Lab Puppies?

[jackelope]

Talk to Warren at Ireland farms I think is what it's called. He's a sponsor of the forum and several members have gotten pups from him.
http://www.irelandfarms.com/
I think his handle on here is just that...Ireland farms. He used to go by Worn.

[Ireland Farms]

I know Sarah with Chase N Me Labs. She actually just moved south of Olympia, so that eliminates the close to you part. Her dogs are more along the English/show lines. I visited her before she moved and got a couple females from her, as she was downsizing for her move. Her dogs aren't huge. Maybe the blockier build makes them look huge in pictures, but they are well within the AKC standard. I think she does a nice job, but her dogs aren't really from hunting lines. Not sure if that matters.

[TheBlues76]

I just talked with her last night?

[Holg3107]

In all honesty, I am willing to pay a good amount for a pup. But if I'm paying a breeder a good chunk of change, I don't want to have to drive all the way over to Seattle to pick it up. If I could find a good breeder and one that isn't really inconvenient, I would go to them. And also, about chasen me, I have co workers and friends who have them. And they are great hunting dogs. I'm not going to compete with my future pup. I want a hunting buddy.

Gotcha! I was looking for the exact same thing in my dog last year. It has been mentioned enough times to count but Jackelope is right get ahold of Warren at Ireland. While I don't have a dog from him I have talked with him on the phone and have been exposed to 3 of his pups in the past year and all were amazing dogs. Haven't heard or seen a negative comment about their operation.

[jackelope]

And he just posted in this thread...

[TheBlues76]

I just can't travel that far. It might not seem like a long ways but it is. I want a dog that is close. Not only for my convenience but also, if the pup has issues, I will know more about. Or someone i personally know. I was supposed to get a pup from my taxidermist last december on the west side, he owns a cabin here so he was gonna bring her, but his lab miscarried.

[hunterrcc]

I have a litter of puppies due in Mid to early August.  My picture on my profile is the dog that is having pups.  She is a 3yr old pointing lab AKC registered and hip, elbows & eyes cert., both her parents, and the stud are pointing labs from Tri Lab Kennels all have multiple titles if that is important to you and all are alive and hard core hunting dogs.  I am a hard core hunter of wild birds myself and she has a never ending drive and her point is natural and super solid point.  I believe that she will throw yellows but black is possible.  Pick of the litter will go for $1,550 and we are asking $1450 for the 2nd choice on.  They will have declaw removed and first set of shots and guarantee for 24 months for any hips or elbows.  If you haven't seen a pointing lab they are just the same as a normal lab but they point instead of flush.   Send me a personal message if you are interested with your email and #.   I know it is a little higher then your looking but these dogs genetics are awesome and they are worth every penny.     

[TheBlues76]

Warren emailed me yesterday. And I will admit, it's the lowest price I've gotten (besides chase n me) and the best credentials so far. It's very tempting. But I also have a hubby who will have to agree on the price and the traveling as well.

[jackelope]

It's like about a 3 hour drive?

[Goldeneye]

Here's a picture of a Ireland pup for your reference.  She is out of Ben and Whidbey.  Her size leans towards the male, Ben.  She is a very powerful smart hunting dog that is a great family dog as well.  I'll be taking her to Saskatchewan with me this September to hunt birds.

[coachcw]

good looking pup !

[Ireland Farms]

Thanks Jackelope, Holg3107, Goldeneye and everyone else for your recommendations. Goldeneye's pups sister, Stormy just finished her JH and is running in Senior hunt tests now......

It took me 9 hours roundtrip to get to Pomeroy and back, so I understand your concern with the drive. Just remember that your pup will become part of your family, and driving a little further just one day should be worth your time to get quality over convenience, (whether it's one of my pups or from another breeder).

I am willing to meet in George if I can get at least two deliveries, which once I post it on my website, I usually end up with several wanting to meet there. It's only 40 minutes past Wenatchee, and I always need something from the big city I can always meet in Wenatchee for one delivery, which would still save you 2 hours roundtrip.

Best of luck in whatever you decide.

[dallygirl]

Just wanted to chime in about Ireland Farms.  We have an (almost) 11 week old yellow female and just adore her!  I am in Spokane and it is a 3.5 hour drive but I would drive that x 12 to get another pup from him.   He is wonderful to work and takes great care of his dogs.   Our little gal is just blowing us away with her drive and ability at such a young age.   Our vets have been enamored with her as well - the first "real" lab they have seen in a long time.    Plus Chelan is a great getaway!    Good luck with your search. 

[Ireland Farms]

Just wanted to chime in about Ireland Farms.  We have an (almost) 11 week old yellow female and just adore her!  I am in Spokane and it is a 3.5 hour drive but I would drive that x 12 to get another pup from him.   He is wonderful to work and takes great care of his dogs.   Our little gal is just blowing us away with her drive and ability at such a young age.   Our vets have been enamored with her as well - the first "real" lab they have seen in a long time.    Plus Chelan is a great getaway!    Good luck with your search.

Thanks Dallygirl glad she's doing great!

[5kjohnson]

TheBlues76,

My suggestion is for you pick a breeder you trust and have done your research on. Find one that will back up their dogs and satifies your need in a dog. I picked Ireland Farms after looking into lots of references and checking out many different websites of breeders in Washington. Warren is a terrific person to work with and would do whatever it takes to make a customer happy. His dogs are good looking and well cared for. He cares about what he does and I think he is a responsible breeder. You could look in your local paper and get a puppy close to home. It could turn out just fine or it may be a dissappointment. Over half the battle is what you do with your dog when you get it home, but it does help to get a good dog from a reputable breeder...one that guarantees his product.

The length of your drive should be at the bottom of your list of concerns.