I am often asked by clients and friends alike, "Why would you pay so much for that dog?" or something along those lines. I'm also frequently part of conversations about which dogs we're breeding, why, and how to better each breed, no matter which one you're passionate about.
With so many outstanding dogs in the bird dog and gundog world, choosing your next partner can be overwhelming. Brandy and I have had this discussion many times, and a Q&A with my dear friend Amy Smith would be beneficial for so many readers.
Amy owns, manages, and operates Southern Dream Retrievers in Huntsville, TX. She does an exceptional job pairing dogs, raising puppies, and improving the Labrador Retriever breed. Amy has a group of amazing girls who are some of my absolute favorite dogs to spend time with. She's run two dogs to their 500-point titles in UKC, along with many other HRC and AKC titles. If you're looking for a pup, a started dog, or a finished retriever, don't hesitate to reach out to her!
What Sets Breeders Apart
Lauren's Overview
The breeders who constantly strive to improve the breed, not just to better their pocketbook, truly set themselves apart. Breeding dogs isn't for the faint of heart, it requires dedication, hard work, and a LOT of time. The breeders I admire are the ones who:
Conduct all health testing.
Title their dogs to prove their ability.
Evaluate each dog's strengths and weaknesses.
Ensure that pups are set up for success from the start.
When interviewing a breeder, I recommend asking:
What health testing do you perform?
What titles have your dogs earned, and what are your future goals?
What do you do and feed to ensure moms and pups get the best nutrition?
What do you introduce puppies to while they're in your care?
AKC / UKC / Registration Organizations
Lauren's Overview
The AKC, UKC, and other breed organizations play a critical role in maintaining standards. We can debate which one does it better, but the bottom line is this: registration and pedigrees matter.
It's essential to research and verify a dog's pedigree. Whether you're investing in a hunting partner or a family companion, know the genetics you're purchasing to give yourself the best odds of success.
For example, my Jack Russell is registered through both the JRTCA and UKC, which allows me to trace her lineage and ensure sound breeding practices. My labs are primarily registered with the AKC, but also with the UKC for hunt test reasons.
Q&A with Amy Smith
Q: What do you look for in a female to add to your breeding program?
Amy: I always start with pedigree. Does she come from titled dogs? All of my girls are, or have been, competitive in UKC and AKC hunt tests. That's important because it increases the odds of producing competitive and capable offspring.
Next, I look at health testing within the pedigree. I want to avoid any risk of producing genetic defects, from common Labrador issues to dysplastic hips or elbows.
If the puppy isn't from my program, I evaluate how it was raised, what kind of stimuli it's been exposed to. A pup raised solely indoors may not adapt to new situations as well as one that's had broader experiences.
Lastly, I look for a well-rounded temperament: fearless in new environments but socially balanced with people and littermates.
Q: Why is it essential to see titles in a pedigree?
Amy: Titles prove that a dog has been trained and tested to a standard. In hunt tests, a titled dog shows steadiness, marking ability, teamwork, and consistency. It also means someone invested time and effort into proving that dog's abilities, strengthening the pedigree for generations.
Q: What titles do you strive to achieve with your girls?
Amy: The minimum goal is Hunting Retriever Champion (UKC) and Master Hunter (AKC). From there, I pursue Grand Hunting Retriever Champion, Master National Hunter, and Master Amateur Hunter titles. It's an honor to stand beside my girls and chase our dog dreams together.
Q: What are your top five priorities for puppy socialization and health?
Amy:
Nutrition. I feed Inukshuk Marine 16 and supplement with NuVet. Nutrition impacts everything, from growth and coat quality to stool health.
Cleanliness: Puppies thrive in clean, sanitary environments. Breeders should be able to show you pictures at any time of where the pups are housed.
Health Care NeoPar at 4 weeks, puppy shots at 6 weeks, and deworming at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. I request that new owners take their pet to a vet within one week of pickup.
Early exposure. I introduce new objects and sounds on a weekly basis. Puppies have new items added to their whelping boxes each week, starting from week 2 or 3, depending on when their eyes open and they show mobility. I usually begin with stuffed animals and then add in a puppy mobile. This allows puppies to interact with new and different stimuli, engaging them in play. At about week 4, I introduce them to litter boxes filled with pine pellets, and they begin using them for potty training.
Environmental conditioning. When puppies move out of the house (4-5 weeks), they move into the puppy building, which is connected to, but separate from, the kennels. It is a climate-controlled, safe environment. During the day, they are outside under a covered area. Here, they become accustomed to barking dogs, the sounds of equipment (mowers, weed eaters, leaf blowers, thunder launchers, etc), and the sound of gunfire at a distance. They also become accustomed to people coming and going. At about 6 weeks, we begin taking "field trips" around the property. We walk through the pastures, down to the pond, and through the flooded timber. This is also the time I start crate training, which helps make a seamless transition to their new homes. I also get them on live birds, usually pigeons.
Q: Why would a "leftover" puppy cost more?
Amy: "Leftover" puppies become more expensive because their training starts immediately. I begin basic leashwork, obedience, retrieving in and out of water, and using the place stand. Not to mention, they are getting age-appropriate vaccines, among other things. A lot of time and work go into starting puppies off with a great foundation. Also, it should be mentioned that I don't just place puppies anywhere for the sake of moving them. I will keep them and continue training as long as needed until they find their perfect placement.
Q: Do you help families choose the right puppy?
Amy: -I do help families choose which pup is best suited for them. I am constantly watching and taking notes on each pup (identified by different collar colors). I have talked with prospective puppy buyers consistently and know what they are looking for in a pup. At 7 weeks, I take them to an outside party for puppy evaluations. Very specific notes are taken on each pup as they are put through a series of "tests" (ie, loud noises, how well they use their noses, what is their relationship to people vs. surroundings, retrieving an object, an umbrella being popped open in front of them, etc). This helps me gather more individual data on each pup. When evaluations are completed, I will meet with prospective parents to discuss my recommendations based on what I have observed in the pups over their first 7 weeks.
Q: What health tests do you require?
Amy: All of my girls have OFAs on hips, elbows, and eyes. They also have the Labrador genetic panel run through Orivet that shows they are clear or carriers of any genetic disease that Labradors may carry (all breeds differ, so it is essential to have the panel run on each specific breed). I do have females that are carriers. However, it is necessary to note that carriers are not affected. I run specific tests on puppies from carrier litters to inform and educate puppy buyers. If, down the road, they choose to breed the pup, one should never breed a carrier to a carrier; hence, genetic testing is essential. I am always willing to help in the process of choosing a suitable sire/dam. My girls are also tested for the dilute gene, which produces champagne, charcoal, and silver coat colors. Labradors do not naturally carry this gene, which is why only black, chocolate, and yellow are recognized as breed standard. With this in mind, I cannot have a female in the breeding program that carries the dilute gene.
Q: Should every Labrador excel at the same job?
Amy: Not at all. Labradors are incredibly versatile, mine primarily go to hunting and competition homes, but I've also produced search-and-rescue dogs. Their intelligence and temperament make them adaptable to many roles.
Q: Any advice for those investing in a puppy?
Amy: Puppies are a long-term commitment. Investing in a well-bred, genetically sound dog increases your chances of success, whether that's in the field, the home, or both. You truly get what you pay for.
Q: How do buyers avoid being scammed?
Amy: There are so many scammers these days. Unfortunately, people do this to others. If the breeder cannot provide health testing documentation, doesn't want to have conversations about intentions for the puppy, doesn't ask questions about living conditions for the pup, only talks about money being sent...those are all red flags. Social media is a huge help here. Check out their website, Facebook, and Instagram pages for a wealth of information on prospective homes.
Most importantly, ask for recommendations from the social media world. Many, many people out here have puppies and their prospective homes' best interests in mind. The dog world is actually a relatively small place, and you can quickly find out about breeders you want to avoid, as well as those that come highly recommended.
Q: How can I verify health testing?
Amy: Health testing can be verified in different ways. OFA (Orthopedic Foundation of America) is a public database. You can search for any dog using the search engine. If the dog has had them completed, it will show along with the results. Also, your breeder should be able to provide you with a copy of all genetic testing that has been done. Stay clear of a breeder that cannot or will not provide that information.
Final Thoughts
Thank you so much to Amy for sharing her insights on the program. Although Amy focuses on Labradors, the information and advice provided can be applied to any breed. Follow Southern Dream Retrievers on all social media for an inside peek at this incredible group of girls. I feel blessed to call Amy a friend and have the opportunity to train with and cheer for this gang regularly. As always, if you need help sourcing an awesome puppy, I am always here to help- reach out to me via email or on any social media outlet.
Follow Southern Dream Retrievers on social media for a behind-the-scenes look at this incredible program. I'm so grateful to call Amy a friend and to train and cheer for her girls regularly.
If you ever need help sourcing a great puppy, reach out, I'm always happy to help!
Amy Smith, Southern Dream Retrievers
Facebook: Southern Dream Retrievers
Instagram: @southerndreamretrievers
TikTok: @southerndreamretrievers
Lauren Sander, The Kennels at Gum Gully
Facebook: The Kennels at Gum Gully
Instagram: @mrslosander | @thekennelsatgumgully
TikTok: @mrslosander | @TK@GG
