I'm Gayle E., the breeder behind Shadowfax Labradors located in Hinesburg, VT. I am a small breeder of high-quality Labrador Retrievers that conform to the highest standards for temperament and conformation. The goal I set and which I believe is still the most important is to produce healthy & confident puppies that will become a valued family member.
Q. & A. with Gayle
Why did you start breeding?
My first lab was given to me by my grandfather who's longtime partner both in the house and out hunting was a lab named Topper. This dog was always so excited to go out and retrieve or just sit next to you quietly and there was always a wagging tail. I started this lab named Able in the field, training for trials and competed for a few years as I do not hunt myself but love to see the dogs work. During that time I bred 3 litters working with a wonderful mentor from Boston who was a breeder of very successful and beautiful dogs. He always bred for the dual purpose of retrieving and conformation with temperaments to be a good family member and these were the guidelines I also adopted for my litters. I still hear from former owners about how wonderful their labs were in all the ways I had hoped. This is the reward we all look forward to and what compels us to put everything we can both emotionally and physically to make sure that the pups born in our kennel will not only be a beautiful dog that is true to the specifications of the AKC but also have a temperament to become a loving family member. I am now working with one of the top breeders of labs in the country who is also exceptionally successful showing her dogs in conformation, obedience and hunting trials.
What makes your program special?
I am a small breeder with only 2 litters per year. This allows me to give all of my dogs and puppies the utmost attention they need and deserve. All of the puppies go thru the Puppy Culture program and will be happily socialized, have had very positive learning experiences. I feel this gives the puppy a very comprehensive experience to become a confident and valued member of your family. I also provide for new owners a manual to continue the training as the first 12 weeks are so very important.
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.
Getting a puppy from Gayle
Gayle 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 $3,000 - $5,000 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“We only accept a deposit for a puppy after the litter has been born and we know what pups are available to match with a new owner. Balance of payment due when puppy is picked up or delivered.”
Contract & health guarantee
Gayle 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 Gayle 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 Gayle directly.
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Gayle.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Hinesburg, VT
3661 miles away
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Other pick-up locations
Meet at Patrick Leahy Burlington Airport
3658 miles away
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More about Gayle
Gayle has been a member of Good Dog for over 5 years
Gayle was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2020.
Gayle is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Shadowfax Labradors 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 health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Shadowfax Labradors 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 Certification (CAER, 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.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
D Locus (Dilute) DNA test, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM), Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC), PRA, Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd), Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis (HNPK)
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).