At Pine Acre Retrievers we strive to produce retrievers that are healthy, have a sound temperament, and possess a strong desire to work and retrieve.  Unfortunately, due to the retriever's tremendous popularity, many of those available around the country do not meet these standards.  There are thousands of Labradors produced annually that are unhealthy, do not possess the retriever's well known lovable temperament, and have limited or nonexistent working ability.  We do not want to contribute to this growing problem, so we are selective in our breeding program and only produce a limited number of litters per year.  All of our retrievers are registered with the American Kennel Club.

Temperament 
A Labrador Retriever should be a pleasure to be around.  Labs are known for their pleasing disposition, willingness to work with their handlers, and should show no aggressiveness to people or other dogs.  We strongly believe that labs should be capable of living as family pets while also serving as working dogs.  All our retrievers live with us and our young children and function as family dogs.  All our puppies are raised in this environment, being exposed to our children and us daily.  Our puppies are warranted to meet your expectations.
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Hips
With the high number of indiscriminate breedings taking place, the Labrador Retriever breed is plagued with many genetic diseases.  Hip Dysplasia, Retinal Dysplasia, PRA, Cataracts, and a host of other ailments flow through the lab gene pool.  We strive to eliminate as many of these inheritable defects as we can.  Our labs are given an Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) preliminary exam by twelve months of age, and a final OFA exam at two years of age.  If a dog shows signs of hip dysplasia and cannot receive an OFA rating it will not be bred.  We warranty in writing all of our litters to be able to receive an OFA rating.
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Eyes
The Labrador gene pool is filled with carriers of genetic eye diseases.  RD, PRA, Cataracts, to name a few, plague too many dogs.  Our retrievers are examined by an American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology (ACVO) Diplomate to screen them for genetic eye disease.  Any retriever that cannot receive a Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) number will not be bred.  Our written warranty also states that our puppies will be free of known genetic eye defects and will be able to obtain a CERF clearance.
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Performance
We believe that a strong working desire and ability should be synonymous with all retrievers.  Retrievers were developed to work and are happiest while doing so.  Retrievers should also show tremendous drive, style, and stamina.  We believe that our retrievers have these traits and abilities, whether they are hunting, at field trials, hunt tests, while training, or in whatever working environment in which they are used. 
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Caveat Emptor
Whether you decide to purchase a puppy from us or another breeder, be certain that you are getting what you pay for.  We have heard and seen too many horror stories of dogs that were purchased, became a part of the household and then came up lame or were unable to function in the role they were purchased for.  The affected families are forced to give up their pet, pay thousands to treat the condition, or learn to live with the situation.  Nothing can break your heart faster than finding out that your companion is unhealthy or unfit.  Verify the health of the parents, be certain the breeder is reputable, responsible and willing to stand by their dogs, and make sure the warranty that you sign is one you are willing to accept, even in the worst   case scenario.  Buying a puppy is always a bit of a gamble, but with some research, you can drastically improve your odds.  Our puppies are not the cheapest available, but we think that they are the best bet you can find.  Call or e-mail for more information or to make a reservation.

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Purchase Agreement and Health Warranty Summary
We want to you to be happy with your new puppy and we want you to feel confident in your purchase. To that end, we will give you a written Puppy Purchase Agreement and Health Warranty.  This agreement will cover:

1. Three Day Return.  The puppy can be returned to us within three days for any reason.  A refund will be given.

2. Five Day Health Warranty.  If your vet gives the puppy a poor bill of health within five days the puppy can be returned for a refund.

3. Hip Warranty.  Hips are warranted to receive an OFA rating within 26 months.

4. Eye Warranty.  Eyes are warranted to be free of genetic defects for 24 months.

Other terms and conditions apply. You can preview the entire Purchase Agreement.  Nothing on this web site is meant to supersede the written agreement that you will receive upon purchase. 

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Shipping
Pine Acre Retrievers ships puppies and started dogs throughout the United States, when necessary.  Because of the inherent dangers in shipping animals we prefer our clients drive or make other arrangements.  However, because of the distances often involved, we will ship by air.  This involves extra cost to the buyer in the form of air freight, preflight vet exam and health certificate, and traveling crate.  We normally ship from South Bend, IN.    All airlines have to comply with the Federal Government's regulations, but may also impose their own additional restrictions.

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