At Empress Labradors, we plan each litter with intention and purpose — always with the future of our bloodline and the breed in mind. As a preservation breeder, our focus is on advancing the Labrador Retriever through thoughtful, responsible breeding practices that honor the breed standard and promote health, intelligence, and sound temperament. We are committed to producing dogs with predictable characteristics, robust health, and strong minds. Every breeding decision we make is a careful blend of art and science. We stay current with emerging health testing protocols, study pedigrees in depth, and pay close attention to genetic traits that impact the long-term well-being of the breed. Each litter represents years of accumulated knowledge, experience, and dedication — all aimed at preserving and bettering the Labrador Retriever for generations to come.  

We want to give the dogs we breed the best success in whatever venue and a long, healthy life along with being a loving member of your family.

The Truth About “English vs. American” Labradors The term “English vs. American” Labrador is often misused—and it’s something that concerns many reputable breeders. At the end of the day, a Labrador is a Labrador.

Unfortunately, the breed has been overbred by individuals who lack a true passion for preserving quality—neglecting full health testing, temperament, and the breed standard.

There is only one official AKC breed standard, yet after more than 30 years in the breed, I’ve seen countless personal interpretations of what people think a Labrador should be.

At Empress Labradors, we choose to stay true to the AKC guidelines, and as a result, we’ve produced generations of dual-purpose Labradors—dogs that not only excel in performance and structure, but also make outstanding companions.

We are deeply committed to breeding well-rounded, healthy, and versatile dogs with wonderful temperaments. Our focus is always on what’s best for the future of the breed, and for the families who welcome our puppies into their homes.

We’re proud to say that we produce some of the best family Labradors you’ll find—raised with intention, knowledge, and love. 

What height are our Labradors? 

At the withers for a dog (male) is 22½ to 24½ inches; for a bitch (female) is 21½ to 23½ inches

What colors are Labradors?

Labradors truly only come in three colors and they are black, yellow (shading from white to fox red color) and chocolate. 

Please do not fall for any marketing terms stating “silver, white, or fox red” at the end of the day your AKC papers will only say black, yellow, or chocolate. 

Do Your Homework Before Bringing a Puppy Home

Getting a puppy is a long‑term commitment — often 10+ years. Before you decide, make sure you:

• Choose a breeder who cares more about quality than quantity.
• Pick a breeder whose lines include AKC champions, and whose kennel prefix shows up in the pedigrees of the dam and/or sire.
• Research health testing thoroughly: visit breeder’s website; examine health testing for each individual parent dog. Use OFA.org (or similar) with the parents’ AKC registered names to verify.
• Read reviews and feedback, but also understand that even a well‑bred, vet‑checked puppy may face health / behavior issues later; these don’t always reflect the breeder’s negligence.

Why is this important when “you don’t want a “show” dog and just a pet.”

Here’s why it still matters — even if you “just want a pet”:

1. Health & Longevity
Reputable breeders who breed to the AKC standard and do complete health testing are minimizing the risk of hereditary diseases and genetic disorders. That means:
• Fewer vet bills over the life of your dog
• A longer, healthier life for your pet
• Less chance of heartache from early or unexpected health problems

2. Temperament
When breeders carefully select breeding pairs, they’re not just choosing for looks — they’re choosing for stable, predictable temperaments. That’s vital for:
• Families with kids
• Multi-pet households
• First-time dog owners

3. Predictability
Staying true to the breed standard means you’ll know what you’re getting:
• Size, coat type, grooming needs
• Energy level and exercise requirements
• Behavior tendencies
That makes it much easier to find a dog that truly fits your lifestyle.

4. Ethical Practices
Reputable breeders:
• Don’t overbreed
• Socialize puppies from birth
• Provide proper early care and vetting
• Offer lifelong support and take dogs back if needed
This helps break the cycle of backyard breeding and dogs ending up in shelters. 

Well I can’t afford that price for your dogs or I can find one cheaper!  

"I understand that the price of a well-bred dog from a reputable breeder can feel high — and it’s true, you can find dogs cheaper elsewhere. But here’s the honest reality: when you buy a dog based on price alone, especially from less responsible sources, you may be setting yourself up for heartbreak and financial stress down the road. Dogs from unreputable breeders or 'backyard breeders' often haven’t had any health testing or thoughtful breeding practices. That can lead to a range of lifelong problems — from chronic skin issues and severe allergies to joint disorders and even major organ failure. These issues aren’t just hard on your wallet — they’re incredibly hard on the dog. So while a responsibly bred puppy may cost more up front, you're investing in decades of health, stability, and support. Reputable breeders stand behind their dogs, screen for genetic conditions, and do everything they can to give both the puppy and the new owner the best start.

If that’s out of reach financially right now, my advice is to wait, save, and plan. A dog is a 10–15 year commitment, and you deserve to start that journey with the best chance for success — and your future dog deserves that too." 

Pricing for Puppies, Adolescents and Retired Dogs

🐾 8–12 Weeks Old — $3,800

Our youngest puppies are placed in their new homes at 8–12 weeks of age. At this stage, they’ve had age-appropriate vaccinations, been dewormed, started on heartworm/flea/tick prevention, and are well-socialized to begin life with your family.

 

Puppy Development & Socialization - 

From the moment our puppies are born, we are committed to providing them with the best possible start in life—both physically and emotionally.

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) Beginning at just 3 days old and continuing through 2 weeks of age, we use a method known as Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS). This process, recommended by the American Kennel Club (AKC), involves gentle, structured handling exercises that stimulate the neurological system during a crucial developmental window.

We’ve seen firsthand the benefits of this practice—producing puppies that are more resilient, confident, and intelligent.

Home-Based Early Rearing (0–4 Weeks)

For the first four weeks of life, our puppies are raised right in the heart of our home—our living room, adjacent to the kitchen. This ensures they are exposed to everyday household sounds and receive constant human interaction and handling. They begin life in a cozy whelping box, surrounded by colorful mobiles and age-appropriate toys. These are rotated regularly to encourage sensory development and early play.

Transition & Early Training (4–8 Weeks)

At around 4 to 5 weeks of age, the puppies transition to a spacious indoor area (10x10 feet) with access to a secure 25x30-foot outdoor play yard. This area includes enriching features such as a jungle gym, tunnel, and a wide variety of toys—continually rotated to keep them curious and engaged. At this stage, we also begin basic training, including table stacking to help puppies become comfortable with standing still and being handled—an important skill for grooming, vet visits, and showing.

Puppy Evaluations & Going Home (6–8 Weeks)

We perform formal evaluations at both 6 and 8 weeks of age to assess each puppy's temperament and conformation. This helps us guide families in choosing the puppy that best fits their lifestyle and goals.


Our puppies are ready to go to their new homes at 8 weeks old. By this time, they are confident, well-socialized, and eager to begin the next chapter of their lives with their forever families.

🐾 Deposit & Waiting List Policy -

Thank you for your interest in one of our puppies! Please review the following important information regarding our deposit and waiting list process:

💰 Non-Refundable Deposit To be placed on our waiting list, a non-refundable deposit of $500.00 is required.

• Non-refundable means the deposit will not be returned under any circumstance, including if you change your mind.

• This deposit secures your place on our waiting list based on your preferred puppy sex and/or color.


🐶 Matching Preferences

If a litter is born that does not match your preferences (in terms of sex or color), your deposit will automatically roll over to the next suitable litter. You will remain on the waiting list until we can offer a puppy that matches your specified criteria.


📈 Puppy Pricing

Please note that placing a deposit does not lock in pricing.
Puppy prices are subject to change at any time, and may increase due to inflation, increased costs of care, or other factors. We strive to keep our prices fair and transparent, but reserve the right to adjust them as needed.


❌ Refusal Policy

You are allowed to decline up to two puppy offerings that match your specified preferences.

• After three refusals, your deposit will be forfeited, and your spot on the waiting list will be released.

What are next steps?

How to Properly Make a Deposit-
We accept Zelle, Venmo, or Chase QuickPay. Deposits are placed in order based on the date and time they are received. If Mailing a Check Please make your check payable to: Dawn Nacey.nbsp;

Payment Options

Zelle
Search for: DawnNacey
Venmo Search @Dawn-Nacey (Profile picture: ME with a Yellow Labrador)

Important: Add a NOTE to Your Payment Once you are in Zelle or Venmo, you will see a NOTE section. 

Please manually type the following information to avoid your deposit being returned:

        1. Your email address and phone number (with area code).

        2. Your first-choice color/sex and second-choice color/sex.

        3. A statement confirming that you understand the deposit is NON-REFUNDABLE.

Puppy Colors, Sexes & Reservation Timeframes -

While I wish I had a crystal ball, the truth is that breeders cannot predict your exact preferred timing for a puppy, nor the number, color, or sex of the puppies in each litter. For this reason, I ask families to select more than one option when placing a deposit. 

Choosing a second preference for both color and sex increases your chances of being matched with a puppy from your desired litter. Please note: Most of my puppies are reserved before they are even born.  

Scenario 1: Limited Availability If you are 3rd on the waiting list for a yellow male and only two yellow males are born, your second-choice color or sex will be considered. If you do not provide a second option, your deposit will roll over to the next available litter. 

Scenario 2: More Than Enough Puppies If you are 3rd on the waiting list for yellow males and five yellow males are born, then on pickup day, the families who placed deposits before you choose first. After their selections, you will choose from the remaining puppies.

If you have any questions about how my reservation or matching process works, I’m always happy to help!  

Puppy Visitations -

At 5 weeks old, we host a puppy play date—a special time for you to visit and interact with the entire litter. Please note that puppy selections are not made at this time; final choices take place on pick-up day.

The play date is a wonderful opportunity to see how the puppies are developing and to enjoy some outdoor playtime with them. As this event is typically held outside, please dress appropriately for the weather.

For the health and safety of the litter, no visitations are allowed before 5 weeks of age. We look forward to seeing you then! 🐾

Kennel Visitation Policy Prior to Deposits -

For the safety and well-being of our dogs, we do not allow regular in-person visitations. Young puppies and senior dogs are especially vulnerable to illnesses that can be unintentionally carried in by visitors. Additionally, we dedicate a significant amount of time each day to training, exercising, and caring for our dogs, and frequent visits would take away from that essential time. 

If you are interested in an older puppy or adult dog currently available, a deposit is required before scheduling a visitation. If you meet the dog and feel it is not the right fit, your deposit will be fully refunded—no questions asked. 

Required supplements need to be purchased before puppy/dog pick up day.

To assure your puppy gets off to the right start, they have been enjoying NuVet Plus every day as a treat (they love the taste). Continuing this daily regimen is the easiest and best way to keep your pup on the path to perfect health! Please order the wafers and place on auto ship so that your puppy’s gut stays healthy during stressful changes throughout their lifetime. 

These products are not found online, at stores, or your veterinarian. 

For your convenience, order directly from the manufacturer by calling 800-474-7044 and using Order Code: 19387, or ordering online at www.nuvet.com/19387

These are to dog beds we recommend please click on the link to order.

Kuranda Dog Beds

Puppy pick up is 8 weeks old. 

You get to pick your puppy by when your deposit has been received date and time stamp. 

If you need your puppy to stay past scheduled pick up day boarding fee per day is $20.00. 

AKC limited registration

All of our companion puppies are sold on  limited registration which means that they are not being sold for breeding purposes.  The difference between pet quality and show quality is not usually obvious to the inexperienced eye.  The Limited Registration is a tool offered by the American Kennel Club for responsible breeders to protect their breeding programs and their puppies. The only difference between Limited registration and Full registration is that Limited registration prevents dogs from being shown in conformation and any offspring they produce may not be registered with the American Kennel Club.

Vaccines

Depending on the age of your puppy, it will have at least its first puppy vaccination around 7 weeks of age. We will provide you with a detailed vaccination and worming protocol to share with your veterinarian. We suggest that you reach out to your veterinarian in regards to their vaccination protocol when you go for your puppy wellness check.

Schedule your puppy appointment once I have communicated a puppy pick up day. Please keep in mind vets are very busy and booked and trying to get an appointment last minute might not happen.

Vet health check with our clinic

Every one of our puppies is examined by an experienced small animal veterinarian before it goes to its new home. This exam includes a full physical, fecal and cardiac check. It’s our goal to send a healthy well socialized puppy to your home!

Worming

Our puppies receive regular preventative deworming to avoid any parasitic issues. This ensures your puppy comes with a settled stomach and dormant issues that could surprise you just after your puppy gets home. We worm them with Pyrantel regularly from 2-7 weeks and then use Panacur at 8-9 weeks before they go home. Once you take your puppy home, we recommend you take a stool sample to your veterinarian on your first visit. Do not be surprised if they still show signs of parasites. Your veterinarian can advise you on a recommended program for future deworming of your puppy.

Microchip

Your puppy with come with a microchip and a lifelong registry through AKC reunite. If by chance you move please let me know your new address so our records can be updated. 

Service or emotional support dogs

With proper training, many Empress Labradors have become service dogs, ESA dogs, and therapy dogs. If you are looking for a dog to train yourself, my puppies and older dogs are priced the same.

We have some of the best dogs in world which comes from good breeding and generations of working with our dogs. I believe our dogs do have an on and off switch. If you want to be a couch potato one day and super busy the next day they will be right there by your side with their wagging tail. They want to please you, love you, and be the best companion for you. 

Genetic testing and guarantees 

Empress Labradors does ALL of genetic and health tests that Labradors should have before breeding any litter.  Yearly, I have board certified veterinarians that visit my kennel to check hearts and eyes. 

Whether you are reading this to purchased one of our outstanding puppies/dogs or on this page for educational purposes please do your homework with any breeder before making a deposit or purchase. Labradors should be genetic tested for many tests to insure you as a buyer doesn’t have issues later in your dog’s life. On all our dog’s pages on this website lists all the testing we do and then some. Click on the paw prints logo in the middle of all my dog’s pages and see the testing panel for that dog. 

Visit Orthopedic Foundations for Animals at www.ofa.org to look up four very important tests that every Labrador should have. Heart, hips, elbows and eyes ! Eyes are a yearly check. Some breeders do it once and never do it again, that is not being a responsible breeder. If the breeder you looking at does not have a website or even if they do please double check testing on the link above. All you need is the AKC full registered name of the sire or dam. 

The tests that we do is our best effort to ensure that our puppies are free of common congenital disorders. However, most congenital disorders have a polygenic mode of inheritance, meaning there is multiple gene involvement, making it impossible to determine with certainty that any puppy will be completely free from any disorder. Nutrition, exercise and other conditions will play a role in determining whether the puppy will develop certain disorders as well as help puppies grow into happy, healthy adults. We also encourage every puppy buyer to have their new puppy examined by their veterinarian within 48 hours from the date of purchase. If it is determined that the puppy is not in good general health, with a written veterinarian statement and the puppy returned, the entire purchase price will be refunded. 

Our recommendation for spay and neutering

Twenty to 24 months is the soonest for alteration.  Current research has shown that Labradors need hormones to grow slowly and properly. 

Food recommendations 

Puppies - Royal Canin medium puppy

Adults after 2 years old - Raw food.

Thank You so much for reading our page. It’s a lot to read but we are very passionate about what we do and we want to be an open book for you so that you feel 100% confident about being part of the Empress family.

Dawn

Follow us: @empress.labradors @empress_labradors

Page Updated: 11/21/2025