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.
Yellow male
Reserved
Male
Girl 1
Went home
Female
Girl 2
Went home
Female
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Girl 1
Went home
Female
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Mr.Green
Went home
Male
Mr. Brown
Went home
Male
Girl 1
Went home
Female
Girl 2
Went home
Female
Girl 3
Went home
Female
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Boy 1
Went home
Male
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.
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
Zuzu, mom
Labrador Retriever
About Zuzu
Zuzu is an exceptional girl! She is versatile and sweet. We have taken her to AKC shows and she has done well in everything from conformation, dock diving to rally and obedience!
Doug, dad
Labrador Retriever
About Doug
Doug is a beautiful nearly white English stud. He is friendly and playful with humans and other dogs.
Bridget, mom
Labrador Retriever
About Bridget
Bridget is athletic and gentle.
Tempi, mom
Labrador Retriever
About Tempi
Tempi is a female Labrador Retriever. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Mary Ellen decided to make her part of their program. Mary Ellen has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Bonnie, mom
Labrador Retriever
About Bonnie
Bonnie is a female Labrador Retriever. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Mary Ellen decided to make her part of their program. Mary Ellen has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Bromley, dad
Labrador Retriever
About Bromley
Bromley is a male Labrador Retriever. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Mary Ellen decided to make him part of their program. Mary Ellen has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Bones, dad
Labrador Retriever
About Bones
Bones is a male Labrador Retriever. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Mary Ellen decided to make him part of their program. Mary Ellen has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Indy, mom
Labrador Retriever
About Indy
Indy is a female Labrador Retriever. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Mary Ellen decided to make her part of their program. Mary Ellen has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their 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).