Are you on the hunt for a loyal, loving, and energetic new family member? Look no further than the ever-popular Labrador Retriever! These friendly, outgoing dogs have been America’s top breed for over 30 years, and it’s easy to see why. With their eager-to-please personalities, Labrador puppies make wonderful companions for households of all sizes and activity levels.
However, finding a reputable Labrador breeder in Colorado can be a daunting task. To help you navigate the search, we’ve compiled a list of the top 8 Colorado kennels and local breeders renowned for producing healthy, well-socialized lab puppies that adhere to the highest breed standards.
The Top 8 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Colorado
1. Heatherdowns Labradors
Located in Colorado Springs, Heatherdowns Labradors has been dedicated to preserving the quintessential Labrador temperament and conformation for over 20 years. This family-run kennel is passionate about ethical breeding practices, ensuring each litter receives exceptional care from conception to placement.
All breeding stock is checked through health certifications from organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF). This commitment to genetic testing helps minimize the risk of inherited conditions.
Pricing for Heatherdown Labrador puppies typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,000 including a health warranty, up-to-date vaccinations, and registration papers.
Beyond just health, Heatherdowns selects for the ideal Labrador personality – eager to learn, gentle with children, and brimming with energy for outdoor activities. New puppy owners receive a comprehensive health warranty, registration papers, and continued support through the kennel’s network.
ALSO READ: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO LABRADOR RETRIEVER BREEDERS: FINDING YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND
2. Albrecht Farms Labradors
Situated on a picturesque 30-acre farm in Elizabeth, Colorado, Albrecht Farms Labs provides a spacious, loving environment for raising Labrador Retriever pups. As a small, exclusive breeder, they focus on producing just 2-3 litters per year from their beloved dogs.
Every breeding candidate completes extensive health screenings and is evaluated against the highest breed standards for structure, temperament, and working ability. Many of Albrecht’s British/English labs have achieved titles in hunting tests, obedience trials, and even breed confirmation shows.
Pricing for Albrecht Farms Labrador puppies typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,200
New puppy families can expect a friendly, well-socialized pup with wonderful genetic lines. Albrecht offers a 2-year health guarantee and lifetime breeder support. They frequently receive updates and photos from pup parents across the country.
3. Bear Creek Labradors of Colorado
As a family Colorado breeder near Denver, Bear Creek Labradors is focused on producing loyal companions and skilled sporting/hunting dogs. Their field-bred retrievers are highly intelligent, energetic pups well-suited for active families or homes with acreage.
Bear Creek’s breeding program follows the Sportsman’s Code of Ethics, implementing responsible breeding decisions backed by comprehensive genetic screening. Breeding stock from proven performance lines with stability, biddability, and intense eagerness to work.
Pricing for Bear Creek Labradors’ Labrador puppies typically ranges from $1,700 to $2,100. Puppy buyers can feel confident knowing their new addition was raised with tremendous care and socialization from day one. Bear Creek offers a minimum 2-year health guarantee, plus guidance on training methods, nutrition, and grooming.
4. Colorado’s Finest Kennels and Ranch
This expansive breeder facility spans 160 acres in northeastern Colorado’s Platteville region. Colorado’s Finest Kennels and Ranch has established itself as a premier source for English/British Labrador Retrievers built to the highest standards.
The kennel’s founder, Jonathan Kimes, has bred over 100 litters of show-quality labs that excel in the field and the ring. Their noble roster of stud dogs and brood bitches has produced numerous champions, including #1 Shooting Dog and #5 Labrador Bitch.
Pricing for Colorado’s Finest Kennels and Ranch Labrador puppies typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,200. Extensive health certifications (OFA, CERF, EIC, and more) are completed before breeding. Colorado’s Finest prioritizes early socialization, and positive puppy conditioning, and develops each pup’s natural abilities through introduction activities like bird work.
5. STK Just Labs Kennel
From their home base in Longmont, STK Just Labs Kennel has earned acclaim as a top-tier source for English and British show-line Labradors. Their bench-bred Retrievers adhere strictly to the breed’s standards for appearance, structure, and temperament.
This professional breeder has produced over 25 champion show dogs, with several litters carrying prestigious bloodlines from the U.K. All breeding stock is comprehensively screened, tested, and evaluated per AKC and UKC standards.
Pricing for STK Just Labs Kennel Labrador puppies typically ranges from $1,600 to $2,000. STK goes above and beyond, completing additional DNA and genetic analysis to prevent inheriting undesirable traits. Puppy buyers can opt for full registration or limited pet registration. A detailed, multi-year health guarantee is included.
6. Sadona Labrador Retrievers
Family-owned Sadona Labrador Retrievers is located in Grand Junction on Colorado’s western slope. They focus on cultivating the ideal family companion Lab through a balance of stellar temperament and moderate energy level.
Health and longevity are priorities, with all breeding dogs going through extensive screenings and DNA tests. Sadona emphasizes early neurological stimulation and intensive socialization to produce stable, confident puppies that are well-adjusted to any environment.
Pricing for Sadona Labrador Retrievers Labrador puppies typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,200. The breeders’ true passion is nurturing dogs with rock-solid obedience skills and off-the-charts biddability. They provide puppy training support and can recommend obedience classes in your area. Pup parents receive a generous 5-year health warranty.
7. Evermor Labradors
Parker, Evermor Labradors, found by Lori McGrail, a longtime AKC Labrador breeder and judge. Lori’s love for English and British lines influenced her meticulous breeding program, emphasizing gentle, biddable temperaments.
Evermor’s dogs are true dual-purpose Labs, with success in the show ring and advanced levels of hunting tests. Their health-screened pedigrees highlight excellent structure, hunting passion, and trainability over many generations.
Pricing for Evermor Labrador Labrador puppies typically ranges from $1,700 to $2,100. Puppies are raised in Lori’s home and given individualized care, socialization, and learning games to build confidence. Evermor offers one of the industry’s best health guarantees, covering puppies for 5 years against genetic conditions.
8. Columbine Labradors
Located in the heart of Denver, Columbine Labradors has specialized in field-bred Retrievers suited for hunting, obedience, and other dog sports since 1999. This kennel’s ethical breeding practices focus on perpetuating the Labrador’s legendary versatility and work ethic.
Breeding candidates are carefully selected based on proven pedigrees, extensive health certifications, and natural ability evaluations like hunting tests. Columbine aims to produce pups with excellent bird drive and marking ability.
Pricing for Columbine Labrador puppies typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,200. Growing litters enjoy daily interaction, introduction to birds/gunfire, and foundation obedience training. Puppy buyers receive a minimum 2-year warranty, AKC registration, individualized training advice, and ongoing breeder support.
What to Look for in a Reputable Labrador Breeder
When searching for your new best friend, it’s crucial to find an ethical, responsible breeder you can trust. Here are some key factors that indicate a high-quality Colorado kennel:
Health Certifications: Reputable Labrador breeders should provide documentation that both parents (and their pedigrees) have been cleared through organizations like:
- OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) for hip, elbow, cardiac, and other evaluations
- CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) to rule out hereditary eye diseases
- PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) DNA testing
- EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse) DNA test
This [[health screening]] helps prevent genetic disorders from being passed on to puppies.
Breeding for Temperament: Beyond just physical health, reliable breeders carefully assess the temperaments and personalities of breeding dogs. They aim to produce puppies with the signature Labrador stability, affection, and biddable nature.
Appropriate Facilities: A professional breeder should have clean, spacious facilities suitable for whelping and raising a litter. Puppies need ample space to move around, access to fresh air and light, and quiet areas for rest. Look for signs of vigilant care and safety measures.
Socialization Practices: The most responsible breeders introduce critical socialization periods from birth. This includes positive human handling, various sights/sounds, and learning experiences to build confidence. Well-socialized pups have a head start on training.
Knowledge of Breed Standards: Whether aiming for the show ring or field, ethical breeders have an in-depth understanding of Labrador breed standards. They selectively breed to preserve the breed’s form, function, and temperament according to the standard.
Screening Process: Don’t be surprised if a breeder has many questions for you. Reputable ones carefully screen potential puppy buyers to ensure their pups go to suitable homes that match their energy levels and needs.
Sales Contract: A legal, binding contract should cover all warranties, and terms of sale, and outline both the breeder’s and buyer’s responsibilities after placement. Read it thoroughly before signing.
Caring for Your New Labrador Retriever Puppy
Bringing home a Labrador puppy is an exciting time, but it also comes with big responsibilities as a new pup parent! Here are some tips to start off on the right paw:
Diet and Nutrition: A high-quality puppy food formulated for larger breeds will provide the nutrition to fuel your lab’s growth and energetic personality. Avoid free-feeding and stick to a consistent meal schedule.
Supplies: Must-have supplies include a sturdy collar and leash, ID tags, an enzymatic cleaner, durable chew toys, a crate for housetraining, a soft bed, grooming tools, and puppy pads.
Veterinary Care: Schedule an initial visit with your vet soon after bringing a puppy home. They’ll ensure your pup is healthy and advise you on his vaccination and deworming schedule.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Young Labradors have seemingly boundless energy. Provide plenty of daily playtime, short walks, and investment toys to keep their minds and bodies active.
Positive Reinforcement Training: Labs are eager learners, so start training basic manners and commands from an early age using rewards-based methods.
Socialization: Continue building your puppy’s confidence through positive exposure to new people, sounds, sights, and environments. Well-socialized labs mature into friendlier, more stable companions.
Setting Rules and Boundaries: It’s important to establish yourself as the respected “leader” through consistent enforcement of boundaries and rules. This lays the foundation for a well-behaved family member.
The work is rewarding when you see your adorable Labrador puppy blossom into a loyal, loving dog with an outstanding temperament.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to open your heart and home to a Labrador Retriever pup, the breeders on our top 8 list are superb options to explore in Colorado. Each adheres to best practices in cultivating the ideal combination of health, temperament, breed conformity, and puppy socialization.
While finding your new best friend from a top-tier source requires patience, the payoff is a fantastic family dog with many years of laughter, love, and cherished memories. We hope this guide gives you a head start on locating an ethical Colorado breeder that aligns with your values and desires.
Remember, purchasing a puppy is just the first step. Being a responsible dog owner requires providing lifelong training, exercise, mental enrichment, and plenty of quality time together. Those commitments are easily fulfilled when you have an eager-to-please Labrador at your side!
So start researching those stellar Colorado kennels and breeders today. The perfect Labrador Retriever puppy is waiting to make your family complete.
ALSO READ THIS BLOG: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO OWN A LABRADOR RETRIEVER IN 2024? THE COMPLETE PRICE GUIDE
FAQ’S
What is the calmest breed of Labrador?
The English Labrador is generally considered the calmest of the Labrador breed lines. They tend to have a more relaxed and mellow temperament compared to their American and working counterparts. English Labs make excellent family companions due to their laid-back nature.
What is the price of the best quality Labrador?
The price for a top-quality Labrador puppy from a reputable breeder can range from $800 to $1,500 or more. Factors like the breeder’s reputation, health certifications, pedigree, and whether the pup is show/breeding quality or pet quality affect the cost.
Which Labrador breed is best?
There is no definitive “best” Labrador breed, as it depends on the individual buyer’s needs and preferences. English Labs are often favored as calmer family companions, while American and working lines may be better than for hunting, obedience, or other sporting activities.
What is the rarest color for a Labrador?
The rarest color for Labradors is the Dudley Labrador, which is a pale, yellowy-flesh-toned variety. Other unusual shades include the chocolate labrador and the silver labrador.
Davin Connor is an experienced author with 3 years in pets writing. Known for concise, informative content, he shares expertise on pet care, behavior, and health through his engaging articles.
