Suitable for work or as a family pet, the Labrador Retriever, or Lab, is one of America’s most popular dog breeds. This large dog is outgoing, high-spirited, and friendly, making it a good choice for families with children, though they’re adept at hunting and retrieving.

The first origins of Labs were originally bred in the United Kingdom and adapted from imported Canadian flying dogs, earning their keep as fishermen’s helpers. If you’re considering a Lab for your family, Virginia has several reputable Labrador Retriever breeders. Take a look at the three best Labrador Retriever breeders you can find in the state of Virginia.

The 3 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Virginia

1. Cresthill Kennels

Cresthill Kennels is a small, family-owned and operated Labrador Retriever breeder. Located on rural acreage, the breeder has an expansive facility for breeding and offers boarding services with climate control, radiant heat flooring, and central air conditioning. All of Cresthill Kennels’ breeding dogs are purebred, proven performers with hunting capabilities established with the American Kennel Club, United Kennel Club, and North American Hunting Retriever Association. Cresthill Kennels is also recognized as a Breeder of Merit by the American Kennel Club.

All parent dogs are vetted for genetic conditions common in Labrador Retrievers, and only the top performers with natural hunting abilities, trainability, and temperament are bred. All puppies are born and raised at home, provided with handling and socialization, and released at 7 weeks. Puppies come with dew claws removed, veterinary records for vaccinations and deworming, and a 5-year health guarantee on hips, elbows, and eyes. Weather permitting, all puppies are introduced to birds, water, and loud noises.

2. Retrievers of Hillside Farms

Located on a 200-acre farm of hardwood, fields, creeks, and ponds, Retrievers of Hillside Farms is a Labrador Retriever breeder that prides itself on breeding companion Labs for showing, hunting, and companionship. This breeder offers English and American Labs in chocolate, yellow, and black varieties.

All puppies come with a genetic health clearance and veterinary records for exams, deworming, and vaccinations. Potential owners must fill out a puppy request form and may make an appointment to visit the breeding facility and meet the dogs. Retrievers of Hillside Farms doesn’t offer to ship puppies – they must be picked up in person.

3. Winding Creek Labrador Retrievers

Winding Creek Labrador Retrievers is a family-owned breeder located on a 60-acre farm with cattle and poultry. The property is fenced, allowing the dogs to enjoy the woods, open fields, and creek. Parent dogs are both English and American Labs and produce black, yellow, and chocolate puppies.

All puppies are registered with the American Kennel Club and come with a 26-month guarantee against hip dysplasia. Puppies are vet checked and come with records for first vaccinations and deworming.

Tips for Choosing Reputable Breeders

Breeding dogs, as well as other animals commonly kept as pets, can be profitable, leading to a rise in inhumane puppy mills. These high-volume dog breeding facilities churn out litter for profit, often ignoring the needs of the parents and puppies. In many cases, the puppies that come from puppy mills are unsocialized and suffer behavioral and emotional problems and health conditions. The facilities are poor, leaving puppies in extreme conditions in wire cages. The mother dogs are often found covered in filth with sagging nipples, crusted eyes, and parasites.

Most puppy mill puppies are sold in online classifieds or pet stores, but it is possible to buy a puppy from a breeder and not know it’s a puppy mill. There are several “red flags” for puppy mills, such as breeders that are quick to get the puppies out of the facility, breeders that refuse facility tours and meetings with the parents, and breeders that don’t require contracts or offer registration and health clearances. Puppy mills are usually willing to ship puppies, whereas most breeders won’t.

When you research breeders, look for small operations with limited litters. Puppies should come with genetic health clearances, veterinary records, and vaccinations. Most puppies from breeders will be registered with limited breeding rights, meaning that your puppy will not be registered as a suitable breeding dog with the governing organization.

Conclusion

While it can sometimes be hard to find a reputable Lab breeder, it is not impossible. So, if you live in Virginia, we hope this list has helped you find a new pooch to bring to their new forever home. If you don’t go with one of our options, just be sure to do your research beforehand so that you ensure you are buying from a reputable breeder who really cares about the breed as a whole.

• See also: Labrador Retrievers For Sale in Ohio: Breeders List

Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock