Seminole Labradors- “Preserving and maintaining the integrity of the breed as those have done before us!”

Welcome to Seminole Labradors! We have been involved with labrador retrievers for the past twenty years. We purchased our first labrador retriever “Hubble” twenty years ago. Hubble was purchased to be a pet, and our family companion. For nearly fourteen years he was every bit of that, and then some. Hubble passed on in 2017. Thanks to him we instantly fell in love with the breed, and have been smitten with labrador retrievers ever since!

In 2014 we became interested in conformation, and potentially breeding labrador retrievers. Therefore we set out to find a breeder that would sell us some “show quality” labradors. After many long hours of research and emailing different breeders we eventually settled with one. We chose the breeder that we thought was the best option available. As newbies to the conformation world back then this particular breeder had convinced us that he had the best “show quality” labradors available. Not to mention all of the perks that came with purchasing a “show” puppy! Looking back I think the quote “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is” is appropriate.

Ultimately through a year and a half period we purchased 4 dogs from said breeder. During this year and a half we showed in conformation extensively. We quickly realized through self educating ourselves that something was wrong. The dogs were not winning very often. They definitely were not winning at the level they should’ve been compared to how many shows they were in. Through continuous self education about the labrador retriever breed, proper structure, proper type, etc. we realized what the problem was.

The problem was not the handling, not the training, and not the judging. We deemed that these supposed top quality show dogs that were sold to us were no better than pet quality. After learning proper breed type we learned these dogs seriously lacked it. After learning proper structure of the dog, and of that specific to the labrador these dogs seriously lacked. Straight fronts, short steep upper arms, steeply set shoulders, flat withered, very weak on bone, little substance, incorrect nonexistent coats, etc. The aforementioned things were just a few areas that these dogs seriously lacked in proper breed type, and correct structure. We came to the conclusion that these dogs were absolutely nothing we wanted to reproduce, and we moved on from them.

After our decision to start anew we started researching again. In addition to our research we started attending labrador retriever specialty shows. We were able to see in person, labradors with beautiful breed type from top labrador breeders at these specialty shows. We purchased some females from actual top quality kennels with bloodlines from some of the top kennels in the USA. We are very happy with where we are at today, and the direction of our breeding program.

We produced our very first homebred litter in 2019. The litter resulted in some very nice quality puppies that were an improvement over their dam. We kept a few puppies from that litter. In 2020 we produced our second homebred litter. This litter resulted in some very nice quality puppies. We kept a couple puppies from that litter. The bitches we kept from our first two litters have progressed our breeding program to where we are today. We are currently three generations removed from our foundation bitch, but we’re technically in our second generation as far as our breeding program with regards to dogs we’ve actually produced. We are continuously striving to improve our labradors. With each litter we get closer and closer. The quality just keeps getting better. Through each breeding we improve the strength and quality of our bitch line. Then we pair that bitch with a top quality stud, and those puppies produced are better than before.

In 2020 Covid hit, and conformation dog shows were completely shut down. Dog shows were cancelled all over the country. They remained cancelled for months. More than a few dog clubs cancelled their shows for 2020, and also for 2021. After a year or more of the mayhem dog shows started to become a thing again. However when dog shows returned, so did a whole new mindset. Mask mandates were forced on exhibitors, proof that you had been vaccinated was required to gain entry on the show grounds, etc. Needless to say because of these changes we chose not to return to dog shows when they returned. Instead we pivoted, changed focus, and took a great interest in the hunt test/field work side. Since then we haven’t looked back. Labradors are water dogs. They were bred to retrieve. Their original purpose was hauling in fishing nets for fisherman in the cold icy waters. Sportsman immediately recognized labradors great potential as retrievers. Labradors quickly became a gentleman’s hunting dog. Our primary focus now is utilizing the breed to do what they were bred to do. We actively train our labradors to compete in hunt tests, and hope to start putting some hunting titles on dogs we bred. Ultimately, and most importantly we want to be able to actually duck hunt with our dogs. This is the pinnacle we’re reaching for. In addition dog shows have returned to normal, and we do still occasionally show in conformation shows, and plan to get some of our newest pups out in some specialty shows.

Seminole Labradors’ goal is to produce beautiful top quality labradors that are pleasing to look at, meet the breed standard, are able to go to the duck blind and retrieve ducks during an actual duck hunt, excel in the show ring, are able to compete in hunt tests, and have the excellent temperament that is as much a hallmark of the labrador retriever as its otter tail. Thank you for taking the time to browse our website!

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