Sometimes, we are faced with some pretty difficult decisions. Decisions that really have an impact on the quality of life we experience. Decisions that, if made hastily or poorly, could lead to quite terrible consequences for all parties involved.
Getting a dog is one of such decisions. There are a lot of questions to be answered when deciding on what dog to get. Is it well trained? Does it have a nice temperament? Is it healthy? Does it fit in perfectly with my family? And so much more.
Luckily, the Labrador Retriever would be a great choice as it is a great family dog, with a lot of love to give. Still, there is the question of what breeder to pick from, as you would want to avoid ruthless puppy mills.
This article is here to help make those decisions a lot easier. I will be listing out some of the best Labrador Retriever breeders in Colorado. They are trusted and produce great Labrador Retriever puppies in Colorado.
Top 10 Most Reputable Labrador Retriever Breeders in Colorado
1. Heatherdowns Labradors
We start off our list of great Labrador Retriever breeders with the very reputable Heatherdowns Labradors. Located on a very beautiful ranch in Colorado, Heatherdowns Labradors have been producing AKC standard Labrador Retriever dogs of great quality ever since they were established in 2001.
They are quite cautious when breeding as they plan to preserve the pure quality and rich heritage of their breeding lines. It is for this reason that a lot of effort and resources are thrown into researching each breeding dog before being added to their breeding program. All their breeding dogs hail from championed lines.
A lot of testing is also done for each breeding dog; their hips and elbows are cleared and certified by the OFA as well as their heats. They also undergo genetic testing and are certified as free from genetic conditions and diseases like Copper Toxicosis, PRA-PRCD, EIC, and CNM. They are also dilute clear.
Their breeding facility has been inspected and passed by the AKC in Colorado as they make an effort to maintain a proper breeding condition as speculated by the American Kennel Club. Back in 2018, the USR special review was done and they were permitted to remain a Labrador Retriever breeding kennel in all of Douglas County.
All their Labrador Retriever puppies are well socialized and are of sound temperaments. They are quite trainable and make excellent service, hunting, and companion dogs, and have been featured in a lot of magazines and commercials ever since they were established.
Each puppy comes with a 100% refund health guarantee for a period of 30 months free from eyes, hips, and elbow conditions. They all possess up-to-date deworming records, they are each microchipped, well vaccinated, and thoroughly checked by a licensed vet.
Heatherdowns Labradors Contact Details:
| Owner | Karen (Ren) Howards |
| Breeder Since | 2001 |
| Address | Franktown, Colorado |
| AKC Registered | Yes, sold on limited AKC registration |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone Number | (719) 661-1422 |
| Website | heatherdownslabradors.com |
| Heatherdowns Labradors |
2. Bear Creek Labradors
Our 2nd breeder on this list would be Bear Creek Labradors. There is something really special about a family working together to produce great quality companions for other families. For Bear Creek, breeding Labrador Retriever dogs is more than a business. They are a lifelong part of their lives and have played a major role in what they have achieved.
Founded by Dr. Kelly Hepworth and his family, they have been producing top-quality AKC standard Labrador Retriever dogs since 1992. Their dogs have grown to become great prospects in the field and hunt tests, they are excellent gun dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, and of course, wonderful family/companion dogs.
Over the years, their breeding plan has been built to perfection as only the finest pedigrees are used. Their breeding dogs hail from refined championed lines and this is ensured through proper extensive research. Confirmation, Intelligence, and temperament are the main focus of their breeding plan and they work diligently to ensure that all their targets are achieved in each litter.
Each Labrador Retriever dog from Bear Creek is certified-free from eyes, hips, and elbows by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. They are also well tested for any genetic diseases and conditions that could deter or threaten the lives of their beautiful precious Labrador Retriever dogs.
Each Labrador Retriever pup is of sound temperament and is properly socialized as they are handled by people of varying ages and races. They are also exposed to varying textures and sound so expect that your new friend would have no trouble settling in with you or your family.
All their dogs come with an eye and hip guarantee that lasts a duration of 26 months. They are well vaccinated, dewormed, and would have had their dew claws clipped. They are also quite trainable and possess a cute and adorable eagerness to please their owners.
Bear Creek Labradors Contact Details:
| Owner | Dr. and Mrs. Kelly Hepworth |
| Breeder Since | 1992 |
| Address | Craig, Colorado |
| AKC Registered | Yes, sold on both limited and full AKC registrations |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone Number | (970) 824-3693 |
| Website | bclabradors.com |
| Bear Creek Labradors |
3. Whispering Pine Labradors
Taking up the 3rd spot we have Whispering Pines Labradors. These quality Labrador Retriever breeders are dedicated to producing AKC standards English type Labs with colors such as Black, chocolate, yellow, and Fox red. Their focus as breeders is on the health, intelligence, temperament, and conformation of the Labrador Retriever.
Their Labrador Retriever dogs are so good, that most of them are used as therapy dogs, service dogs, hunting dogs, dock divers, pointing dogs, and most importantly, companion dogs. Each Labrador Retriever is unique and thanks to their puppy matching program, you should have no issues locating the right and perfect dog for you or your family.
Their breeding program consists of breeding dogs that hail from great quality championed lines with very impressive pedigrees. Their dogs are all healthy according to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for eyes, hips, and elbows. They are also tested and checked for other genetic diseases like EIC, CNM, HNPK, and PRA-PRCD.
When it comes to socialization, each pup is raised in a very spacious and controlled whelping area, where they are allowed to interact with people of different age classes and races. They are also exposed to various sounds and textures. Basically, each pup is showered with enough love and care from their birth dates till they leave for their forever homes.
At ages 5-6 weeks, every Labrador Retriever pup is introduced to the basics of crate training and potty training. And by the time they leave for their forever homes (8 weeks), they would have been properly microchipped, well vaccinated, and have their deworming records up to date. They also come with a health guarantee free from genetic diseases and are free from the eyes, hips, and elbows conditions that are common for the Labrador Retriever breed.
Whispering Pine Labradors Contact Details:
| Owner | Roberta Walstrom |
| Breeder Since | Over 5 years |
| Address | Burlington, Colorado |
| AKC Registered | Yes, sold on both limited and full AKC registrations |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone Number | (719) 422-1660 |
| Website | wplabradors.com |
| Whispering Pine Labradors |
4. Tovah Labradors
The 4th spot on our list of the best Labrador Retriever breeders in Colorado goes to Tovah Labradors. When it comes to breeding great quality Labrador Retrievers, Tovah Labradors have earned a pretty decent reputation. Their focus is on the English-type Labrador Retrievers, with the colors fox red, yellow, chocolate, and black.
Each Labrador Retriever pup is home raised, where they are well socialized, having a lot of exposure to people of various ages, they also enjoy being outdoors as they get to play with other pets and animals. Another way they socialize these pups is by exposing them to a variety of textures and experiences to ensure they easily fit into their new families.
When it comes to breeding, Tovah Labradors spare no expense or resources in getting the best when it comes to quality. Their Labrador Retrievers are well-bred with a focus on their health and pedigrees. Each breeding dog is well researched to ensure they hail from Championed lines with outstanding pedigrees.
They also test each dog for genetic health conditions like HNPK, EIC, CNM, and PRA-PRCD as well as having their hearts cleared by a licensed vet and their eyes, elbows, and hips certified and cleared by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (the OFA). All this is done to ensure that each litter produced is not plagued with a health condition that could easily be avoided by proper breeding.
Some of their Labrador Retriever dogs have grown to be perfect gun dogs, great at hunting, and excellent competitors. Their level of training makes them perfect service dogs and therapy dogs. Each Labrador Retriever is AKC registered and comes with a health guarantee free from any genetic health issue for a year.
Tovah Labradors Contact Details:
| Owner | Katrina Tolbert |
| Breeder Since | Over 5 years |
| Address | Palmer Lake, Colorado |
| AKC Registered | Yes, sold on both limited and full AKC registrations |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone Number | (719) 481-9004 |
| Website | labradorpuppiesforsale.net |
| Tovah Labrador |
5. Colorado Serenity Labrador Retriever
The next spot on our list goes to Colorado Serenity Labrador Retriever. This quality Labrador Retriever breeder is quite unique, in the sense that they only breed the yellow-colored English-type Labrador Retriever. Their focus as breeders is to produce Labrador Retrievers that are both healthy, of sound temperament, and are well socialized.
Most of their Labrador Retriever dogs grow up to become great hunting dogs, companion dogs, and of course, great family dogs. This is because they are quite experienced in training their dogs for the hunt. They eventually joined the Platte valley HRC (Hunting Retriever Club) to become better gun dog trainers, where they regularly participate in numerous hunt trials hosted by the HRC.
Their breeding program follows the American Kennel Club and United Kennel Club breeding standards, as each Labrador Retriever parent is researched and found to be from championed lines with noteworthy pedigrees. They also do genetic health testing for each dog, ensuring they are clear of CNM and EIC.
They also have no dysplasia, as their elbows and hips are certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Yearly eye tests are done for them where they get CERF certified and have their heart clearances issued by a well-licensed vet. All their yellow Labrador Retrievers have great and healthy-looking skin.
When it comes to Socialization, they ensure that each pup is showered with tender love and affection from day one till they leave for their new homes. They are also well socialized.
Each Labrador Retriever pup is Registered by the AKC and UKC and is sold on full AKC registration (so you get breeding rights). They are also well vaccinated and dewormed having the up to date records to prove it. They are also microchipped and would have had their dew claws clipped before they are given to you (at 8 weeks of age).
Colorado Serenity Labrador Retrievers Contact Details:
| Breeder Since | Over 7 years |
| Address | Westminster, Colorado |
| AKC Registered | Yes sold on full AKC registrations |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone Number | (720) 291-3586 |
| Website | coloradolabradorretriever.com |
| Colorado Serenity Labrador Retrievers |
6. STK Just Labs
Moving on to the next breeder on our list with top-quality Labrador Retriever puppies, we have STK Just Labs. Located just outside of Otis, southeastern Colorado, STK Just Labs pride themselves in producing great quality Labrador Retriever puppies that meet the standards set by the American Kennel Club.
Their Labrador Retrievers are the main part of their lives, and as such, they are raised and cared for from the very first day of their birth till they leave for their new forever homes. They get to play with the kids and grandkids as well as other strangers. This helps ensure that all Labrador Retrievers being produced by STK Just Labs are well Socialized.
Their breeding plan is quite good, as they spend enough time and resources extensively researching each dog considered for their breeding program. They ensure that each dog comes from a championed line and possesses an outstanding pedigree.
They also run a series of genetic health testing on each sire and dam to ensure that no health disorders are passed on to the new litters. Some of these tests include Exercise Induced Collapse and Centronuclear Myopathy. And are certified through eyes, hips, and elbows by the CERF and OFA respectively.
Each Labrador Retriever dog from STK Just Labs is American Kennel Club registered and comes with a 26-month guarantee free from any eye and hip conditions. They are also quite healthy as they are thoroughly health checked by a well-licensed vet. They are also well vaccinated and come with their deworming records up to date.
All their Labrador Retriever pups would have had their dew claws clipped and would have been microchipped to prevent them from getting lost. All their dogs are beautiful, and well trained with awesome temperaments making them excellent family dogs, they also make great gun dogs as well as excellent Service dogs.
STK Just Labs Contact Details:
| Owner | Shannon and Terry Klostreich |
| Breeder Since | Over 5 years |
| Address | Otis, Colorado |
| AKC Registered | Yes, sold on limited AKC registrations only |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone Number | (970) 630-7096, (970) 630-7097 |
| Website | stkjustlabskennel.com |
7. Colorado Aspen Labs
Number 7 on our list goes to this very experienced breeder, we are talking about Colorado Aspen Labs. This family-owned business has been in existence for over 19 years. With that much experience, it is quite safe to say that Colorado Aspen Labs sure know what they are doing. They focus on the English-type Labrador retriever and are quite diligent in their breeding program.
Their breeding program (which is quite standard), ensures that only healthy Labrador Retriever dogs with exceptional pedigrees are added to the program. They health checks each dog for genetic issues like EIC and CNM and also ensure that each Labrador Retriever is cleared by the OFA for hips, eyes, and elbows.
When it comes to socialization, I am quite impressed with this breeder, as they follow proper and improved methods to socialize each pup. All their Labrador Retrievers are home-raised, and during their 8 weeks’ stay at Colorado Aspen Labs, they ensure that each pup develops great social skills.
3 days after the new litter is produced, they employ a puppy culture program which begins with the Introduction to Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) which helps them better handle stress and anxiety. They are also properly socialized with people of varying ages as well as various sounds, experiences and a lot of textures to help them better adjust.
Every pup comes with a 26-month health guarantee free from hereditary health conditions that are common to the Labrador Retriever breed. This Health guarantee only stays if the pups are kept on NuVet vitamins for the full 26 months. Written documentation from a licensed vet would also be needed. They are also vaccinated, dewormed, and microchipped, and would have their dew claws clipped before they leave for their new families.
Colorado Aspen Labs Contact Details:
| Owner | Scott and Kandi Washington |
| Breeder Since | Over 19 years |
| Address | Woodland Park, Colorado |
| AKC Registered | Yes, sold on limited AKC registrations only |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone Number | (719) 687-8819; (719) 649-0289; (719) 649-2813 |
| Website | coloradoaspenlabs.com |
| Colorado Aspen Labs |
8. Albrecht Farms Labrador Retrievers
Albrecht Farms deserves a spot on our list as they are quite qualified when it comes to breeding great quality Labrador Retrievers. They focus on breeding English Type Labrador Retrievers of the colors yellow, fox red, black, and chocolate. All of their dogs are mostly bred for the purpose of hunting, but they double as great family dogs.
There is something quite impressive about their breeding plan, and that is the fact that each new litter is an improvement on the previous litter. Regardless, a lot of work is done when producing new litters. Each breeding dog to be considered for their breeding program is thoroughly researched, ensuring they come from quality championed lines with very decent pedigrees.
They also undergo a lot of testing like genetic health testing such as Centronuclear Myopathy, Exercise Induced Collapse, and Hereditary nasal parakeratosis. Each dog is also certified to be free from hips and elbows dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and is annually tested by CERF for eyes.
As for socialization, Abrecht Farms does not disappoint. Each dog is raised in their home, where they are shown enough love and care right from their birth till they get to their new families. They are also allowed to be handled by people of varying ages (adults and kids) and are also exposed to a variety of textures and experiences to help them get more comfortable in their new homes.
All Albrecht Farms Labrador Retrievers come with a 100% money-back guarantee for 26 months free from hip dysplasia. They are also sold on both limited or full AKC registrations and have their dew claws properly clipped. Their vaccination and deworming records are proper and up to date and are properly checked by a licensed vet.
Albrecht Farms Contact Details:
| Owner | Sam and Shari Albrecht |
| Breeder Since | Over 5 years |
| Address | Parker, Colorado |
| AKC Registered | Yes, sold on both limited and full AKC registrations |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone Number | (720) 443-7466 |
| Website | albrechtfarmslabs.com |
| Albrecht Farms Labrador Retrievers |
9. Bearpoint Kennel and Black Forest Kennel
What’s greater than one good quality Labrador Retriever breeder? Two good quality Labrador Retriever breeders. The combination of both Black Forest Kennel and Bear point Kennel has been a great one as they have been producing high-standard healthy pointing Labradors for a long time.
Their breeding program is quite robust as they have a lot of Grandmasters and 4X-Grandmasters pointing to retrievers in their program. To top that, their quite impressive program has produced five halls of fame dogs. They are well trained with wonderful pedigrees to follow.
All their breeding Labrador Retriever dogs are well trained and they undergo so many genetic health tests such as Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC), Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis (HNPK), and Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM). Each dog is also cleared and certified to be free from elbows and hip dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and undergoes a yearly eye test through CERF.
Their Labrador Retriever dogs are home and field-raised and are also well socialized as they are handled by kids and adults of varying ages. They are also exposed to a variety of sounds, and texture experiences to help them better cope with anxiety and better adjust to their new living spaces or new families.
Although most of their Labrador Retriever dogs are trained to become excellent hunting dogs, they are quite multi-purpose as some of them have become great service dogs, wonderful therapy dogs, and excellent family dogs or companion dogs.
All their Labradors are American Kennel Club, United Kennel Club, and American Pointing Labradors Association registered. They also sell each puppy on both limited and full AKC registrations and each puppy comes with a lifetime health guarantee free from hip and eye health disorders.
Bearpoint Kennel and Black Forest Kennel Contact Details:
| Owner | Dale and Brenda Meritt |
| Breeder Since | Over 7 years |
| Address | Calhan, Colorado |
| AKC Registered | Yes, sold on both limited and full AKC registrations |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone Number | (303) 681-5227 |
| Website | bearpointkennel.com |
| Bearpoint Kennel and Black Forest Kennel |
10. Columbine Labradors
Taking up the 10th and final spot on our list of great quality Labrador Retriever breeders in Colorado, we have Columbine Labradors. This breeder is quite different from the rest of the breeders on our list. And this is because theta is one of the few that breed the silver-colored Labrador Retriever type. But they also breed the regular colors.
All their dogs are raised in their home, where they are showered with lots of love and care. They are also well socialized, having regular interactions with both kids and adults of varying age groups. In addition to that, they are exposed to a massive array of sounds and textures, basically giving them new experiences to help make them more comfortable in their new families.
Their breeding program is quite standard as they spend lots of time and resources in researching each Labrador Retriever breed, this is to ensure that only the best quality Labradors are produced from each litter. They perform a lot of extensive testing on each Labrador Retriever dog and ensure that each new litter is free from genetic health issues like PRA-PRCD, EIC, CNM, and other health disorders common to the Labrador Retriever breed.
Their Labrador Retrievers are quite energetic and active making them great hunting dogs, but they also possess a mellow and gentle disposition making them awesome family dogs and companions.
Each Labrador Retriever pup is AKC registered, is properly vaccinated, and has its deworming records up to date. They are also microchipped and would have had their dew claws clipped by the time they leave for their new family homes (at 8 weeks of age).
Columbine Labradors Contact Details:
| Owner | Michele Ross |
| Breeder Since | Over 5 years |
| Address | Lakewood, Colorado |
| AKC Registered | Yes, sold on both limited and full AKC registrations |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone Number | (303) 263-9425 |
| Website | columbinelabradors.com |
My Top Picks
My top pick for this list of great quality Labrador Retrievers in Colorado would go to the very dedicated Colorado Aspen Labs (not that all other breeders on this list are not dedicated). There’s something quite special about their level of dedication shown towards improving the Labrador Retriever breed.
Dedicating over 19 years towards breeding Labrador Retrievers has to count for something as not a lot of breeders have that much experience. Their breeding plan seems pretty decent, as they ensure that only the best pedigrees are used for their program. The level of testing done for each dog is also quite noteworthy.
Something I find quite interesting about this breeder is the fact that they run a puppy culture program for their Labrador Retriever pups and the fact that they perform Early Neurological Stimulation for each puppy. Not a lot of breeders do this, and I personally feel every breeder should adopt these practices.
Your Labrador Retriever would spend an average of 10 to 12 years with you, a well-socialized dog would make these 10 to 12 years a very wonderful experience so a lot should be done in socializing and stimulating each dog breed.
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Final Thoughts
As I stated above, each Labrador Retriever dog lives an average of 10 to 12 years so it is quite important you enjoy each of these years with your furry companion to the fullest. Getting a healthy Labrador Retriever dog should be your first priority, a great temperament is also very important. So when picking a breeder, always put these factors in mind.
There you have it, these are some of the best Labrador Retriever breeders you can find in Colorado. They produce great quality Labrador Retrievers and of course, they place a lot of priority on the general well-being of both the Labrador Retriever breed and the owner (you).
These breeders are a great start for you, but always remember to do your due diligence. Ask for the health clearances and certification of each dog you are interested in, try as much as possible to avoid puppy mills, exercise your dogs regularly, and basically shower them with as much love as possible because they deserve it. For now, drink lots of water, stay positive and remember to always stay devoted to dogs.
