Mackinaw Valley Gun Dogs
Meet the breeder
I'm Johnathon Z., the breeder behind Mackinaw Valley Gun Dogs located in Delavan, IL. We strive to produce well built, healthy dogs that will provide many years of companionship in the field and home. Through the use of genetic testing and OFA examinations, we can ensure that our dogs will be free of many health issues commonly found in Labrador Retrievers and Epagneul Bretons. A written genetic health guarantee is included in the purchase of a puppy.
Q. & A. with Johnathon
Why did you start breeding?
I started breeding dogs after purchasing my 3rd Labrador Retriever. She is a special dog that many people, including myself, wanted a puppy from. This led to years of research into pedigrees, health clearances, etc and grew into a passion for producing the best gun dogs available.What makes your program special?
All of my breeding females are hunting and family dogs first. If they cannot find wild birds, withstand the rigors of long hunting trips, and function as a good household companion, they are not bred. I also spend several years selecting the proper sire for my litters. I will observe them performing in the field and competition, as well as in the home environment before making a decision.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.
Boy 1
Went homeMale
Boy 2
Went homeMale
Girl 1
Went homeFemale
Girl 3
Went homeFemale
Girl 2
Went homeFemale
Boy 3
Went homeMale
Boy 2
Went homeMale
Girl 3
Went homeFemale
Girl 2
Went homeFemale
Girl 1
Went homeFemale
Boy 4
Went homeMale
Girl 4
Went homeFemale
Boy 1
Went homeMale
Boy 4
Went homeMale
Boy 1
Went homeMale
Girl 2
Went homeFemale
Girl 1
Went homeFemale
Boy 2
Went homeMale
Boy 3
Went homeMale
Theo
Went homeMale
Tilly
Went homeFemale
Tucker
Went homeMale
T-Rex
Went homeMale
Boy 4
Went homeMale
Girl 4
Went homeFemale
Girl 2
Went homeFemale
Boy 5
Went homeMale
Girl 3
Went homeFemale
Girl 4
Went homeFemale
Girl 2
Went homeFemale
Boy 2
Went homeMale
Boy 1
Went homeMale
Girl 1
Went homeFemale
Girl 3
Went homeFemale
Boy 3
Went homeMale
Getting a puppy from Johnathon
Johnathon 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 refundable deposit and between $1,200 - $1,800 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“Deposits are non refundable, except when we are unable to provide a puppy as agreed upon. See our Deposit Agreement for more details.”
Contract & health guarantee
Johnathon 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 Johnathon 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 Johnathon 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
Enrichment & socialization
- Various sounds
- Car rides
- Surface & tactile stimulation
- Socialized with children
- Socialized in new places
- Daily handling
- Socialized with other dogs
- 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
- Registration
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Johnathon.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Delavan, IL
Other pick-up locations
Meet at Central Illinois Airport at Bloomington-Normal
Flexible meeting point
Johnathon can meet at a location that works for both of you
More about Johnathon
Johnathon has been a member of Good Dog for almost 6 years
Johnathon was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2020.
Johnathon is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Mackinaw Valley Gun Dogs 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
All breeds
Labrador Retriever
French Brittany
Fire, mom
Labrador Retriever
About Fire
Fire is a female Labrador Retriever. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Johnathon decided to make her part of their program. Johnathon 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
Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM), Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC), +3 more.Mia, mom
Labrador Retriever
About Mia
Mia is a female Labrador Retriever. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Johnathon decided to make her part of their program. Johnathon 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.
Buddy, dad
Labrador Retriever
About Buddy
Buddy is a male Labrador Retriever. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Johnathon decided to make him part of their program. Johnathon 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.
Nadia, mom
French Brittany
About Nadia
Nadia is a female French Brittany over 8 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Johnathon decided to make her part of their program. Johnathon 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
French Brittany
Labrador Retriever
Breeder-Reported Testing
Good level
Mackinaw Valley Gun Dogs 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 French Brittanys.
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.
