Best Labrador Retriever Breeders in South Carolina (2026)

Looking for a healthy Labrador Retriever puppy in South Carolina? You’re in the right place. We reviewed 10 South Carolina 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. South Carolina has no state-resident LRC affiliate, so verification runs through the LRC parent club, AKC Breeder of Merit registry, OFA records, GALRC (Greater Atlanta LRC) cross-state coverage, and Good Dog. We compared 25+ breeders against these channels and rejected several silver / charcoal dilute marketers and out-of-state operators with branded South Carolina presence. The 10 breeders below cover Lowcountry / Holly Hill, Upstate SC / Greenville, Charleston / Coastal SC, and statewide options.

📧 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:

1. The planned sire and dam’s AKC registered names so I can look up their OFA records at ofa.org
2. Your test results for EIC, CNM, PRA-prcd, and HNPK on both parents (Paw Print Genetics or Optigen reports)
3. A copy of your written contract, including the take-back policy and health guarantee
4. Whether you have a waitlist and how the application process works

Thank you for your time. Best, {Your name}

How Do We Evaluate Labrador Retriever Breeders in South Carolina?

We checked each breeder against OFA.org, the LRC parent club, AKC Marketplace + BoM registry, GALRC (Greater Atlanta Labrador Retriever Club, regional cross-state affiliate), 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).

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Which Labrador Retriever Breeders in South Carolina Meet Our Standards?

Ten breeders made this list across four regions:

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1. Cedar Creek Retrievers, Holly Hill, SCHighly Recommended

📍 Holly Hill, SC (Orangeburg County, Lowcountry South Carolina, area code 803) | 🌐 cedarcreekretrievers.com 💰 Contact for pricing | ⏳ Waitlist required | 📅 AKC Breeder of Merit for 17 consecutive years + OFA + CERF + DNA certification

Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars) Cedar Creek Retrievers in Holly Hill (Orangeburg County, Lowcountry SC) holds the strongest credential combination in our South Carolina review. The kennel is an Honored AKC accredited Breeder of Merit for 17 consecutive years, with OFA, CERF, and DNA certification on every breeding dog. The 17-year continuous BoM tenure puts Cedar Creek among the most established Lab breeders in the Southeast. Specific OFA cert numbers and DNA panel marker reports are not enumerated on the public site. Ask for the planned sire and dam’s AKC registered names, the actual OFA cert numbers, the cardiac evaluation report, and the full DNA panel reports before any deposit.

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2. Home of Labradors, Campobello, SCHighly Recommended

📍 Campobello, SC (Spartanburg County, Upstate South Carolina, area code 864) | 🌐 homeoflabradors.com 💰 Contact for pricing | ⏳ Waitlist required | 📅 AKC English Labrador Retriever specialty + DNA + OFA + champion bloodlines

Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars) Home of Labradors operates a responsible AKC English Labrador Retriever specialty kennel in Campobello, South Carolina (Spartanburg County, Upstate SC). The kennel emphasizes healthy, family-friendly puppies from champion bloodlines with DNA-tested and OFA-certified parents. The Campobello location places the kennel about 30 minutes north of Spartanburg and 40 minutes north of Greenville, plus easy access to Asheville NC. Specific OFA cert numbers, DNA panel detail, and tenure are not enumerated on the public site. Ask for the planned sire and dam’s AKC registered names, the actual OFA records, the marker-by-marker DNA panel, and the contract terms before any deposit.

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3. Southern Master Labs, Travelers Rest, SCHighly Recommended

📍 Travelers Rest, SC (Greenville County, Upstate, area code 864, 5 mi N of Greenville) | 🌐 southernmasterlabs.com 💰 Contact for pricing | ⏳ Waitlist required | 📅 AKC Registered Lab program serving the Greenville Upstate metro

Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars) Southern Master Labs is an AKC Registered Labrador Retriever breeder in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, located approximately 5 miles north of Greenville in Greenville County. The kennel serves the Upstate SC metro area including Greenville, Spartanburg, and the I-85 corridor. Specific OFA cert numbers, DNA panel detail, and tenure are not enumerated on the public site. Ask for the planned sire and dam’s AKC registered names, the actual OFA records, the full DNA panel, and the contract terms before any deposit.

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4. Greenbriar Plantation, Holly Hill, SCHighly Recommended

📍 Holly Hill, SC (Orangeburg County, Lowcountry, area code 803) | 🌐 greenbriarplantation.com 💰 Contact for pricing | ⏳ Waitlist required | 📅 Family-owned English Lab program with quality facilities

Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars) Greenbriar Plantation is a family-owned and operated English Labrador Retriever kennel in Holly Hill, South Carolina (Orangeburg County, Lowcountry). The kennel pairs with Cedar Creek Retrievers as the second Tier 1 Holly Hill option, giving Lowcountry buyers two quality choices in the same town. The kennel emphasizes quality facilities and care for English-line Labradors. Specific OFA cert numbers, DNA panel detail, AKC + LRC affiliations, and tenure are not enumerated on the public site. Ask for the planned sire and dam’s AKC registered names, OFA records, the full DNA panel, and the contract terms before any deposit.

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5. Fortune Labradors, Wadmalaw Island, SCHighly Recommended

📍 Wadmalaw Island, SC (Charleston County, Coastal SC, area code 843) | 🌐 fortunelabradors.com 💰 Contact for pricing | ⏳ Waitlist required | 📅 All-around great Lab program, Charleston-area access

Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars) Fortune Labradors operates on Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina (Charleston County, Coastal SC) and breeds Labradors that the kennel describes as all-around great dogs. The Wadmalaw Island location places the kennel about 25 miles south of Charleston, making this the only Tier 1 option for buyers in the immediate Charleston metro and Sea Islands region. Specific OFA cert numbers, DNA panel detail, AKC + LRC affiliations, and tenure are not enumerated on the public site. Ask for the planned sire and dam’s AKC registered names, OFA records, the full DNA panel, and the contract terms before any deposit.

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6. R-Labs of South Carolina, SCWell-Regarded

📍 South Carolina (verify town at contact) | 🌐 r-labs.online | 📅 Health-tested AKC-registered Lab program

Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars) R-Labs of South Carolina breeds health-tested AKC-registered Labrador Retrievers from a South Carolina location. AKC registration provides baseline external vetting on registration paperwork. Specific South Carolina town, OFA cert numbers, DNA panel detail, and tenure are not enumerated on the public site. Ask for all standard verification details directly with the breeder before any deposit.

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7. Amber’s Waves of Grain, SCWell-Regarded

📍 South Carolina (verify town at contact) | 🌐 amberswavesofgrain.com | 📅 Quality AKC Labrador puppies + older Lab placement

Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars) Amber’s Waves of Grain offers quality AKC Labrador puppies and older Labradors for sale, which is an unusual offering. Most reputable breeders only sell young puppies, so an older-Lab option from a single program can be useful for buyers who want to skip the puppy phase or are open to a young adult Lab placement. Specific South Carolina town, OFA cert numbers, DNA panel detail, and tenure are not enumerated on the public site. Ask for the planned sire and dam’s AKC registered names, OFA records, the full DNA panel, and the written contract before any deposit.

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8. Ethereal Labradors, SCWell-Regarded

📍 South Carolina (verify town at contact) | 🌐 ethereallabradors.com | 📅 Smaller-scale South Carolina Lab program

Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars) Ethereal Labradors is a smaller-scale South Carolina Labrador Retriever program. Smaller-scale operations typically maintain closer per-puppy oversight and direct buyer relationships compared to larger commercial kennels. Specific South Carolina town, OFA cert numbers, DNA panel detail, AKC + LRC affiliation, and tenure are not enumerated on the public site. Ask for all standard verification details directly with the breeder.

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9. Dry Pond Retrievers, SCWell-Regarded

📍 South Carolina (verify town at contact) | 🌐 drypondkennel.com | 📅 Chocolate Labrador specialty kennel

Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars) Dry Pond Retrievers specializes in Chocolate Labrador Retrievers in South Carolina. Color-specialty kennels typically breed for genetic consistency in their chosen color while maintaining the standard Labrador conformation. Chocolate Lab demand is steady in the Southeast and the dedicated specialty offering is useful for buyers with a clear color preference. Specific South Carolina town, OFA cert numbers, DNA panel detail, and tenure are not enumerated on the public site. Ask for all standard verification details directly with the breeder.

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10. Carolina Lab Pups, SCVerify Direct

📍 South Carolina (verify town at contact) | 🌐 Ask for direct contact | 🏆 Verify-direct South Carolina Lab option

Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 stars) Carolina Lab Pups is included on this list as a verify-direct option for South Carolina buyers. The kennel is included for geographic completeness; treat as Worth Contacting until exact South Carolina location, AKC registration paperwork, OFA records, DNA panel, written contract, and take-back policy arrive directly from the breeder. Verify everything before any deposit: confirm the exact location, the planned sire and dam’s AKC registered names, OFA records, the full DNA panel, the written contract, and the take-back policy.

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How Do You Verify a South Carolina Labrador Breeder Yourself?

South Carolina has no state-resident LRC affiliate, so verification runs primarily through the LRC parent club + GALRC (Greater Atlanta LRC) cross-state coverage + AKC Breeder of Merit registry + OFA database.

Frequently Asked Questions About Labrador Retriever Breeders in South Carolina

How much do Labrador retriever puppies cost in South Carolina in 2026?

$1,500–$3,000 per puppy. Tier 1 programs with strong institutional standing (Cedar Creek’s 17-year BoM, Home of Labradors champion-bloodline English specialty) 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 South Carolina?

6 to 12 months at Tier 1 programs. Cedar Creek Retrievers (17-year AKC BoM) and Home of Labradors (English Lab specialty with champion lines) tend to run the longest pipelines.

Why doesn’t South Carolina have its own Labrador Retriever Club?

South Carolina is not currently represented by a state-resident AKC-licensed Labrador specialty club. Breeders rely on the LRC parent club at thelabradorclub.com plus GALRC (Greater Atlanta Labrador Retriever Club) cross-state coverage for institutional vetting.

Are silver, charcoal, or champagne Labs purebred AKC?

No, the LRC parent club does not recognize dilute colors. None of the breeders on our South Carolina list market silver, charcoal, or champagne Labradors.

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. Home of Labradors and Greenbriar Plantation specialize in English Labs. Cedar Creek and Fortune Labradors run more dual-purpose programs.

Where Can You Find More Verified South Carolina Labrador Breeders?

South Carolina’s closest regional Lab club is GALRC (Greater Atlanta LRC). Plus the LRC parent club at thelabradorclub.com, AKC Marketplace, and Good Dog. For field-line buyers, the Master National Retriever Club and Hunting Retriever Club hunt-test directories are useful supplements.

Where Should You Look for Labrador Breeders in States Adjacent to SC?

• North Carolina, 1-3 hour drive
• Georgia, 1-3 hour drive
• Tennessee, 3-5 hour drive
• Virginia, 5-7 hour drive

Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Labrador Breeder in South Carolina

The 10 Labrador retriever breeders in South Carolina on this list span 5 Tier 1 programs (Cedar Creek, Home of Labradors, Southern Master Labs, Greenbriar Plantation, Fortune Labradors), 4 Mid Tier programs (R-Labs, Amber’s Waves of Grain, Ethereal Labradors, Dry Pond Retrievers), plus 1 Verify Direct option (Carolina Lab Pups). Cedar Creek Retrievers’ 17-year continuous AKC Breeder of Merit recognition combined with OFA + CERF + DNA certification is the strongest credential combination in our South Carolina review. Home of Labradors anchors the Upstate SC English-line specialty. Fortune Labradors is the only Tier 1 option in the immediate Charleston metro. If you are picking from this list, prioritize the credentials in this order: AKC Breeder of Merit recognition first (Cedar Creek is the standout here), then individual breeder credentials (OFA + CERF + DNA combination, English-line specialty, multi-year tenure), then per-dog OFA cert numbers and contract transparency. The credential floor is the same regardless: every reputable South Carolina 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.

If you are specifically searching for available puppies rather than the full list of registered breeders, our companion guide to Labrador puppies in South Carolina focuses on litter availability and pickup logistics.

If this topic interests you, our companion article on 8 Best Labrador Retriever Breeders in Tennessee (2026) covers more detail.