Southtown Retrievers
Meet the breeder
I'm Shannon D., the breeder behind Southtown Retrievers located in Rock Falls, IL. I am a small hobby breeder that breeds for health and temperament. Sometimes the most ordinary things can be made extraordinary simply by doing them with a Labrador. The goal we set and which I believe is still the most important is to produce healthy puppies.
Q. & A. with Shannon
Why did you start breeding?
After researching my female's pedigree, knowing her temperament and completed all her health testing, I thought she was an excellent example of the breed. I then did research on breeding and how to raise puppies to set them up for future success.What makes your program special?
I am a small breeder and only have a couple litters per year. All the dogs live in our home and are family first. The litters are born in our home. They are exposed to early neurological stimulation and are raised in our home.What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include black 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 Shannon
Shannon 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 $1,800 - $2,800 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“Once a litter is on the ground deposit of $300 is required to reserve a puppy, balance due prior to or at pick up. All of our puppies are the same price, regardless of sex. Please see the puppy contract for further information and requirements.”
Contract & health guarantee
Shannon 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 Shannon 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 Shannon 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
Puppy health practices
- Vet check
- First round of shots and deworming
- Vet records
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Shannon.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Rock Falls, IL
More about Shannon
Club memberships
Shannon is a member of Hunting Retriever Club.
Certifications & recognitions
UKC Judge for several sports, CHIC Certified, Puppy Culture Breeder.
Shannon has been a member of Good Dog for almost 6 years
Shannon was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2020.
Shannon is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Southtown 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 health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Southtown 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.
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.
Patellar Luxation
Knee testing reduces the chance of passing down Patellar Luxation, which results in the kneecap becoming displaced or dislocated and can cause mild to severe joint pain.
D Locus (Dilute) DNA test, PRA, Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd), Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC), Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM), Full Embark Panel, PawPrint Genetic Panel (Breed Specific)
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).
