Find the Right Labrador
The Greenstone Way: Heritage & Heart
At Greenstone, we take great pride in being AKC Breeders of Merit. For our family, breeding is a dedicated passion and a long-standing tradition—not a commercial business or a full-time income. Because we are not driven by profit, we are able to prioritize the health of our dogs and the integrity of our program above all else.
What sets a Greenstone Labrador apart is the depth of knowledge behind every litter. Our program is built on decades of experience and a multi-generational understanding of our specific bloodlines. This history gives us a clear insight into the temperament and health of our dogs—a perspective that only comes from years of careful, hands-on study.
Because we maintain a balanced family life, we only raise a few litters each year. While this means we can only welcome a small number of families into our community, we remain committed to being a helpful resource for the breed. If we do not have a puppy available, we are happy to help you find a quality Labrador from a reputable source.
Finding the Right Labrador
Deciding to bring a Labrador Retriever into your home is a 10-to-15-year commitment. Labradors are loyal, intelligent, and devoted companions, and choosing the right dog helps ensure a happy, healthy relationship. Before beginning your search, we encourage you to learn about the breed, ask plenty of questions, and observe dogs in person to understand true Labrador temperament and structure.
It is also important to consider that the ideal age for a dog varies for every family. While many seek out puppies, a young adult or a retired champion may be the perfect match for a household looking for a companion with a more established personality and settled energy.
Our Available Life Stages
BABY PUPPY (8 Weeks) Our 8-week puppies are raised in our home with intentional early socialization from day one. Our hands are the first to hold them, creating a strong foundation of trust and human connection.
-
Foundation: Crate routines, early house-training, and neurological stimulation to build confidence.
-
Price: $4,000
ADVANCED PUPPY (3–6 Months) These top-quality pups are retained for evaluation in our show and breeding program. They receive continued training and intentional socialization in our Advanced Puppy Program.
-
Training: Basic obedience, recall, house manners, and exposure to new environments.
-
Price: Varies
STARTED DOGS (6–24 Months) These are potential prospects we have decided to place in select homes. They are leash trained, have reliable recall, and are seasoned travelers—ideal for companionship, service, or therapy work.
-
Socialization: Confident, adaptable companions with no known health issues.
-
Price: Varies
TRAINED & RETIRED (Adults) Our adults transition seamlessly into new homes with reliable manners and solid obedience. Some are retired AKC Champions; most have full health clearances and are completely house-trained.
-
Experience: Ideal for families seeking a well-prepared companion without the "puppy phase."
-
Price: Varies
Let's Talk about Adoption.
Ethical Breeding and Rescue: United in Purpose
Ethical breeders and rescue organizations are not in opposition—we are on the same side, working toward the shared goal of healthy, well-cared-for dogs in loving, permanent homes. Sadly, much of the rescue community is exposed almost exclusively to the fallout of irresponsible backyard breeders and puppy mills. As a result, some individuals within rescue—through no fault of their own—have limited exposure to truly responsible breeding programs and may mistakenly view all breeders through the same lens.
In reality, the vast majority of dogs entering rescue originate from irresponsible sources, not from ethical breeders who take lifelong responsibility for the dogs they produce. Millions of dogs enter shelters and rescue organizations in the United States annually, and responsible breeders work to prevent this cycle by prioritizing health and temperament, carefully screening homes, microchipping puppies, and ensuring every dog has a safety net for life. If a family can no longer care for a dog, an ethical breeder will take that dog back rather than allowing it to enter a shelter.
Rescue organizations play a vital role by saving lives and providing second chances for dogs in need. Ethical breeders preserve the future of the Labrador Retriever by producing sound, healthy dogs, placing them in prepared homes, and providing ongoing support, AKC Limited Registration, and spay/neuter agreements. These efforts are complementary—not competitive. Rescue addresses immediate need, while ethical breeding prevents future suffering and stands firmly against irresponsible breeding practices. Together, both are united in opposition to backyard breeders and puppy mills.