I'm Alicia H., the breeder behind Helm Labs located in Forest City, IA. We decided to start a responsible, in-home breeding program in order to produce quality hunting dogs that also fit into a home setting. We focus on breeding dogs that have the drive to keep up with our lifestyle, but also have amazing temperaments and can quickly adapt to a calm family setting.
Q. & A. with Alicia
Why did you start breeding?
My husband’s parents used to breed labs when he was a kid. There’s so much to learn as a child growing up raising dogs. I love being able to pass these lessons in responsibility to our kids.
What makes your program special?
We raise family members, not just pets. The love, time, and care that goes in to raising our babies is what makes them special. They are well socialized with different ages and different animals. Truly farm raised. ❤️
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include silver, charcoal, yellow, black, chocolate, and champagne. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in a kennel on my property.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Morganite
Went home
Female
Garnet
Went home
Male
Pearl
Went home
Female
Jasper
Went home
Male
Fire Opal
Went home
Male
Emerald
Went home
Male
Obsidian
Went home
Male
Jett
Went home
Male
Sapphire
Went home
Male
Amethyst
Went home
Female
Diamond
Went home
Male
Kilo
Went home
Male
Alpha
Went home
Male
Bravo
Went home
Male
Oscar
Went home
Male
Tango
Went home
Male
Mike
Went home
Male
Juliet
Went home
Female
Whiskey
Went home
Male
Charlie
Went home
Male
Echo
Went home
Male
Delta
Went home
Female
Peaches (Roach Findlay)
Went home
Female
(Nile) Kinnick
Went home
Male
Cooper (DeJean)
Went home
Male
Liz (Tchou)
Went home
Female
Dan (Gabel)
Went home
Male
Caitlin (Clark)
Went home
Female
Getting a puppy from Alicia
Alicia 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 $200 non-refundable deposit and between $800 - $1,300 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“The time, love and care is all the same regardless of color or gender.
Breeding rights will be decided case by case and will run an additional $1,000.00.”
Contract & health guarantee
Alicia 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 Alicia 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 Alicia directly.
Helm 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
Litter and program updates
Alicia H.
Litter update on 01 May •
Health checks done and everyone passed with flying colors!
Starting to send babies on to their new homes this weekend!
Only Cooper is still looking for his new family ♥️
…
Casper and Hawkeye's litter
Parent dogs
All breeds
Dilute Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Willow, mom
Dilute Retriever
About Willow
Willow is a female Dilute Retriever almost 3 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Alicia decided to make her part of their program. Alicia 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.
Jade, mom
Dilute Retriever
About Jade
Jade is a female Dilute Retriever. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Alicia decided to make her part of their program. Alicia 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.
Casper, dad
Labrador Retriever
About Casper
Casper is a male Labrador Retriever over 4 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Alicia decided to make him part of their program. Alicia 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
Good level
Helm 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 Dilute 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.
DNA Disease Panel, 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).