top of page

Puppy Adoption Process

We know that no breeder can promise a puppy will never face health concerns in its lifetime. What we can promise is that we put our whole hearts into giving each puppy the very best start. From carefully chosen pairings and health testing to a wholesom diet, enrichment, and early socialization, every step is made with love and intention. We believe dogs thrive when raised naturally, and we encourage our families to explore options like titer testing and gentle supplements to support a long, healthy, and happy life together. 

Before moving forward, it's important to understand what life with a Labrador is really like. Labradors are energetic, playful, and highly intelligent dogs who thrive on being active and involved with their families. While many do mellow as they grow older, their younger years require patience, consistent training, and plenty of exercise. Without these outlets, a Labrador may create their own entertainment such as chewing, digging, or pushing boundaries. 
Welcoming a Labrador is not a short-term decision; it's a lifelong commitment. With an average lifespan of 11-14 years, they will depend on you for guidance, structure, and love every step of the way. In return, they offer unwavering loyalty, endless laughter, and the kind of companionship that truly makes them part of the family. 

Bench-Bred/"English" Labradors

There is only one recognized Labrador Retriever breed, but within it, you'll find different styles based on how they are bred. At Davenport Hollow, we focus on what many call "English" or bench-bred Labradors. These dogs are known for their classic blocky heads, sturdy builds, and calm, steady temperaments. Qualities that make them exceptional family companions and strong prospects for therapy or service work. 
At the same time, we value a Labrador's natural drive and versatility. That's why our goal is to produce Labradors who are not only beautiful and true to the breed standard, but also capable of being dual-purpose. Bringing the steady companionship families love while still having the heart and ability to excel in meaningful work. 
For us, breeding isn't about exaggerations or trends. It's about preserving the timeless qualities of the Labrador Retriever while giving our families puppies who can thrive in the home and beyond. 

Life Inside Our Home

We want to set our puppies up for success and so they are raised right in the center of our home. From day one, our puppies are raised right in the heart of our home, not in kennels. They grow up surrounded by the rhythms of family life, doors opening and closing, a vacuum, TV, pots clattering in the kitchen, music playing, other dogs, cats, and the occasional goat walking across the room. 
These exposures matter, puppies raised this way develop confidence, adaptability, and resilience. They don't just see other animals, they learn to respect, and coexist with them. They don't just hear noises, they learn not to fear them. One day they won't just meet children, they will learn to live with them. We believe this helps our puppies transition into their forever families more smoothly. They've already been exposed to a wide variety of sounds, smells, textures and experiences, which means they're far less likely to be startled or fearful in new environments. Instead they meet the world with curiosity and resilience. 

Health Testing & Early Development

Every Davenport Hollow Labrador comes from carefully selected lines, most with a good amount of championships in their lines. We don't just look for beauty in our breeding dogs, we look for health, temperament, structure, genetic soundness, and trainability. Each of our adult dogs undergoes extensive health evaluations that include genetic health panels for hereditary conditions, OFA hips, elbows, patella and cardiac. We are transparent about these results because we feel like they matter. 

What's Included With Your Puppy

  • Pre-Paid AKC Registration Paperwork

  • Microchip (implanted; registration transferred to you)

  • Age Appropriate Vaccines

  • Strict Deworming schedule completed

  • Take-home Package

Every family also receives a contract, bill of sale, and health agreement for full transparency. ​

Visits & Staying Connected

We welcome families to meet their puppies, but safety is our top priority for both our family and the pups. This being the case, visits are reserved for families who have placed a holding fee or deposit, and only after the puppies are 7 weeks of age. We are happy to facetime or video call prior to the 7 week mark if you would like to see the puppies sooner. This way puppies are older and not so fragile, depending on your spot on the waitlist and if other selections have been made during the visit you may be able to select your puppy. If travel isn't possible, don't worry, we offer FaceTime calls, photos and video updates so you can bond with your puppy before take-home day. 

Our Selection Process

Selecting the right puppy is about so much more than looks, it's about finding the perfect lifelong match. We believe it is important for families to pick out the puppy that they believe they bond with best. Part of the process for joining the waitlist, we may ask questions about what your looking for and this is so that we can help guide you in your decision. We may offer suggestions on which puppy we feel like would fit best in your home, but ultimately we leave it up to the families. We schedule selection visits in the order of our waitlist. Selection can begin as soon as 7 weeks old, when personalities really start to shine. Families can interact through video or FaceTime calls leading up to this point. 

Pricing

Limited AKC Registration: $2,200
Full AKC Registration: $4,500 (Approved homes only)

Deposit: $200 

bottom of page