Good breeder near northern Illinois

[pmsmith2032]

I am looking for a good breeder near northern Illinois (within 6 hours or so). I have had labs all my life and we currently have a chocolate female that is 10. She has been the best dog I've ever had and I can't imagine having a better companion for our kids as they've grown up. Unfortunately she has bad hips and doesn't get around like she use to. So we're looking for a "friend" for her. We definitely want another chocolate female and would like to get one in late May/June. Here is what we are looking for in order of importance:

1. Disposition - we would like another dog that is great around family. Our lab now doesn't have a mean bone in her body and we'd like the same with our new dog.
2. Healthy - we would like to try to avoid any medical problems (especially the hips). Our current lab didn't have certified hips. I know that there are no guarantees but would like to increase the odds of no good hips as much as possible.
3. Hunting - she will be taken pheasant hunting a couple times a year and I may try to get her out duck/goose hunting too.
4. Appearance - we like the taller leaner labs but this is low on the priority list. And we also like a course coat.

The only other factor is that both my wife and son have allergies. I don't know if any specific types of labs are better for that. The dog will not be shown or compete so that is not a factor. Thanks!

[BaconsMom]

We can't discuss breeders on the public forums, but can via private message. I would look at contacting your local lab club-talk with some hunters and research breeders.

[Tanya]

Good luck. and you'll need at least 5 posts (if not 10) in order to receive recommendations via PM so join us and post a few more times post photos of your current pup, introduce yourself in the welcome section, post in the "fun section". Or just keep replying to this post

Since you mention wanting to, on top of getting another dog for the family, get a friend for your current dog, I would consider how she will take to a new puppy though. If she's not as stable and feeling so well she may or may not appreciate a rambunctious little puppy.

[pmsmith2032]

Thanks both BaconsMom and Tanya. I appreciate the feedback. Concerning our current lab......she is still very healthy and good-tempered. Her only issue is her hips. I understand that a puppy may be a bit annoying to her at times and know we will have to limit to an extent the interact between the two. However, I believe that the added exercise a puppy will provide her will help her overall health (more exercise). I've had an older lab with a puppy in the past and found this to be the case.

[piccadilly]

Winnebago Labrador Retriever Club

Many of the breeders both show and work their dogs in the field. If you're "stuck" on a field bred dog, they should be able to point you in a good direction for that too.

[pmsmith2032]

Thanks piccadilly! I sent them a message and am waiting to hear back.

[POPTOP]

Was just going to mention Winnebago Labrador Retriever Club. There are a couple of breeders in my immediate area both of whom I've gotten labs from. I home their retired seniors. I'm in NE Illinois.

[JenC]

I would be more flexible on your "When". Breeders typically have full lists of puppy families and it's a 4 month process from breeding to pups going home. Unless you find a breeder with unspoken-for pups, you could be feasibly looking into July/August if you find someone now.

[pmsmith2032]

Thanks. The reason we were looking for June was because my wife is a teacher and would have the summer off to be with the pup.

[JenC]

If you want the hunting style, try: working retriever puppies from Hunting Lab pedigree database