I'm james c., the breeder behind TK Hot Kennels located in Idaho. Breeding for genetically healthy, quality working field-bred Labrador Retrievers. I am very active in training my dogs. My Labs have a strong working line. I focus on health testing and titles, doing all that is necessary to produce high-quality dogs.
Q. & A. with james
Why did you start breeding?
After 12 years of being a professional Police dog trainer, I saw the need to develop a consistent bloodline of dogs to pass the rigors of Police Detection Duties. This led me to research AKC bloodlines of working Field Bred Labradors. After several years, hundreds of hours of research and finding an experienced Hall of Fame mentor breeder, we decided to begin our own bloodline.
What makes your program special?
Our program is based on the most successful working retrievers in the history of the AKC Field Trials. We select superior genetics to produce an outstanding working Labrador. We linebreed to produce the most consistent type, temperament, genetic strength and working ability possible.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from james
james 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 $1,250 - $2,500 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Contract & health guarantee
james 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 james 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 james directly.
TK Hot 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
Kaya, mom
Labrador Retriever
About Kaya
Kaya is a female Labrador Retriever. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, james decided to make her part of their program. james 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
Breeder-Reported Testing
Great level
TK Hot 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 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.
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.
Thyroid (Autoimmune Thyroiditis, registered with OFA)
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.
Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC), DNA Profile, Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM), D Locus (Dilute) 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).