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The Breeder, Kim Casey and the Dog that inspired her breeding program, Levi.

NEW ENGLAND LABRADOR RETRIEVER’S 

Explore the world of American Labrador Retrievers with unique color coat variations.

Our first Breeding couple, Lunaria & Levi with a puppy from their first litter

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.

FROM BREEDING TO NUTRITION

Because we are committed to maintaining the highest breeding standards, ensuring the health, temperament, and beauty of our American Labrador Retrievers, nutritional standards have become an essential part of our breeding standards. 

​Throughout the years we have seen veterinarian’s misdiagnose food allergies or intolerances as dilute alopecia. This often leads to unnecessary veterinarian bills, expensive medications, and high priced prescription foods, resulting in unnecessary financial stress and more often than not, no relief in symptoms. This issue goes beyond dilutes. Many breeds experience the same thing. Food allergies in dogs is on the rise. 

Regardless if you purchase one of our pups, have a Labrador Retriever of your own, or any other breed...follow & subscribe to our blog for nutrition and dog based ideas, recipes, and problem solving. 

This issue has become so imbedded into my brand that I am currently getting certified in dog nutrition. I'd love the support as I travel this journey. As you support me I'm happy to provide my knowledge with you, regardless if you have a Labrador Retriever or any other breed. 

Levi & Lunaria, the first dogs to Launch the breeding program for New England Labrador Retrievers
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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.

American vs. English Labrador Retriever's

TEMPERAMENT TESTING

At New England Labrador Retrievers, we follow the proven temperament evaluation 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

  • Puppies are introduced to new sights, sounds, and objects by a handler they don’t know.

  • Their instinctive reactions are scored to reveal natural temperament traits.

  • The best‑scoring pups are gentle, passive, and eager to please—not aggressive, fearful, or overly reactive.

 

Why Families Trust Our Labradors

  • Puppies that score well show strong service dog potential, giving families confidence in their reliability.

  • While we don’t market our dogs as “service animals,” we highlight their natural suitability as sound family pets.

  • Depending on how long a puppy stays in our home, we start early training protocols.

  • 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.

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TEMERAMENT TESTING
FINAL THOUGHTS
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PRICING PROTOCAL

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:

  • Rapid neural growth makes them highly receptive to learning.

  • Behavior shaping during this stage leaves lasting impressions.

  • 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

  • 5 weeks: Early Developmental Training begins—basic commands, potty training, crate training, and personality assessments.

  • 7 weeks: We provide a NEADS Temperament Testing to assess each puppy.

  • 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. 

Levi with a funny look because Kim is making him balance a cracker on his dog nose
Final Thoughts

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. 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.

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