Down South Retrievers
Meet the breeder
I'm Courtney R., the breeder behind Down South Retrievers located in Dayton, TX. We strive to breed happy, healthy Labrador Retriever puppies for competition, hunting, and pet homes. We ensure our dogs pass all health tests and screens to make sure you get the highest-quality puppy possible to be your companion! We are happy to tell you more about what life with a Labrador Retriever is like and how they will not only enhance your daily life, but exceed your expectations! We're excited to announce our puppies will now be going home with Trupanion pet insurance that you will activate within 24 hours of your puppy coming home with you and coverage will start immediately after activation to protect your newest edition.
Q. & A. with Courtney
Why did you start breeding?
I got into breeding by an accidental breeding when I was really young. At about 15, my dog accidentally got pregnant with the neighbor's Lab. I cared for her while pregnant and she birthed with her head in my lap and I helped her care for and home the babies when the time came. It just really opened my eyes and I've learned a lot more since then. The fulfillment of seeing new puppies born, watching them grow, and helping shape them and train them in preparation for their new forever homes is the most rewarding experience ever!What makes your program special?
My program is special because of the care I put into each litter. I spend a lot of time caring for my dogs and their puppies and I enjoy finding the perfect home for each one. I also focus on the healthy development of all my puppies because I know that each one is unique and deserving of undivided love and attention. This is where amazing temperament, intelligence, and beauty meet!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 a kennel on my property.
Getting a puppy from Courtney
Courtney 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 $250 non-refundable deposit and between $550 - $950 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“Also included are AKC puppy papers, shots, a microchip, dewclaw removal, and the health guarantee. Puppies are the same price no matter the color or gender.”
Contract & health guarantee
Courtney 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 Courtney 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 Courtney 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
Puppy health practices
- Vet check
- First round of shots and deworming
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Courtney.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Dayton, TX
5201 miles away
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Other pick-up locations
Meet at George Bush Intercontinental/Houston Airport
5222 miles away
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More about Courtney
Certifications & recognitions
American Kennel Club Canine College, Whelping and Medical Intervention Course Completed (AKC).
Courtney has been a member of Good Dog for over 4 years
Courtney was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.
Courtney is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Down South Retrievers 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
Kimber, mom
Labrador Retriever
About Kimber
Kimber is a female Labrador Retriever over 3 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Courtney decided to make her part of their program. Courtney 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.
Uploaded health tests
Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC).
Trigg, dad
Labrador Retriever
About Trigg
Trigg is a male Labrador Retriever over 9 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Courtney decided to make him part of their program. Courtney 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
Great level
Down South Retrievers 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.
Brucellosis
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
DNA Disease Panel, Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC), Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM), D Locus (Dilute) DNA test, Cystinuria Type 1A, Labrador Retriever Type, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis (HNPK), PRA, Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd)
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).
