointing Labradors. The parents both have certified hips and the kennel offers a health guarantee. This kennel will ship puppies by air or deliver them depending on location.

7. Country Silver Labs

Country Silver Labs specializes in silver and chocolate-colored Labradors. Silver Labradors are not allowed to compete in shows because the color is not accepted by the AKC. However, silver Labs are popular as pets and hunting dogs. The male and females at this breeding kennel are health certified and genetically tested. The puppies are raised with a lot of socialization before they go to their new homes.

8. Silver Family Farm Labs

Silver Family Farm Labs is located on a family farm and offers several different colors of Labrador beyond the three AKC accepted black, chocolate, and yellow. The parent dogs are health-certified and genetically tested before breeding. All litters are hand-raised by the breeders and their children on the farm. These dogs are primarily bred and sold as pets but do have some hunting dogs in their lineage.

9. Hunter’s Point Kennel

These are long-time breeders of hunting Labradors with black, chocolate, and yellow dogs available. They are a large operation dedicated to producing excellent hunters who are even better family pets. Their puppies are socialized and mentally stimulated regularly during the weeks before they go to their new homes. This kennel offers a strict health guarantee.

Related Reads:

• Labrador Retriever Puppies for Sale in Connecticut: Breeders List
• Labrador Retriever Puppies for Sale in Michigan: Breeders List
• Labrador Retriever Puppies for Sale in Washington: Breeders List

Featured Image Credit: Natalia Fedosova, Shutterstock