Bear Bones Labradors

Mary Ellen C.

Breeder of Labrador Retrievers

  • Frenchtown, MT
  • Responds within a day

Meet the breeder

I'm Mary Ellen C., the breeder behind Bear Bones Labradors located in Frenchtown, MT. Bear Bones Labradors is located in Frenchtown Montana which is just outside Missoula. We breed Labrador Retrievers exclusively, with the focus on the English blockheads. We ensure they have passed an extensive genetic and veterinary test before we allow them to breed. We offer all three colors.

Q. & A. with Mary Ellen

  • Why did you start breeding?

    My aunt and uncle were breeders and mentored me at dog shows and eventually as a breeder. I have had 2 litters under their tutelage and will have a third shortly. I dislike the high strung American lab and dislike that labs are often plagued with hip dysplasia or allergies and want to provide an alternative. I like the disposition and look of the English Labrador and test to insure healthy pups.
  • What makes your program special?

    We use puppy culture and try to have the pups started on basic obedience and house training before they are placed in homes. Our breeding stock is carefully selected to have the disposition required to be a service dog and have gone to AKC and IABCA shows earning their National and International titles before being bred.
  • What are the different breed coat colors in your program?

    Our puppies include black, chocolate, and yellow. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
  • Where do your breeding dogs live?

    They live in my home and guardian homes.

Matched dogs

These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.

Getting a puppy from Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.

Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.

Price

Puppy prices include a $500 non-refundable deposit and between $1,500 - $2,500 final payment, before taxes & fees.

“Deposit of $500 after pups are at least one week old. The remaining $1500 on pick up at 8 weeks or older. I ask for half down as a non-refundable deposit after the pups are two weeks old. The rest of the payment on pick-up.”

Contract & health guarantee

Mary Ellen may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Mary Ellen offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out to Mary Ellen directly.

Always communicate and pay on Good Dog.Learn more

What’s included

    • From Good Dog
      • Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
      • 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
      • Puppy Training Program & private community
    • Enrichment & socialization
      • Various sounds
      • Car rides
      • Surface & tactile stimulation
      • Socialized with children
      • Socialized in new places
      • Scent introduction
      • Daily handling
      • Socialized with other dogs
      • Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
      • Socialized with other animals
    • Puppy health practices
      • Vet check
      • First round of shots and deworming
      • Vet records
      • Microchip
    • Extras
      • Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
      • AKC registration
      • Basic obedience & manners
      • Initial potty training
      • Puppy starter kit
      • Toys
      • Food & treats

Location & pick-up

You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Mary Ellen.

Breeder’s location

Meet in Frenchtown, MT

Other pick-up locations

Meet at Missoula Montana Airport (was Missoula Airport)

More about Mary Ellen

  • Mary Ellen has been a member of Good Dog for about 6 years

    Mary Ellen was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2019.

  • Mary Ellen’s links

Mary Ellen is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Bear Bones Labradors meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:

  • Responsible breeding practices
  • Health of breeding dogs and puppies
  • Puppy environment and enrichment
  • Buyer education and policies

Parent dogs

Parent health testing

Breeder-Reported Testing

Excellent level

Bear Bones Labradors reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Labrador Retrievers.

  • Hip Dysplasia

    Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.

  • Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)

    Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.

  • Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)

    Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.

  • Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis (HNPK), Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC), Copper Toxicosis, Labrador Retriever Type, Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM), PRA, Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd), D Locus (Dilute) DNA test

    Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).

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