I'm Charles P., the breeder behind Family Labs located in Earlham, IA. We’re a family who loves Labradors and occasionally raises a litter from our cherished line. Our dogs are calm, loyal, intelligent, and part of our daily life. Liberty’s pups continue four generations of steady, affectionate Labs who thrive both in the field and at home.
Q. & A. with Charles
Why did you start breeding?
I came up with the name, "Family Labs", to be "official". It is accurately descriptive, but I wouldn't call us a "breeder". This is our first litter in 3 years. We are extremely selective! I grew up with a family labrador by my side. I fell in love with the enthusiasm, patience, and loyalty of the breed. As a boy, we had 2 batches of pups. I cherish those memories, and I want the same for my kids.
What makes your program special?
4 Generations of Care
Before I was a teen, I dreamt of having an exceptional line of labs, but I bought multiple dogs I didn't want to breed. They weren't exceptional. Then Marcie became my sister's. My parents got Beanie from Marcie's only litter. I got Clover from Beanie's only litter. Our Clover had Liberty, and these are Liberty's first pups. The 5th generation - of exceptional family labs.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home and a kennel on my property.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Beatrice - Sold
Went home
Female
Walter - Sold
Went home
Male
Morris - Sold
Went home
Male
Russell - Sold
Went home
Male
Getting a puppy from Charles
Charles 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 $1,000 deposit and between $1,000 - $1,600 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“Home-raised, AKC registerable pups from 4 generations of family Labs. Includes vet exam, vaccines, ENS/ESI, health guarantee. Registration or full rights available by request. If you want a specific pup, but can't take it for a bit, then we may ask for a deposit.”
Contract & health guarantee
Charles 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 Charles 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 Charles directly.
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
Extras
Basic obedience & manners
Food & treats
Initial potty training
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Charles.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Earlham, IA
Other pick-up locations
Meet at Des Moines Airport
Flexible meeting point
Charles can meet at a location that works for both of you
More about Charles
Charles has been a member of Good Dog for about 1 month
Charles was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2025.
Charles is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Family Labs 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
Liberty, mom
Labrador Retriever
About Liberty
Liberty carries the heart of her mother — gentle, loyal, and deeply affectionate. There is truly nothing she loves more than being close to her people... though a good pheasant hunt runs a close second. Her temperament is calm and nurturing, yet she has incredible drive and instinct in the field. Honestly, she may be the best lab I’ve ever seen — striking the perfect balance between family sweetness and natural working ability.
Her registered name, Virtuous Liberty, is drawn from the line: “A day, an hour, of virtuous liberty is worth a whole eternity in bondage.” It originates from the play Cato, which inspired early American revolutionaries — George Washington even had it performed for his troops during the Revolutionary War. It reflects not only heritage, but heart.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Good level
Family Labs 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.
Eye Examination (rDVM, not registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Vet Wellness Exam
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), 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).