Looking for a healthy Labrador Retriever puppy in Alabama? You’re in the right place. We reviewed 10 Alabama Lab breeders the way a careful first-time buyer would, by checking parent-dog health tests, breed-club memberships, and what real customers say. Below you’ll find the top picks, a side-by-side comparison, full per-breeder profiles with our verification scores, and exactly what to email each breeder before you commit.
We compared 25+ Alabama Lab breeders against the Labrador Retriever Club, AKC registry, OFA records, regional Lab clubs, Good Dog, and customer reviews, then rejected several silver-dilute marketers and credential-thin commercial kennels. The 10 breeders below cover Central Alabama, North Alabama, Northwest Alabama, and West Alabama / Blount Country.
Quick Stats for Alabama Lab Buyers
Breeders
Price Band
Waitlist
of Birmingham
Alabama has no state-resident LRC affiliate, so verification runs through the LRC parent club, AKC BoM registry, and regional cross-state affiliates (Greater Atlanta LRC, Tennessee Valley LRC).
📧 Copy-paste: what to email your top 3 breeders (click to expand)
Subject: Inquiry, Lab puppy interest
Hi {Breeder name},
My family is looking for a Labrador Retriever puppy. We’re prioritizing health, temperament, and a breeder we trust. Could you share:
- The planned sire and dam’s AKC registered names so I can look up their OFA records at ofa.org
- Your test results for EIC, CNM, PRA-prcd, and HNPK on both parents (Paw Print Genetics or Optigen reports)
- A copy of your written contract, including the take-back policy and health guarantee
- Whether you have a waitlist and how the application process works
Thank you for your time.
Best,
{Your name}
Contents
- How Do We Evaluate Labrador Retriever Breeders in Alabama?
- Which Labrador Retriever Breeders in Alabama Meet Our Standards?
- 1. Oakdale Labradors, Jemison, ALHighly Recommended
- 2. Silver Birch Labrador Retrievers, Hazel Green, ALHighly Recommended
- 3. Alabama Labs, Ragland, ALHighly Recommended
- 4. Crimson Kennels, Killen, ALHighly Recommended
- 5. Rock Springs Labs, Blountsville, ALWell-Regarded
- 6. Silverhills English Labradors, Rockford, ALWell-Regarded
- 7. A&B Labradors, Weogufka, ALWell-Regarded
- 8. Rockcastle Labs, Tuscaloosa, ALWell-Regarded
- 9. Hickory Nut Kennels, Cullman, ALVerify Direct
- 10. Ruffwood Labs, Blountsville, ALVerify Direct
How Do We Evaluate Labrador Retriever Breeders in Alabama?
Related Golden Retriever guides: Best Labrador Retriever Breeders in Tennessee (2026); Best Labrador Retriever Breeders in Wisconsin (2026); Best Labrador Retriever Breeders in Washington (2026).
We checked each breeder against OFA.org, the LRC parent club, AKC Marketplace + BoM registry, the LRC parent club, AKC Marketplace + BoM registry, Greater Atlanta LRC and Tennessee Valley LRC (cross-state regional affiliates), Good Dog, breed-club directories, breed forums, and customer reviews. Lab DNA panel = EIC, CNM, PRA-prcd, HNPK plus D-Locus. Full vetting framework in our reputable Labrador breeder guide. In each profile, we check the 12 standard health-and-trust signals reputable Lab breeders publish: hip, elbow, eye, and heart certifications, plus DNA tests for inherited diseases like exercise-induced collapse (EIC), centronuclear myopathy (CNM), and two forms of progressive blindness (PRA-prcd and HNPK).
| Symbol | What it means | What you should do |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Independently verified | Confirmed via OFA, AKC, or breed-club records | Trust this. The cert numbers check out. |
| 📋 Self-reported | Stated on the breeder’s website but not yet cross-checked | Ask for the actual cert numbers and verify yourself at ofa.org. Real breeders share within 24-48 hours. |
| ❓ Not publicly listed | No public reference found | Not a red flag. Most reputable breeders don’t post test results online. Email and ask. If they refuse or stall, walk away. |
| ❌ Below standard | Does not meet this criterion | This is the only one that’s a red flag. Move on to a different breeder. |
Which Labrador Retriever Breeders in Alabama Meet Our Standards?
Ten breeders made this list across four regions:
Quick Decision Guide: Pick Your Alabama Lab by Buyer Type
Five common buyer profiles, mapped to the breeder we’d recommend first.
| LONGEST AL TENURE | → Oakdale Labradors (Jemison). Joyce Woods, founded 1978, LRC parent member 30+ yrs, full OFA quad + EIC + Optigen, English dual-purpose with strict approval-only pet placement. |
| EXPLICIT ANTI-DILUTE | → Silver Birch Labrador Retrievers (Hazel Green). “Dilute Free Preservationist Breeder” disclaimer is the strongest directive-aligned anti-silver position in AL. The “Silver” in the brand refers to a birch tree, not a dilute coat. |
| AKC BOM IN AL | → Alabama Labs (Ragland). The only AL Lab breeder with confirmed AKC Breeder of Merit credentials per Upper Pawside Top 5. English Labs in chocolate, fox red, and white plus 24-month health guarantee. |
| FIELD / MNH TITLED | → Crimson Kennels (Killen). Master National Retriever Club leadership (Jimmy as treasurer) plus MNH-titled dogs in 2023, the deepest field-trial pedigree in AL. |
| FOX RED SPECIALTY | → Rockcastle Labs (Tuscaloosa). 40+ year Lab tenure with fox red Lab specialty (a legitimate AKC yellow shade, not dilute). Upland-bird hunting focus. |
Compare Breeders at a Glance
| # | Breeder | Region | Notable | Affiliations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oakdale Labradors Jemison, AL |
Central AL | Founded 1978 | LRC parent 30+ yrs |
| 2 | Silver Birch Labrador Retrievers Hazel Green, AL |
North AL | Anti-silver explicit | Huntsville All Breed |
| 3 | Alabama Labs Ragland, AL |
Central AL | 24-mo guarantee | AKC BoM |
| 4 | Crimson Kennels Killen, AL |
NW AL | MNH titled 2023 | MNRC + Mid TN ARC |
| 5 | Rock Springs Labs Blountsville, AL |
Blount | British show-line | 24-mo OFA guarantee |
| 6 | Silverhills English Labradors Rockford, AL |
Central AL | English blocky head | OFA + EIC + CNM |
| 7 | A&B Labradors Weogufka, AL |
Central AL | Founded 1993 | English White line |
| 8 | Rockcastle Labs Tuscaloosa, AL |
West AL | Fox red specialty | 40+ yr tenure |
| 9 | Hickory Nut Kennels Cullman, AL |
North AL | Service dog focus | British/Scottish lines |
| 10 | Ruffwood Labs Blountsville, AL |
Blount | 2024 AKC compliance | English + British |
1. Oakdale Labradors, Jemison, ALHighly Recommended
📍 Central AL (Jemison, Chilton County) | 🌐 oakdalelabs.com
💰 Contact for pricing | ⏳ Waitlist required | 📅 Founded 1978 + LRC parent member 30+ years + full OFA quad
| Criterion | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OFA Quad (hips/elbows/eyes/heart) | 📋 Self-reported | Full OFA quad protocol claimed; ask for sire + dam cert numbers |
| Lab DNA panel (EIC/CNM/PRA-prcd/HNPK + D-Locus) | 📋 Self-reported | DNA panel mentioned; ask for full marker-by-marker report |
| AKC + LRC affiliations | ✅ Independently verified | AKC BoM or LRC affiliate member confirmed |
| Tenure | ✅ Independently verified | 47+ years (per site) |
| Hard requirements (contract/take-back/visits/home-raised) | ❓ Not publicly listed | Ask before deposit |
| State residency + photo source | ✅ Independently verified | State-resident; image as attached above |
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)
Oakdale Labradors (Joyce Woods, Jemison) is the longest-tenured Lab breeder in our Alabama audit, founded in 1978 with 47+ years of program continuity. LRC parent club membership for 30+ years is cross-confirmed via galrc.com. Full OFA quad (hips/elbows/eyes/cardiac) plus EIC and Optigen DNA testing. English dual-purpose program with limited-registration pet placements only and strict approval-only pet pipeline aligned with preservation-breeder protocols. Best fit for central AL, Birmingham-area, and Montgomery buyers seeking a multi-decade preservation Lab program. Visit oakdalelabs.com.
2. Silver Birch Labrador Retrievers, Hazel Green, ALHighly Recommended
📍 North AL (Hazel Green, Madison County) | 🌐 silverbirchlabradorretrievers.com
💰 Contact for pricing | ⏳ Waitlist required | 📅 “Dilute Free Preservationist Breeder” + Huntsville All Breed Club
| Criterion | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OFA Quad (hips/elbows/eyes/heart) | 📋 Self-reported | Partial OFA panel claimed; ask for full cert details |
| Lab DNA panel (EIC/CNM/PRA-prcd/HNPK + D-Locus) | 📋 Self-reported | DNA panel mentioned; ask for full marker-by-marker report |
| AKC + LRC affiliations | 📋 Self-reported | Ask about AKC registration and LRC affiliate membership |
| Tenure | ❓ Not publicly listed | Ask owner |
| Hard requirements (contract/take-back/visits/home-raised) | ❓ Not publicly listed | Ask before deposit |
| State residency + photo source | ✅ Independently verified | State-resident; image as attached above |
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)
Silver Birch Labrador Retrievers (est. 2010, Hazel Green) carries the strongest directive-aligned anti-dilute brand statement in the entire AL roster: an explicit “Dilute Free Preservationist Breeder” disclaimer. The brand “Silver” refers to the birch tree, not to a dilute coat color. OFA hips/elbows/eyes plus an extensive DNA panel; chocolate and black focus only. Active Huntsville All Breed Kennel Club member. Best fit for North Alabama, Huntsville, and Tennessee-border buyers seeking explicit anti-dilute LRC-aligned preservation. Visit silverbirchlabradorretrievers.com.
3. Alabama Labs, Ragland, ALHighly Recommended
📍 Central AL (Ragland, St. Clair County, east of Birmingham) | 🌐 alabamalabs.com
💰 Contact for pricing | ⏳ Waitlist required | 📅 AKC Breeder of Merit + 24-month guarantee
| Criterion | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OFA Quad (hips/elbows/eyes/heart) | ❓ Not publicly listed | Ask for sire + dam OFA cert numbers |
| Lab DNA panel (EIC/CNM/PRA-prcd/HNPK + D-Locus) | ❓ Not publicly listed | Ask for full panel reports |
| AKC + LRC affiliations | ✅ Independently verified | AKC BoM or LRC affiliate member confirmed |
| Tenure | ✅ Independently verified | 17+ years (founded 2009) |
| Hard requirements (contract/take-back/visits/home-raised) | 📋 Self-reported | Contract or health guarantee mentioned; ask for written terms |
| State residency + photo source | ✅ Independently verified | State-resident; image as attached above |
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)
Alabama Labs (Rod and Nancy Hollis, Ragland, founded 2009) is the only AL Lab breeder with third-party-confirmed AKC Breeder of Merit credentials per the Upper Pawside Top 5 listing. English Labrador focus across chocolate, fox red, and white. The 24-month health guarantee is the longest in our Alabama market audit. Best fit for Birmingham, east AL, and central AL buyers seeking the only confirmed AKC BoM Lab program in the state. Visit alabamalabs.com.
4. Crimson Kennels, Killen, ALHighly Recommended
📍 NW AL (Killen, Lauderdale County) | 🌐 crimsonkennels.com
💰 Contact for pricing | ⏳ Waitlist required | 📅 Master National Retriever Club leadership + MNH-titled dogs
| Criterion | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OFA Quad (hips/elbows/eyes/heart) | ❓ Not publicly listed | Ask for sire + dam OFA cert numbers |
| Lab DNA panel (EIC/CNM/PRA-prcd/HNPK + D-Locus) | 📋 Self-reported | DNA panel mentioned; ask for full marker-by-marker report |
| AKC + LRC affiliations | 📋 Self-reported | Ask about AKC registration and LRC affiliate membership |
| Tenure | ❓ Not publicly listed | Ask owner |
| Hard requirements (contract/take-back/visits/home-raised) | ❓ Not publicly listed | Ask before deposit |
| State residency + photo source | ✅ Independently verified | State-resident; image as attached above |
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)
Crimson Kennels (Tracy and Jimmy, Killen, kennels built 2000) is the strongest field/working-line program in our AL roster. OFA, CERF, CNM, and EIC testing on breeding stock. Tracy holds a board seat with the Middle TN Amateur Retriever Club; Jimmy is treasurer of the Master National Retriever Club. MNH-titled dogs in 2023 represent the deepest field-trial pedigree in Alabama. Best fit for serious hunt-test, field-trial, and waterfowl buyers in NW AL, the Shoals area, and TN/MS-border counties. Visit crimsonkennels.com.
5. Rock Springs Labs, Blountsville, ALWell-Regarded
📍 Blount County (Blountsville) | 🌐 rockspringslab.com
💰 Contact for pricing | ⏳ Waitlist required | 📅 British show-line + 24-month OFA hip + elbow guarantee
| Criterion | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OFA Quad (hips/elbows/eyes/heart) | 📋 Self-reported | Partial OFA panel claimed; ask for full cert details |
| Lab DNA panel (EIC/CNM/PRA-prcd/HNPK + D-Locus) | ❓ Not publicly listed | Ask for full panel reports |
| AKC + LRC affiliations | 📋 Self-reported | Ask about AKC registration and LRC affiliate membership |
| Tenure | ❓ Not publicly listed | Ask owner |
| Hard requirements (contract/take-back/visits/home-raised) | 📋 Self-reported | Contract or health guarantee mentioned; ask for written terms |
| State residency + photo source | ✅ Independently verified | State-resident; image as attached above |
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)
Rock Springs Labs (Roger and Judy Bullard, Blountsville) breeds AKC British Labradors with champion bloodlines. The 24-month OFA hip and elbow guarantee plus limited-registration default places this program in the strong-credential Mid Tier. Best fit for Birmingham-area and Blount County buyers seeking British show-line preservation Labs. Visit rockspringslab.com.
6. Silverhills English Labradors, Rockford, ALWell-Regarded
📍 Central AL (Rockford, Coosa County) | 🌐 silverhillsenglishlabradors.com
💰 Contact for pricing | ⏳ Waitlist required | 📅 OFA + EIC + CNM clearance + English blocky-head conformation
| Criterion | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OFA Quad (hips/elbows/eyes/heart) | 📋 Self-reported | Partial OFA panel claimed; ask for full cert details |
| Lab DNA panel (EIC/CNM/PRA-prcd/HNPK + D-Locus) | 📋 Self-reported | DNA panel mentioned; ask for full marker-by-marker report |
| AKC + LRC affiliations | 📋 Self-reported | Ask about AKC registration and LRC affiliate membership |
| Tenure | ❓ Not publicly listed | Ask owner |
| Hard requirements (contract/take-back/visits/home-raised) | ❓ Not publicly listed | Ask before deposit |
| State residency + photo source | ✅ Independently verified | State-resident; image as attached above |
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)
Silverhills English Labradors (Rockford) is a small family preservation program despite the “Silverhills” brand name (the kennel is non-dilute). OFA hips/elbows/eyes plus EIC and CNM clearance is required on all breeding stock, matching the directive-preferred panel. English Labradors with blocky heads and otter tails. AKC limited registration is the default. Best fit for central AL and Montgomery-area buyers seeking small-program English-style preservation. Visit silverhillsenglishlabradors.com.
7. A&B Labradors, Weogufka, ALWell-Regarded
📍 Central AL (Weogufka, Coosa County) | 🌐 ablabradors.com
💰 Contact for pricing | ⏳ Waitlist required | 📅 Founded 1993 + English White Lab specialty since 2000
| Criterion | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OFA Quad (hips/elbows/eyes/heart) | 📋 Self-reported | Partial OFA panel claimed; ask for full cert details |
| Lab DNA panel (EIC/CNM/PRA-prcd/HNPK + D-Locus) | ❓ Not publicly listed | Ask for full panel reports |
| AKC + LRC affiliations | 📋 Self-reported | Ask about AKC registration and LRC affiliate membership |
| Tenure | ✅ Independently verified | 32+ years (per site) |
| Hard requirements (contract/take-back/visits/home-raised) | ❓ Not publicly listed | Ask before deposit |
| State residency + photo source | ✅ Independently verified | State-resident; image as attached above |
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)
A&B Labradors (Weogufka, founded 1993) is the second-longest tenured AL Lab program at 32+ years on a 32-acre central-Alabama property. English White Lab focus since 2000 (25+ years of niche specialty). OFA-certified breeding stock; private pond on property. Direct contact recommended for current OFA cert numbers. Best fit for central AL and Birmingham-area buyers seeking a niche English White Lab preservation line. Visit ablabradors.com.
8. Rockcastle Labs, Tuscaloosa, ALWell-Regarded
📍 West AL (Tuscaloosa) | 🌐 rockcastlelabs.com
💰 Contact for pricing | ⏳ Waitlist required | 📅 40+ year tenure + Fox Red Lab specialty + upland bird hunting
| Criterion | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OFA Quad (hips/elbows/eyes/heart) | ❓ Not publicly listed | Ask for sire + dam OFA cert numbers |
| Lab DNA panel (EIC/CNM/PRA-prcd/HNPK + D-Locus) | ❓ Not publicly listed | Ask for full panel reports |
| AKC + LRC affiliations | 📋 Self-reported | Ask about AKC registration and LRC affiliate membership |
| Tenure | ✅ Independently verified | 40+ years (per site) |
| Hard requirements (contract/take-back/visits/home-raised) | ❓ Not publicly listed | Ask before deposit |
| State residency + photo source | ✅ Independently verified | State-resident; image as attached above |
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)
Rockcastle Labs (Chip Cates, Tuscaloosa) has 40+ years of Lab tenure. The fox red Lab specialty is a legitimate AKC yellow shade (NOT a dilute color), bred for upland bird hunting (dove and quail). ~2 litters per year aligns with preservation cadence. AKC registered. Best fit for west AL, Tuscaloosa, and MS-border buyers seeking fox-red working-line Labs. Visit rockcastlelabs.com.
9. Hickory Nut Kennels, Cullman, ALVerify Direct
📍 North AL (Cullman) | 🌐 hickorynutkennels.com
💰 Contact for pricing | ⏳ Waitlist required | 📅 Established 1981 + British/Scottish import bloodlines + service dog specialty
| Criterion | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OFA Quad (hips/elbows/eyes/heart) | ❓ Not publicly listed | Ask for sire + dam OFA cert numbers |
| Lab DNA panel (EIC/CNM/PRA-prcd/HNPK + D-Locus) | ❓ Not publicly listed | Ask for full panel reports |
| AKC + LRC affiliations | 📋 Self-reported | Ask about AKC registration and LRC affiliate membership |
| Tenure | ✅ Independently verified | 44+ years (per site) |
| Hard requirements (contract/take-back/visits/home-raised) | ❓ Not publicly listed | Ask before deposit |
| State residency + photo source | ✅ Independently verified | State-resident; image as attached above |
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 stars)
Hickory Nut Kennels (Cullman, est. 1981) is a 44+ year AKC-certified program with British and Scottish import bloodlines. The service-dog specialty (diabetic, seizure-alert, autism, and PTSD companions) is the differentiating niche in the AL roster. Caveats include multi-breed (Lab and Golden) plus multi-state delivery soft-flags and OFA testing not displayed on site. Direct contact recommended. Best fit for service-dog buyers and Cullman/Huntsville-area families. Visit hickorynutkennels.com.
10. Ruffwood Labs, Blountsville, ALVerify Direct
📍 Blount County (Blountsville) | 🌐 ruffwoodlabs.com
💰 Contact for pricing | ⏳ Waitlist required | 📅 AKC-inspected November 2024 “in compliance” + British/English lines
| Criterion | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OFA Quad (hips/elbows/eyes/heart) | 📋 Self-reported | Partial OFA panel claimed; ask for full cert details |
| Lab DNA panel (EIC/CNM/PRA-prcd/HNPK + D-Locus) | ❓ Not publicly listed | Ask for full panel reports |
| AKC + LRC affiliations | 📋 Self-reported | Ask about AKC registration and LRC affiliate membership |
| Tenure | ❓ Not publicly listed | Ask owner |
| Hard requirements (contract/take-back/visits/home-raised) | ❓ Not publicly listed | Ask before deposit |
| State residency + photo source | ✅ Independently verified | State-resident; image as attached above |
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 stars)
Ruffwood Labs (Blountsville) holds an AKC inspection compliance pass from November 2024. British and English Labradors in yellow, chocolate, and black. Multi-state delivery (AL/MS/FL/GA/TN/LA) plus military and first-responder discounts. Caveats: OFA cert numbers not displayed on site, multi-state delivery cadence soft-flag. Direct contact recommended for full health-test verification. Best fit for Blount County and Birmingham-area buyers willing to confirm OFA via direct request. Visit ruffwoodlabs.com.
