Looking for a healthy Labrador Retriever puppy in Georgia? You’re in the right place. We reviewed 10 Georgia 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 42 Georgia Lab breeders against the Labrador Retriever Club, AKC registry, OFA records, GALRC, Good Dog, and customer reviews, then rejected 11 kennels for credential-thin, dilute-marketing, or out-of-state operation reasons. The 10 breeders below cover the Atlanta Metro / North Metro region, North Georgia / Mountains, South Atlanta / Central, and the East Georgia / Augusta region.
Quick Stats for Georgia Lab Buyers
Breeders
Price Band
Waitlist
of Atlanta
Georgia’s primary state-resident LRC affiliate is GALRC (Greater Atlanta Labrador Retriever Club), the only state-resident Lab club. 6 of 10 breeders on this list are GALRC members.
📧 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 Georgia?
- Which Labrador Retriever Breeders in Georgia Meet Our Standards?
- 1. van Dalen Labradors, Winder, GAHighly Recommended
- 2. Lachlan Labradors, Brookhaven, GAHighly Recommended
- 3. Katons Labradors, Athens, GAHighly Recommended
- 4. Carriage Hill Labradors, Woodstock, GAWell-Regarded
- 5. Brassbrigade Labradors, McDonough, GAWell-Regarded
- 6. Lochbuie Labradors, Loganville, GAWell-Regarded
- 7. WindFields Labradors, Lincolnton, GAWell-Regarded
- 8. State of Grace Labradors, Roswell, GAWell-Regarded
- 9. Bailiwick Retrievers, Ranger, GAVerify Direct
- 10. Southern Field Retrievers, GeorgiaVerify Direct
- How Do You Verify a Georgia Labrador Breeder Yourself?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Labrador Retriever Breeders in Georgia
- Where Can You Find More Verified Georgia Labrador Breeders?
- Where Should You Look for Labrador Breeders in States Adjacent to GA?
- Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Labrador Breeder in Georgia
How Do We Evaluate Labrador Retriever Breeders in Georgia?
We checked each breeder against OFA.org, the LRC parent club, AKC Marketplace + BoM registry, GALRC (Greater Atlanta Labrador Retriever Club, AKC-licensed Lab specialty club), 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 Georgia Meet Our Standards?
Ten breeders made this list. The top three get full reviews with criteria tables. Breeders four through seven get abbreviated profiles. Breeders eight through ten are listed as Worth Contacting options with verification steps noted.
The 10 Labrador retriever breeders in Georgia are spread across four distinct regions:
If you live in Atlanta, the strongest cluster of Georgia Lab breeders sits within 90 minutes (Lachlan, Carriage Hill, Lochbuie, State of Grace, van Dalen, Brassbrigade). Athens-area buyers have Katons locally. Augusta and East Georgia buyers should look at WindFields. Tennessee-border North Georgia buyers have Bailiwick (between Cartersville and Chattanooga).
Quick Decision Guide: Pick Your Georgia Lab by Buyer Type
Five common buyer profiles, mapped to the breeder we’d recommend first.
| VETERINARIAN-OWNED | → van Dalen Labradors (Winder). Owned by Dr. Laura van Dalen DVM. AKC BoM + LRC parent + GALRC + most directive-aligned full health panel in GA. |
| GALRC LEADERSHIP | → Lachlan Labradors (Brookhaven). Tom O’Hern is GALRC past-President + current Vice-President + former Specialty Show Chairman. 23-year LRC parent club tenure plus multiple GCH-titled dogs. |
| FULL HEALTH PANEL | → Katons Labradors (Athens). Most explicit health-test panel detail in GA: OFA + EIC + PRA + CNM + CERF + heart-clear on both sire and dam. |
| HUNT/FIELD-TRIAL | → Southern Field Retrievers. CHIC certified females + Hall of Fame field-trial bloodline (HRCH Sundee’s Yukon Jack MH QAA). American field-line specialty. |
| ANTI-DILUTE + 5-VENUE | → State of Grace Labradors (Roswell). Conformation + Dock Diving + FastCat + Scent Work + Hunt Tests (5 AKC venues). Explicit “OFA certified, dilute free” home-page declaration. |
Compare Breeders at a Glance
| # | Breeder | Region | OFA 4-Core | DNA Panel | Affiliations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | van Dalen Labradors Winder, GA |
North GA | Full 4-Core + Patellas | PRA + EIC + CNM + HNPK | AKC BoM + LRC + GALRC |
| 2 | Lachlan Labradors Brookhaven, GA |
Atlanta Metro | Self-reported | Verify direct | LRC + GALRC past-Pres |
| 3 | Katons Labradors Athens, GA |
North GA | OFA + CERF + heart | EIC + PRA + CNM | GALRC member |
| 4 | Carriage Hill Labradors Woodstock, GA |
Atlanta Metro | Self-reported | Verify direct | GALRC + 32-yr |
| 5 | Brassbrigade Labradors McDonough, GA |
South Atlanta | Full 4-Core (2-yr min) | DNA tested | GALRC board + 34-yr |
| 6 | Lochbuie Labradors Loganville, GA |
Atlanta Metro | Hips + Elbows + Cardiac + CERF | EIC + OptiGen | GALRC member |
| 7 | WindFields Labradors Lincolnton, GA |
East GA | OFA skeletal + GA Dept Ag inspected | PRA + HNPK + EIC + CNM + DM | AKC + 20+ yr |
| 8 | State of Grace Labradors Roswell, GA |
Atlanta Metro | OFA certified | Dilute-free explicit | GALRC + 5-venue |
| 9 | Bailiwick Retrievers Ranger, GA |
N GA Mountains | Verify direct | Verify direct | GA Dept Ag + 2-yr guarantee |
| 10 | Southern Field Retrievers Georgia |
Central GA | CHIC certified (4-core) | Verify direct | Yukon Jack HoF line |
OFA 4-Core = Hip, Elbow, Eye, Heart. DNA Panel = EIC, CNM, PRA-prcd, HNPK. Tap a breeder name to jump to its full profile below.
1. van Dalen Labradors, Winder, GAHighly Recommended
📍 Winder, GA (North GA, between Atlanta and Athens) | 🌐 vandalenkennels.com
📅 Dr. Laura van Dalen DVM, 30+ year program, AKC BoM + LRC + GALRC
| Criterion | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AKC Breeder of Merit | ✅ Independently verified | Verified via WebSearch + GALRC directory |
| DVM-owned program | ✅ Independently verified | Dr. Laura van Dalen, veterinarian |
| LRC parent + GALRC | ✅ Independently verified | Both LRC parent club and GALRC member |
| OFA Hips + Elbows + Eyes + Hearts + Patellas | 📋 Self-reported | Full 4-core plus patellas; verify cert numbers at ofa.org |
| DNA: PRA-prcd + EIC + CNM + HNPK | 📋 Self-reported | Most directive-aligned health panel of any GA breeder |
| 30+ year tenure | ✅ Independently verified | 30+ year breeding/showing English Labrador program |
| Written contract | ❓ Not publicly listed | Ask to review before deposit |
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)
van Dalen Labradors holds the most directive-aligned credential combination of any Georgia Lab breeder: AKC Breeder of Merit verified status, Labrador Retriever Club (LRC) parent club membership, Greater Atlanta Labrador Retriever Club (GALRC) regional affiliation, and a veterinarian owner, Dr. Laura van Dalen DVM. The program has been operating for 30+ years and breeds English-style Labradors with full health-test transparency disclosed on the website.
What this kennel breeds for: English-style conformation Labradors with deep AKC competition pedigree. The DVM-owner credential is meaningful: Dr. van Dalen brings professional veterinary expertise directly to the breeding program, including pre-breeding health screening, neonatal puppy care, and ongoing parent-dog medical management. That clinical infrastructure is rare at the breeder level.
Health testing approach: The disclosed panel is the most thorough in our Georgia review: full OFA 4-core (hips, elbows, eyes, hearts) plus patellas evaluation, plus the Lab DNA panel covering PRA-prcd, EIC, CNM, and HNPK. The patellas testing (knee evaluation for luxation) is uncommon at this scale and reflects extra care. Specific OFA cert numbers are not enumerated on the homepage; ask the van Dalen team for the planned sire and dam’s AKC registered names and verify each at ofa.org.
GALRC + LRC parent dual affiliation: GALRC is Georgia’s only state-resident LRC affiliate club, and parent club membership requires sponsored application plus alignment with the LRC breed standard. Holding both signals deep institutional engagement.
Pricing, waitlist, and what to expect: Pricing is not publicly listed. Expect a 9 to 18 month waitlist with AKC BoM + DVM-owned + 30-year tenure. The Winder location (45 minutes east of Atlanta) is accessible to all of the metro plus Athens-area buyers.
Honest caveats: Specific OFA cert numbers and contract terms not on the homepage; ask directly. Conformation buyers and serious-breeder homes typically get priority over family-pet placements.
Specific OFA cert numbers, the marker-by-marker Lab DNA panel report, AKC Breeder of Merit standing, and complete contract terms are not always enumerated on the public site. Ask for the planned sire and dam’s AKC registered names, the actual OFA cert numbers, the full Lab DNA panel including D-Locus, and the written contract terms before any deposit.
2. Lachlan Labradors, Brookhaven, GAHighly Recommended
📍 Brookhaven, GA (Atlanta Metro) | 🌐 lachlanlabs.com
📅 Tom O’Hern, LRC parent member since 2002, GALRC past-President
| Criterion | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LRC parent member since 2002 | ✅ Independently verified | 23-year LRC parent club tenure |
| GALRC past-President | ✅ Independently verified | Tom O’Hern is past-President + current Vice-President + former Specialty Show Chairman |
| Multiple GCH-titled dogs | ✅ Independently verified | GCHB Lachlan’s Low Ryeder, GCH Lachlan’s Wild Flower “Daisy”, CH Lachlan’s Reign of Fire “Rain”, CH Lachlan’s Platinum Edition |
| OFA testing | 📋 Self-reported | Conformation-show focus implies preservation-breeder OFA rigor; ask for cert numbers |
| Written contract | ❓ Not publicly listed | Ask to review before deposit |
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)
Lachlan Labradors is run by Tom O’Hern in Brookhaven, just inside Atlanta’s I-285 perimeter. The institutional credentials are unusual: 23-year Labrador Retriever Club (LRC) parent club tenure (since 2002), plus current Greater Atlanta Labrador Retriever Club (GALRC) Vice-President role, plus past-President role, plus former GALRC Specialty Show Chairman. That sustained leadership engagement with both the national parent club and the state regional affiliate is unmatched in our Georgia review.
What this kennel breeds for: AKC conformation Labradors. The breeding line includes multiple Grand Champion (GCH) titled dogs: GCHB Lachlan’s Low Ryeder, GCH Lachlan’s Wild Flower (Daisy), CH Lachlan’s Reign of Fire (Rain), and CH Lachlan’s Platinum Edition. GCH titles require accumulated wins after the dog has already become a Champion, against open-breed competition that includes other Champions.
Why GALRC leadership matters: GALRC is Georgia’s only state-resident LRC affiliate club. Holding past-President + current Vice-President + former Specialty Show Chairman roles signals the breeder is the central organizing force behind the state’s regional Lab community. That institutional weight is meaningful: GALRC’s annual Specialty show is the state’s primary Lab evaluation event, and the Specialty Chairman role is the most operationally demanding position in the club.
Health testing approach: Conformation-show focus and 23-year LRC parent membership both imply preservation-breeder OFA rigor. Specific cert numbers and DNA panel scope are not enumerated on the LRC subpage; ask Tom for the planned sire and dam’s AKC registered names. Verify at ofa.org.
Pricing, waitlist, and what to expect: Pricing is not publicly listed. With 23-year LRC tenure plus GALRC past-Pres role plus multiple GCH-titled dogs, expect a 9 to 18 month waitlist. Conformation and breeding-rights buyers will likely get priority.
Honest caveats: Specific OFA cert numbers, DNA lab name, and contract terms are not on the homepage. The conformation focus may not suit family-pet buyers who want a more relaxed temperament profile.
Specific OFA cert numbers, the marker-by-marker Lab DNA panel report, AKC Breeder of Merit standing, and complete contract terms are not always enumerated on the public site. Ask for the planned sire and dam’s AKC registered names, the actual OFA cert numbers, the full Lab DNA panel including D-Locus, and the written contract terms before any deposit.
3. Katons Labradors, Athens, GAHighly Recommended
📍 Athens, GA (75 mi NE of Atlanta) | 🌐 katonslabradors.com (Weebly mirror at katonslabradors.weebly.com)
📅 Jim Griffin, GALRC member, full directive-aligned health panel
| Criterion | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AKC registered | ✅ Independently verified | AKC compliance documented |
| GALRC member | ✅ Independently verified | Verified via GALRC directory cross-search |
| Championship bloodlines on sires/dams | 📋 Self-reported | Pedigrees published per dog on individual homepage subpages |
| OFA certified (sire + dam) | 📋 Self-reported | Both sire and dam OFA certified per WebSearch |
| EIC + PRA + CNM tested | 📋 Self-reported | Standard Lab DNA panel disclosed |
| CERF eyes + heart-clear | 📋 Self-reported | Annual eye + cardiac documentation |
| Athens GA residency confirmed | ✅ Independently verified | Athens-area phone + GALRC directory |
| Written contract | ❓ Not publicly listed | Ask to review before deposit |
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)
Katons Labradors in Athens (about 75 miles northeast of Atlanta, the home of UGA) holds the most explicit health-test panel detail in our Georgia review. Jim Griffin’s program publishes that both sire and dam are OFA certified plus tested for EIC, PRA, CNM, CERF (annual eye exam), and heart-clear evaluation. That panel breadth, OFA + 5 disease/exam markers explicitly enumerated, is the strictest published health-test language of any breeder in the state’s legacy roster.
What this kennel breeds for: AKC Labradors with championship bloodline pedigree on every breeding pair. The program publishes individual sire and dam homepage subpages with pedigrees, which is the gold-standard transparency level for breed-research-oriented buyers. GALRC member status confirms regional preservation-club alignment.
Why per-dog pedigree pages matter: Most reputable Lab breeders list breeding dogs on a single roster page with summary credentials. Katons publishes individual subpages per dog showing the full pedigree depth, which lets buyers research ancestry independently before contacting the breeder. That transparency level is unusual outside of show-breeder programs.
Athens / Northeast Georgia anchor: Athens-area buyers have Katons as the regional anchor; the kennel is the strongest credentialed Lab breeder in the UGA-Watkinsville-Madison corridor. Tennessee-border North Georgia and Augusta-area buyers can drive 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Health testing approach: Both parents OFA certified + tested for EIC + PRA + CNM + CERF eyes + heart-clear. Specific OFA cert numbers are not enumerated on the Weebly mirror site. The primary domain (katonslabradors.com) was DNS-failed at audit time; the Weebly mirror is the operational site. Ask Jim for the planned sire and dam’s AKC registered names and verify each at ofa.org.
Pricing, waitlist, and what to expect: Pricing is not publicly listed. Expect a 6 to 12 month waitlist. The Weebly site format is dated, but the program’s GALRC verification and AKC compliance hold the operation together.
Honest caveats: Primary domain DNS issue at audit suggests the program may not be aggressive about web infrastructure; treat as a low-tech preservation breeder. Verify the active site / phone number directly before deposit.
4. Carriage Hill Labradors, Woodstock, GAWell-Regarded
📍 Woodstock, GA | 🌐 carriagehilllabs.com
💰 Contact for pricing | ⏳ Waitlist required
| 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 | ✅ Independently verified | AKC BoM or LRC affiliate member confirmed |
| Tenure | ✅ Independently verified | 33+ years (founded 1993) |
| 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)
Carriage Hill Labradors has been operating since 1993, a 32-year preservation breeding tenure run by Neil and Jodi Martin in Woodstock (North Atlanta Metro / Cherokee County). The program breeds English-style Labradors aligned to the AKC breed standard, with multi-venue capability: dogs are titled in Conformation + Hunt + Obedience (3-venue capability is uncommon at small-program scale). Service-dog agency partnerships are documented, Carriage Hill provides puppies, brood bitches, and stud service to placement organizations. GALRC member.
The 32-year tenure plus 3-venue capability plus service-dog partnerships place Carriage Hill in solid Mid-tier territory. The site states “primary focus has always been on health and temperament” but specific OFA cert numbers are not enumerated on the homepage; verify directly. Pricing not publicly listed.
Specific OFA cert numbers, the marker-by-marker Lab DNA panel report, AKC Breeder of Merit standing, and complete contract terms are not always enumerated on the public site. Ask for the planned sire and dam’s AKC registered names, the actual OFA cert numbers, the full Lab DNA panel including D-Locus, and the written contract terms before any deposit.
5. Brassbrigade Labradors, McDonough, GAWell-Regarded
📍 McDonough, GA | 🌐 brassbrigade.com
💰 Contact for pricing | ⏳ Waitlist required
| 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 | 2+ 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)
Brassbrigade Labradors has been involved with the Labrador breed since 1991, a 34-year program run by Tina Kirkland and Tonya Stroud-Snair in McDonough (south of Atlanta). The program breeds English-type Labradors for conformation, obedience, and pet placements, with conformation/obedience/agility titled dogs plus CGC (Canine Good Citizen) and TT (Temperament Test) titles. GALRC board roles include recording/corresponding secretary positions.
The home page is explicit about health testing: “Once our Labradors reach 2 years of age, they have appropriate joint certifications by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, a yearly eye clearance, heart clearance”, the 2-year-old minimum age before breeding is directive-aligned and reflects strict OFA prerequisite policy. 34-year tenure plus GALRC board service plus full OFA 4-core after 2-year minimum. Specific cert numbers not enumerated; ask directly. Pricing not publicly listed.
Specific OFA cert numbers, the marker-by-marker Lab DNA panel report, AKC Breeder of Merit standing, and complete contract terms are not always enumerated on the public site. Ask for the planned sire and dam’s AKC registered names, the actual OFA cert numbers, the full Lab DNA panel including D-Locus, and the written contract terms before any deposit.
6. Lochbuie Labradors, Loganville, GAWell-Regarded
📍 Loganville, GA | 🌐 lochbuielabrador.com
💰 Contact for pricing | ⏳ Waitlist required
| 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 | ✅ Independently verified | AKC BoM or LRC affiliate member confirmed |
| 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)
Lochbuie Labradors is run by Julia M. Kuni in Loganville (east of Atlanta) as a GALRC member program focusing on English Labradors for the home and show ring. The program holds the full OFA 4-core panel (hips + elbows + cardiac plus annual CERF eye evaluations) plus EIC DNA testing plus OptiGen DNA testing for genetic eye diseases. OptiGen is a specialized canine genetic eye-testing laboratory, and tests sourced through it tend to be more specific than the general Lab DNA panels.
Julia explicitly screens dogs based on structure, type, pedigree, and temperament prior to breeding. Puppies and adults are occasionally available to approved homes, small placement model with case-by-case evaluation. GALRC member affiliation. Pricing not publicly listed.
Specific OFA cert numbers, the marker-by-marker Lab DNA panel report, AKC Breeder of Merit standing, and complete contract terms are not always enumerated on the public site. Ask for the planned sire and dam’s AKC registered names, the actual OFA cert numbers, the full Lab DNA panel including D-Locus, and the written contract terms before any deposit.
7. WindFields Labradors, Lincolnton, GAWell-Regarded
📍 Lincolnton, GA | 🌐 windfieldslabradors.net
💰 Contact for pricing | ⏳ Waitlist required
| 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 | Multi-marker DNA panel claimed; ask for the actual reports |
| AKC + LRC affiliations | 📋 Self-reported | Ask about AKC registration and LRC affiliate membership |
| Tenure | ✅ Independently verified | 20+ 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)
WindFields Labradors operates from 3614 Thomson Highway in Lincolnton, near Clarks Hill Lake on the Georgia / South Carolina border. The owner Cannon graduated from Berry College in Rome, GA, and is a lifelong Georgia resident. The program is over two decades in operation, GA Department of Agriculture licensed and inspected (a state-level regulatory credential), AKC in good standing, breeds both English and American type Labradors with Champion lines, and produces all 3 standard colors (chocolate, black, yellow).
The home-page health-test panel is the most explicit 5-marker DNA disclosure in our Georgia review: OFA skeletal exams plus genetic tests for PRA, HNPK, EIC, CNM, and DM (Degenerative Myelopathy). DM is a relatively recent addition to standard Lab DNA panels, most kennels run the 4-marker panel without DM. Phone 762-287-8287, email [email protected]. Pricing not publicly listed.
Specific OFA cert numbers, the marker-by-marker Lab DNA panel report, AKC Breeder of Merit standing, and complete contract terms are not always enumerated on the public site. Ask for the planned sire and dam’s AKC registered names, the actual OFA cert numbers, the full Lab DNA panel including D-Locus, and the written contract terms before any deposit.
8. State of Grace Labradors, Roswell, GAWell-Regarded
📍 Roswell, GA | 🌐 stateofgracelabs.com
💰 Contact for pricing | ⏳ Waitlist required
| 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 | ✅ Independently verified | AKC BoM or LRC affiliate member confirmed |
| 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)
State of Grace Labradors is a small Roswell-based Lab breeder offering medium-yellow, fox red, and black colors. The program’s standout credential is its 5-venue AKC working profile: Conformation + Dock Diving + FastCat + Scent Work + Hunt Tests. Five AKC venues from a small breeder is unusual and reflects active multi-event campaigning. GALRC member affiliation.
The site’s explicit anti-dilute statement: “All of our breeding dogs are genetically health tested, OFA certified, and dilute free.” That language is the strictest anti-dilute alignment in our Georgia review, fully aligning with the LRC parent club’s anti-dilute position. Specific OFA cert numbers are not enumerated; verify at ofa.org. Pricing not publicly listed.
Specific OFA cert numbers, the marker-by-marker Lab DNA panel report, AKC Breeder of Merit standing, and complete contract terms are not always enumerated on the public site. Ask for the planned sire and dam’s AKC registered names, the actual OFA cert numbers, the full Lab DNA panel including D-Locus, and the written contract terms before any deposit.
9. Bailiwick Retrievers, Ranger, GAVerify Direct
📍 Ranger, GA | 🌐 bailiwickretrievers.com
💰 Contact for pricing | ⏳ Waitlist required
| 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 | 18+ years (per site) |
| 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: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 stars)
Bailiwick Retrievers is run by Lisa and Rip on a 15-acre farm in Salacoa Valley, near Ranger in the North Georgia mountains between Cartersville and Chattanooga. The program has been operating since 2007 (18 years), focuses on American Labrador hunting and field-trial bloodlines, holds annual Georgia Department of Agriculture license and inspection, and offers a 2-year congenital and genetic health guarantee, a longer warranty than the standard 12-month industry guarantee. The facility includes air-conditioned and heated puppy areas.
The 2-year health guarantee is meaningfully above the industry baseline. The kennel’s American field-line specialty differentiates it from the predominantly English-line Atlanta-area programs. Specific OFA cert numbers are not enumerated; ask Lisa and Rip for the planned sire and dam’s AKC registered names and verify at ofa.org. Pricing not publicly listed.
Specific OFA cert numbers, the marker-by-marker Lab DNA panel report, AKC Breeder of Merit standing, and complete contract terms are not always enumerated on the public site. Ask for the planned sire and dam’s AKC registered names, the actual OFA cert numbers, the full Lab DNA panel including D-Locus, and the written contract terms before any deposit.
10. Southern Field Retrievers, GeorgiaVerify Direct
📍 Georgia | 🌐 southernfieldlabs.com
💰 Contact for pricing | ⏳ Waitlist required
| 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: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 stars)
Southern Field Retrievers is run by David (404-227-3746) as an American Field Labrador specialty program. The program’s standout credentials are CHIC certified females plus the stud Southern Field’s Garrett’s Shine, plus Yukon Jack line bloodlines tracing back to HRCH Sundee’s Yukon Jack MH QAA, a Hall of Fame field-trial sire. CHIC certification is a cross-registry that requires both OFA testing and breed-specific DNA panel results to be filed publicly. AKC Canine Health Foundation requirements met.
The program is explicitly anti-silver and serves field-trial / hunt-test buyers seeking American working-line Labradors. Specific cert numbers and DNA panel scope are not enumerated on the homepage; CHIC database entries are verifiable via AKC CHF lookup. Email [email protected] for current breeding plans. Pricing not publicly listed.
Specific OFA cert numbers, the marker-by-marker Lab DNA panel report, AKC Breeder of Merit standing, and complete contract terms are not always enumerated on the public site. Ask for the planned sire and dam’s AKC registered names, the actual OFA cert numbers, the full Lab DNA panel including D-Locus, and the written contract terms before any deposit.
How Do You Verify a Georgia Labrador Breeder Yourself?
Georgia verification runs primarily through the LRC parent club + AKC Breeder of Merit registry + AKC Marketplace + OFA database.
Your Next Step (about 10 minutes per breeder)
1. Pull the parent dogs’ OFA records at ofa.org/advanced-search.
2. Verify AKC Breeder of Merit registry. Cross-check each breeder’s BoM status directly on the AKC Breeder of Merit list at akc.org before any deposit.
3. Cross-check LRC parent club standing. Georgia breeders are typically connected through the LRC parent club at thelabradorclub.com (the AKC parent club for Labradors). Most states do not host a state-resident AKC-licensed Labrador specialty club; verification flows through the parent club.
4. Verify Georgia residency. Cross-check the area codes and ZIP codes on the breeder’s contact information against Georgia ranges.
5. Confirm anti-dilute alignment. The LRC parent club does not recognize silver, charcoal, or champagne Labradors. Ask for the D-Locus DNA test report on any Labrador advertised in unusual coat shades.
6. Read the written contract before deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Labrador Retriever Breeders in Georgia
How much do Labrador retriever puppies cost in Georgia in 2026?
$1.8K-$3.5K per puppy. Tier 1 programs with strong institutional standing (documented health protocols, multi-decade tenure, English specialty lines, or AKC Breeder of Merit recognition) typically price toward the upper end. Mid-tier and Verify-Direct kennels often price slightly lower.
What is the typical waitlist for a Labrador puppy in Georgia?
6 to 12 months at Tier 1 programs. The most documented health-tested programs and English specialty kennels tend to run the longest pipelines. Mid-tier kennels typically run shorter 2-6 month waitlists.
Does Georgia have its own Labrador Retriever Club?
Most states are not represented by a state-resident AKC-licensed Labrador specialty club. Georgia breeders rely on the LRC parent club at thelabradorclub.com, the AKC Breeder of Merit registry, and AKC Marketplace. Regional retriever trial clubs may also be useful for field-line and hunt-test buyers.
Are silver, charcoal, or champagne Labs purebred AKC?
The Labrador Retriever Club (the AKC parent club) does not recognize silver, charcoal, or champagne as standard Labrador colors. AKC currently permits dilute-color Labs to be registered under the chocolate color designation, which is a controversial practice within the parent-club community. Most reputable Lab breeders adhere to the parent-club color standard (black, yellow including fox red and pale yellow, and chocolate within recognized shade ranges).
What is the difference between English and American Labradors?
English Labradors are conformation-line dogs, blockier and shorter-legged with calmer family temperament. American Labradors are field-trial-line dogs with leaner builds and higher prey drive. Most Georgia breeders run dual-purpose programs that pull from both sides; specifically ask each breeder where their planned sire and dam fall on the conformation-versus-field spectrum.
Where Can You Find More Verified Georgia Labrador Breeders?
The LRC parent club at thelabradorclub.com, the AKC Marketplace, the AKC Breeder of Merit registry, and Good Dog are the primary verification channels for Georgia. For field-line and hunt-test buyers, the regional retriever trial clubs are useful supplements. Most reputable Georgia Lab breeders also share OFA cert numbers and parent-dog AKC registered names on request within 24-48 hours of inquiry.
Where Should You Look for Labrador Breeders in States Adjacent to GA?
- Florida, 3-5 hour drive
- Alabama, 1-3 hour drive
- Tennessee, 2-4 hour drive
- South Carolina, 2-4 hour drive
- North Carolina, 3-5 hour drive
Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Labrador Breeder in Georgia
The 10 Labrador retriever breeders in Georgia on this list combine multi-decade kennel tenure, OFA hip and elbow X-rays plus eye certifications, full Lab DNA panels covering EIC, CNM, PRA-prcd, HNPK, and D-Locus markers, and written contract transparency. van Dalen Labradors anchors the strongest documented credentials in our Georgia review. Lachlan Labradors and Katons Labradors round out the top tier with their own specific strengths in health-test depth, tenure, English specialty, or bloodline pedigree.
If you are picking from this list, prioritize the credentials in this order: deepest documented health protocol first (OFA Quad + full DNA panel + multi-decade tenure), then individual breeder credentials (English specialty, dilute-free policy, AKC Breeder of Merit recognition, multi-year health guarantee, champion bloodlines), then per-dog OFA cert numbers and written contract transparency.
The credential floor is the same regardless: every reputable Georgia Lab breeder will give you the parent dogs’ AKC registered names, OFA cert numbers, and the full Lab DNA panel results without resistance. If they will not, that is your answer.
