I'm Mimms V., the breeder behind Hidden River Retrievers located in Angier, NC. Inspired by a chocolate Lab that saved my life, I founded Hidden River Retrievers in 2005. Hidden River Retrievers breeds Labradors of distinction—healthy, intelligent, and loyal. All breeding dogs are OFA certified and health tested, producing pups that excel as pets, hunters, or service dogs.
Q. & A. with Mimms
Why did you start breeding?
in 2009, a chocolate Lab Maizee saved my life. That inspired me to start breeding Labs. The experience taught the worth of the breed & the capabilities they possess. Inspired by lifelong love of Labradors, Mimms VanMeter has bred quality Labs for 20+ years. Raising healthy & loyal pups. Ethically pairing only the best. Every breeder, including sires, must meet or surpasses our rigorous standards.
What makes your program special?
Our females are cared for with love and patience to produce the best puppies possible. We raise and breed both American and English Labradors, giving each dog a nurturing environment and prioritizing health, temperament, and happiness. Mimms personally lives with each litter for the entire time they are in our state of the art facility. They receive 24/7 care and are monitored at all times.
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.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Girl 1
Went home
Female
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Girl 5
Went home
Female
Girl 2
Went home
Female
Girl 3
Went home
Female
Girl 4
Went home
Female
Boy 5
Went home
Male
Boy 6
Went home
Male
Boy 7
Went home
Male
Boy 4
Went home
Male
Girl 5
Went home
Female
Girl 4
Went home
Female
Girl 1
Went home
Female
Boy 3
Went home
Male
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Girl 3
Went home
Female
Girl 2
Went home
Female
Girl 5
Went home
Female
Girl 4
Went home
Female
Girl 3
Went home
Female
Girl 6
Went home
Female
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Boy 3
Went home
Male
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Girl 2
Went home
Female
Girl 1
Went home
Female
Girl 1
Went home
Female
Getting a puppy from Mimms
Mimms 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 - $2,000 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“Our pricing tiers depend on the type of registration that the client is interested in. We have three pricing plans. The top two tiers come with the health guarantee, contract and more. All deposits are NON-REFUNDABLE but transferable. This means if for any reason the timing of the litter that your deposit is for doesn't work out, you can transfer your deposit to a future litter.”
Contract & health guarantee
Mimms 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 Mimms 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 Mimms directly.
Hidden River 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
Millie, mom
Labrador Retriever
About Millie
Millie is Hidden River Retrievers very own certified service dog. Millie is often called upon to travel to hospitals and other care facilities to give comfort and companionship to patients in need. She is the most faithful, loving dog we have. She is gentle, smart and her personality is well above and beyond your average dog. We will be retiring Millie in 2026 when she will be able to live out her life right here on the farm with her family.
Emma, mom
Labrador Retriever
About Emma
Emma comes from show dog royalty and has a loving, active, and playful personality—she’s our family comedian! She is fully health-tested and OFA certified. While she is a beloved family pet, her offspring are expected to excel as show dogs, service dogs, or loving family companions.
Uploaded health tests
D Locus (Dilute) DNA test.
Stella, mom
Labrador Retriever
About Stella
Stella is a natural born retriever. Stella has so many attributes to even try to name her best would be hard. Stella is an avid retriever whose hunt instinct is amazing. She has birthed some of the best of service dogs there are in the business. The extent of her capabilities are endless. She has dogs that work with the military, service personnel who suffer from many different conditions including PTSD. She has also produced pups that now work in top notch children's hospitals in the PICU and cancer floors for children. The abilities of this litter is there and they will all grow up to be the best of what a retriever is meant to be.
Wesson, dad
Labrador Retriever
About Wesson
Wesson is a male Labrador Retriever. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Mimms decided to make him part of their program. Mimms 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.
Scout, dad
Labrador Retriever
About Scout
Scout is a male Labrador Retriever. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Mimms decided to make him part of their program. Mimms 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.
Sarge, dad
Labrador Retriever
About Sarge
Sarge is a male Labrador Retriever. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Mimms decided to make him part of their program. Mimms 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
Hidden River 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.
Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
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.
PawPrint Genetic Panel (Breed Specific), DNA Coat/Trait Panel, Copper Toxicosis, Labrador Retriever Type, 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).
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.