I'm Tonja R., the breeder behind Leatherwood Kennels located in Winston Salem, NC. We offer quality bred working dogs. We hand raise each of our puppies to ensure a reliable temperament and cherished companionship. We devote our time, energy, and efforts to each litter to ensure our puppies are properly socialized from the moment they are born and prepared to excel in their forever homes.
Q. & A. with Tonja
Why did you start breeding?
We wanted to put our passion for Labrador and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers to good use. Breeding healthy, happy puppies is our way to give back to the breed and the families who love them. We want nothing more than to see each of our dogs and puppies shine.
What makes your program special?
We are very dedicated to what we do and what we are trying to achieve as breeders. We work with passion, heart, integrity, and truly want what's best for the Labrador and Chesapeake Bay Retriever line. We have high expectations for our puppies and strive to place each puppy in an enriching and loving home!
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
Girl 2
Went home
Female
Girl 3
Went home
Female
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Boy 3
Went home
Male
Boy 4
Went home
Male
Boy 5
Went home
Male
Getting a puppy from Tonja
Tonja 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
Connect with Tonja to learn more details about pricing.
Contract & health guarantee
Tonja 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 Tonja 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 Tonja directly.
Leatherwood Kennels 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
Delilah, mom
Labrador Retriever
About Delilah
Delilah is a female Labrador Retriever. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Tonja decided to make her part of their program. Tonja 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
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Breeder-Reported Testing
Great level
Leatherwood Kennels 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 Chesapeake Bay 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.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A)
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).