Dogs & Litters

West End Retrievers puppies are born and raised in our Virginia home, where they receive daily care and attention during their early development. Raising our puppies in a home environment allows them to become familiar with everyday household sights, sounds, and activities as they grow and prepare for their new families.

Labrador Retriever coat color is primarily determined by two genes. The B locus determines whether a dog produces black or brown pigment, while the E locus controls whether that dark pigment appears in the coat.

A Labrador with at least one dominant E allele can be black or chocolate, depending on its B genes. A Labrador that inherits two recessive e alleles (ee) will be yellow, regardless of whether it carries the genetics for black or chocolate.

This means two black Labradors can produce yellow puppies if both carry the recessive yellow gene. Coat color itself does not determine a Labrador’s hunting ability, temperament, or trainability.

A successful working Labrador combines natural retrieving desire, birdiness, confidence, athleticism, and a willingness to cooperate with its handler. Important qualities include marking ability, perseverance, trainability, and the ability to remain steady and focused around distractions. Genetics provide the foundation, while thoughtful training and experience help develop those natural abilities into reliable field performance.

Yes. Field-bred Labradors can make wonderful family companions, particularly in active households. They are typically intelligent, affectionate, and eager to work with people. However, their energy and drive require regular exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent training. A field-bred Labrador is often happiest when it has a job to do, whether that’s retrieving, training, hunting, or participating in outdoor activities.

Responsible Labrador Retriever breeding programs typically evaluate breeding dogs for hip and elbow dysplasia, hereditary eye conditions, and relevant genetic diseases. Common DNA tests include Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC), Progressive Retinal Atrophy (prcd-PRA), and Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM). Health clearances help breeders make informed decisions, although no testing can guarantee a puppy will be free of every health condition.