NEW ENGLAND LABRADOR RETRIEVER’S
Explore the world of American Labrador Retrievers with unique color coat variations.
OUR MISSION
At New England Labrador Retriever's, ethical breeding isn’t just a principle—it’s our foundation. Like many breeders of dilute-colored coats, we are deeply committed to preserving the health and vitality of every dog we bring into the world. From the moment our puppies are born, they are loved as family—and that love continues long after they leave our care. We are very mindful of breeding matches that will enhance the American Labrador, providing beautiful unique coat variations, and maintain the health and longevity of the animal.
A Lifelong Commitment
Our top priority is ensuring that none of our dogs ever end up in shelters. No puppy gets left behind. We ask for contractual agreement that, should life circumstances change, you offer us the first chance to take the dog back—at any age, for any reason. We will always welcome them back with open arms.
Our dogs are a lifelong responsibility, and we take that seriously. We understand the realities of shelter systems and the heartbreak of dogs without forever homes. Our mission is to never contribute to that burden. Every dog bred at New England Labrador Retrievers will always have a place to come home.
No Judgment, Only Honor
If you’re considering a puppy from our kennel, please know this: there is no judgment here. Life is unpredictable. We’ve lived it, and we honor your courage in reaching out if circumstances shift. Whether it’s a job loss, health crisis, or unexpected transition, we will never shame you for prioritizing your dog’s well-being. In fact, we consider it an act of integrity.
Before welcoming a dog into your life from our breeding program, we ask that you read our contract carefully and agree to these terms. They are designed to protect the dogs we love—and to honor the community we’re building together.
Shelter Advocacy Is in Our DNA
Because no dog—or animal—should ever be left behind.
Our commitment is twofold: we protect every puppy born in our breeding program, and we support shelter dogs in need of their forever homes. We believe all dogs matter. With our blessings we pay it forward.
We are, at our core, a family that loves animals deeply. Our donations reflect that love. The organizations listed on this page are ones we’ve proudly supported—and many are part of our ongoing financial commitment.
A portion of every profit generated through New England Labrador Retriever’s breeding program goes directly to shelters. That means when you purchase a puppy from us, you’re also helping support a dog in need. Our entire family is committed to using our income—breeding program-related and beyond—to uplift these organizations.
We warmly invite you to join us in giving. If there’s a shelter or rescue close to your heart, we’d love to hear about it. Send us an email—we’re always open to discovering new partners and expanding our circle of care.
COMMITMENT TO HEALTH & NUTRITION
Here at New England Labrador Retrievers, we uphold the highest breeding standards by prioritizing health, temperament, and nutrition. Genetic and nutritional protocols are central to our program.
Nutrition
Food allergies and intolerances in dogs are increasingly common, often misdiagnosed by veterinarians. This can lead to costly bills, unnecessary medications, and little relief. While Labradors are more prone than many breeds, this issue affects dogs across the board.
Because nutrition is so vital, I am currently pursuing certification in canine nutrition. I share this knowledge with all dog owners—not just Labrador families—and welcome questions about food sensitivities and diet planning.
DNA TESTING for Food Allergies & Intolerances
Genetic testing has given us clear insight into each dog’s dietary needs. Every pup in our program is tested to ensure an optimal food plan. We proudly partner with 5Strands Testing, which provides fast results and easy-to-use dashboards.
We advocate for human-grade foods and prepare home-cooked meals for our dogs. Puppies, however, are started on Blue Buffalo Puppy Formula to ease their transition into new homes.
Home cooking may sound time-consuming, but batch-prepping meals in a crockpot and freezing them makes it simple, cost-effective, and reassuring—you know exactly what your dog is eating.
If your dog struggles with unresolved health issues, consider genetic testing for food allergies. I’m happy to guide you through testing or meal planning from start to finish.
DNA TESTING for Genetic Disease
Advances in genetic testing are a breeder’s dream. They safeguard puppy health, refine breeding protocols, and strengthen breed lines. We test all of our breeding dogs for 260+ hereditary diseases, ensuring none can be passed to future litters. This transparency offers peace of mind and a guarantee of health for every puppy we place.
Genetic testing isn’t just for breeders. It provides pet owners with unique insights into their dog or cat’s DNA. We partner with Wisdom Panel, which even connects your pet to relatives who’ve also been tested—like a canine ancestry kit. It’s both informative and fun to discover your pup’s extended family across the country.
AMERICAN VS. ENGLISH
🇺🇸 American Labrador Retriever
The American Labrador, often called the “field type,” is bred for athleticism, drive, and working performance. Leaner and taller than its English counterpart, this Lab has a narrower head, longer legs, and a whip-like tail built for speed and agility. These dogs thrive in active environments—whether it’s hunting, agility trials, or high-energy family life. Their temperament is eager, intelligent, and sometimes a bit more intense, making them ideal for handlers who want a responsive, task-oriented companion. But make no mistake about it, the American Labrador makes a great family dog.
🇬🇧 English Labrador Retriever
The English Labrador, or “show type,” is stockier, broader, and more mellow in demeanor. With a blocky head, thick neck, and otter-like tail, this Lab embodies the classic teddy bear look that melts hearts. Bred for conformation and companionship, they’re calm, affectionate, and easygoing—perfect for therapy work, family life, or low-key adventures. Their temperament is steady and sweet, often described as more laid-back than their American cousins. In your symbolic lens, they’re the “Guardian” archetype: grounded, nurturing, and emotionally attuned.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes only one breed: the Labrador Retriever. There is no separate listing for “American” or “English” Labradors because these are informal distinctions within the same breed—not separate breeds.
TEMPERAMENT TESTING
New England Labrador Retrievers testing protocols are followed by the proven temperament evaluations developed by the National Education for Assistance Dog Services (NEADS). This test helps us identify Labrador Retriever puppies with calm, people‑focused personalities—ideal for families, including those with children or special needs.
How the Test Works
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Tests are conducted by third-party handlers
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Puppies are introduced to new sights, sounds, and objects by a handler they don’t know.
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Their instinctive reactions are scored to reveal natural temperament traits.
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The best‑scoring pups are gentle, passive, and eager to please—not aggressive, fearful, or overly reactive.
Why a Third‑Party Tester Matters
Because puppies bond closely with the breeder, they may respond submissively out of learned behavior. To capture true instinct, the test must be administered by a handler unfamiliar to the puppies.
Our Handler - Tester : Joelyn Durgin
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Degree in Equine Studies & Animal Behavior
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Certified Animal Control Officer (8 years)
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Extensive experience with animal behavior and instincts
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Advanced training seminars with Kelley Bollen: member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).
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Qualified Independent Evaluator for Puppy Temperament Testing
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Handler is not affiliated with National Education for Assistance Dog Services
Why Families Trust Our Labradors
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Puppies that score well show strong service dog potential, giving families confidence in their reliability.
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While we don’t market our dogs as “service animals,” we highlight their natural suitability as sound family pets.
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Depending on how long a puppy stays in our home, we start early training protocols.
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Qualifying pups may advance into specialized modules when they are re-homed.
Our Commitment
Every Labrador Retriever puppy we place has the temperament to grow into a confident, caring, and dependable companion. Families across New England choose us for dogs that combine gentle personalities, strong instincts, and lifelong loyalty.
PRICING PROTOCOL
At New England Labrador Retrievers, standard puppy prices start at $1,500. Unlike many breeders, we do not rush to “age out” puppies at 8 weeks. While some believe buyers only want small, cute puppies, our priority is not quick sales—it’s finding the right forever home.
Placing a puppy too early risks mismatching unique needs with a family unprepared to meet them. Although we do re-home at 8 weeks, we value the extra time spent training, socializing, and truly understanding each puppy’s character. This ensures the best match between puppy and family.
Why We Don’t Rush Placement
Between 8–16 weeks, puppies’ brains develop at their fastest rate. This “socialization window” is critical:
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Rapid neural growth makes them highly receptive to learning.
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Behavior shaping during this stage leaves lasting impressions.
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Training impact is strongest before 16 weeks, when the brain is “like a sponge.”
Later, between 6–14 months, puppies could enter a second fear period. Training remains important, but the foundation laid earlier determines resilience.
Keeping puppies in our program longer allows us to guide their development, assess temperament, and ensure training aligns with their future potential.
Training Protocols
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5 weeks: Early Developmental Training begins—basic commands, potty training, crate training, and personality assessments.
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7 weeks: We provide a NEADS Temperament Testing to assess each puppy.
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Beyond 7 weeks: Training continues based on character. Some pursue service or support training; others begin sports protocols such as tracking & retrieving. Puppies showing exceptional aptitude may be listed as having “potential,” which can affect pricing.
Our Commitment
We begin the process of matching families as soon as puppies are born, sometimes even earlier. While rehoming at 8 weeks is available, it is never rushed. We welcome the added expense and cherish the extra training time, because it guarantees the right fit for both puppy and your family.
Note: Puppies are always available for rehoming at 8 weeks. If a family wants to provide these early development and bonding opportunities, we are happy to rehome puppies at 8 weeks old.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Here at New England American Labrador Retrievers, we’re redefining what it means to breed with integrity. Through data-backed research, transparent content, and proven results, we dismantle outdated stigmas and showcase the true potential of the American Labrador Retriever. We celebrate the dilute coat variations and breed for curated perfection in both American Labrador body style, highlighting and enhancing the breed's natural instincts with Early Developmental Training, including Tracking & Retrieving concepts. Unlike most breeders who drop pricing as puppies ‘age out’, the older our pups get, the more their value goes up because we provide the training to ensure our buyers are getting the best in breed.
We believe in science, not politics. Our commitment to excellence includes exposing traditional registration clubs that perpetuate bias while inconsistently applying their own standards, and contradicting their own rules and policies. If you’re seeking truth, clarity, and breed-forward education—you’re in the right place. If science-based breeding isn’t your priority, we may not be the community for you.