Dogster advocates for adopting before shopping. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here.more about our stance and how to choose the right breeder here.
Often known as a “Lab,” the Labrador Retriever is a popular gun dog and family pet. These sweet, lovable dogs make great pets for families with children, which is why the Lab is one of America’s most popular breeds.1 If you’re looking to bring one of these affectionate dogs home, take a look at the top breeders in Pennsylvania.
The 3 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Pennsylvania
1. Winchester Labradors
- Smethport, PA
Located in the Allegheny Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Winchester Labradors is a small, family-owned breeder of Labrador Retrievers. The owners have been in operation since 2015 and have a sterling reputation. All pups come with AKC limited registration, meaning there are no breeding rights for the new owner, along with a microchip and a genetic health guarantee.
Each pup is born and raised at the family home and receives a first vaccination, deworming, and exam from a veterinarian at 8 weeks of age. You’re welcome to place a deposit for the color and sex of your pup, and puppy picks are allowed as early as 6 weeks, though the breeders reserve the first pick of the litter.
2. De Soleil Labradors
- Hazle Township, PA
Located in northeastern Pennsylvania, De Soleil Labradors was founded by hobby breeders who have been raising and showing Labs since 2001. Their personal dogs compete in AKC and UKC events and have a full life of travel, hunting, running, and swimming. These dogs are bred on a semi-regular basis, and the pups are sold to approved homes at 7 to 8 weeks. The parents have genetic health clearances, and puppies come with AKC limited registration, a three-generation pedigree, current vaccination records, parent records, care instructions, food, and a personal toy.
3. Endless Mountain Labradors
- Columbia Cross Roads, PA
Nestled in the titular mountains, Endless Mountain Labradors is a family-owned breeder with English Labrador breeding pairs that are family- and home-raised. The puppies are selectively bred with careful health screenings and a laid-back temperament. In addition, the dogs are bred with the intent to produce a true “all-purpose” Labrador, meaning a dog that is suitable for hunting, retrieving, and guard duty and as a family pet.
This breeder’s puppies are sold with limited AKC registration papers unless you specify that you wish to breed or show. This requires a little more vetting and the approval of the puppy for breeding purposes. Potential buyers can put a deposit down on the litter, color, and sex of the pup.
A Word of Caution With Pennsylvania Breeders
While the state has many wonderful, AKC-registered breeders, Pennsylvania also has many breeders on the Humane Society’s “Horrible Hundred” list. Among the known puppy mills in the country, several in the state have made the list for multiple animal care violations, including puppies exposed to extreme cold or heat, animals living in filth, and owners shooting dogs or puppies they no longer wanted.
Many of these puppy mills are found in Lancaster, the state’s Amish community, which is considered by some to be the “Puppy Mill Capital of the U.S.” Puppy mills are not only cruel, but many people also end up with puppies that are unhealthy and suffer from serious conditions throughout their lives.
Puppy mill breeders can be hard to spot, especially if you’re purchasing online. Fortunately, there are some ways you can safeguard yourself and ensure you’re getting a healthy puppy from a reputable breeder.
- Responsible breeders will want to meet you and see if you’re a good fit for the dog. If a breeder isn’t, that’s a red flag.
- You should meet the parents and the puppies. While some breeders prefer to share photos for the health of the developing pups, you should still have an opportunity to meet your pup’s siblings and parents upon pickup and see where they live.
- Reputable breeders don’t ship puppies. Shipping can cause anxiety in pups, not to mention that you won’t have an opportunity to see the living conditions or meet any other dogs if the pup is shipped. Also, that breeder clearly has little interest in the home where the dog will live.
- Avoid breeders offering puppies younger than 7 or 8 weeks. Puppies need this time to spend with their mother and develop social skills with littermates. If a pup is taken too soon, they could end up with emotional and behavioral issues, such as anxiety and depression. These breeders are only concerned about money and turnover.
- Try to stay out of pet stores. Reputable breeders don’t sell puppies in pet stores, but that’s usually where many puppy mill pups end up. It’s also good to avoid puppies for sale on social media or classified ads.
Conclusion
If you live in the Keystone State, you have your pick of Lab breeders, though you may need to venture outside the state borders to avoid a long wait time. Still, we hope that this list has helped you find one close to where you live so you can bring your new pup home soon!
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Featured Image Credit: Viorel Sima, Shutterstock
The 3 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Pennsylvania
