I'm Teresa K., the breeder behind Silver State Service Dogs, LLC located in Saint Charles, MO. I manage the in-house breeding program for our service dog agency. We strive to produce healthy, happy top-quality service dogs! We produce purpose-bred labradors with high intelligence and sound conformation. Silver State uses AKC registered labradors exclusively. Personal relationships with top breeders have allowed us access to top bloodlines that have been tested and proven.
Q. & A. with Teresa
Why did you start breeding?
My first yellow female was bred as required by the contract with her breeder. That litter opened my eyes to genetic issues and how to manage those issues. I find the challenge to consistently produce labradors who excel in soundness, intelligence, and temperament fascinating.
What makes your program special?
Our agency uses only AKC registered labs for breeding. We require all available DNA tests along with hip/elbow/eye/cardiac certifications on all breeding candidates. The personal relationships we have developed over the years and frequent competitions allow us to see firsthand an individual's temperament and intelligence.
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 and guardian homes.
Getting a puppy from Teresa
Teresa 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 between $1,000 - $1,500 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“Only puppies not chosen to stay in our service dog program are sold to pet homes. Most families are repeat owners and on a waiting list. Puppies are dewormed, given first vaccinations, and receive an eye exam before leaving.”
Contract & health guarantee
Teresa 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 Teresa 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 Teresa directly.
Silver State Service Dogs, LLC 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
Silver State Service Dogs, LLC 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 Dysplasia (Preliminary)
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 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.
Temperament Test, Dentition, Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Brucellosis
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.
Retinal Dysplasia/Oculoskeletal Dysplasia 1 (RD OSD), PawPrint Genetic Panel (Breed Specific), OFA/CHIC DNA Repository, Narcolepsy, Labrador Retriever Type, Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis (HNPK), Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC), DNA Coat/Trait Panel, D Locus (Dilute) DNA test, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), Cystinuria Type 1A, Labrador Retriever Type, Copper Toxicosis, Labrador Retriever Type, Cone Degeneration, Labrador Retriever Type, Chondrodysplasia/Dwarfism, Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM), Agouti 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).