Looking for a good Chocolate Lab breeder.

[Mike S.]

Last Thursday I had to put my 3 year old lab to sleep. That put a big hole in our home. She was our baby.

I am looking for a breeder to buy another dog from. I want a quality dog, with papers, health guarantee, etc....  I have done the obvious internet searches, and have only come up with a couple of breeders. Niether of which will have Chocolate pups until summer 2013.

Our last lab was free. I told my wife that there was a reason why that litter of pipe was given away, and that she was going to be expensive. She brought her home anyways. Needless to say, we fell in love instantly with her. But, she was born with a liver disease that is common to labs, and it took her from us in less than 3 years. We aren't looking to replace her, just looking to fill the empty spot in our home. My wife and I both agree that we will only have Chocolate Labs from here on out.

So, if anyone knows a breeder, please pass the info along to me.

[YpsiBass]

Unfortunately I don't know any, but based on the experience I had obtaining my golden retriever, I'd suggest going to a dog show and find someone who is actively showing their dog.  Alternately, the AKC usually places links to breed clubs where you can find a reputable breeder.  A quick search on the AKC website yielded this: http://www.thelabradorclub.com/subpages/find_breeder.php . 

The AKC website is where I started looking for a well bred dog and after a few phone calls, found a breeder who would meet with me and discuss all my concerns.  Good luck searching for your new family member

[Mike S.]

Thanks. I have never had to search for a breeder before. I just want to make sure I get a good dog so that my family hopefully doesn't have to deal with another premature loss. I will definitely get on there and check it out.

[djkimmel]

The last chocolate I had was supposed to be a good one. We did have him for 6 years. Dumbest dog I've ever owned. But sweet. He's lucky he lasted that long. He had a bad habit of dashing for the exit when someone (I won't mention her name) wasn't ready and running out into traffic. Beautiful dog. Dumb as a rock.

After he got sick, we didn't want to have any more dogs for now.

[Mike S.]

Ours was very smart. We got her two months before my wife had our last child, and she was always careful around the baby. She never chewed anything but her own toys. No complaints with that dog. Wish she was still here.

[djkimmel]

That is the kind of chocolate lab I wanted. I love labs. 'My' first dog (when I started real hunting at the age of 12) was a black lab that I absolutely adored! Sam (a girl) was a great hunter and retriever! Though sometimes she got more excited than me and would flush out the whole field before we got a 1/4 of the way into it. That part wasn't so good but we had a ton of great times! She was fearless!

[deepdiver]

Mike,

I don't know how far you live from Cobo Hall in Detroit but every February the have the Annual Dog Show, where there is almost every type of dog you can think of there. Most of the people that bring their dogs to these shows are breeders or know reputable breeders. So this way you could have a face to face or get a contact. Just an idea

[thedude]

Mike - try http://www.gaffkesgundogs.com.
They are over by mt. pleasant, but a great breeder and a great family. I got my black lab there years ago and he's pretty much ruined any chances of ever having a better dog. super smart and great temperments - very athletic builds and the pups are well socialized with kids and other animals from day 1. Reasonable prices and all the papers and health certs you would want from a serious breeder. I'm not sure when their next litter will be, but they have 2 black lab pups at 7.5wks ready to go.

[FOB]

Mike,

Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival is next weekend ( sat 9/8 and sun 9/9 )  They normally have 4 or 5 breeders there w/ labs, goldens and chessie's.  I will be there both days for Wonderland Marine West w/ hunting boats. 

If you need any info, let me know.

[Mike S.]

Thanks guys. I forgot all about this post.  I am being patient right now, waiting for the time that I am absolutely ready to get another dog.  I don't want to jump right in to it, but we are still missing our last one.  Somebody in the house brings her up every day.