Yates Family Labrador

Quinn is a 75-pound chocolate Labrador that we purchased as a puppy from close breeder friends to continue her strong bloodline. She had five healthy litters, always bred with Rocky, and retired from breeding at the age of six. Quinn now enjoys her golden years living with Mark Sr. and Christine. Impressively, she has left a legacy of four generations of Labradors. As a puppy, Quinn was instantly housebroken and had a sweet, eager-to-please demeanor. She spent a memorable period at Radford University with Mark Jr., where she became a beloved companion, and she adored beach trips to Chincoteague Island. Quinn embodies the loving and playful spirit of Yates Family Labradors, playing an essential role in shaping the line and the family.

Vega is a female Labrador Retriever. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Mark decided to make her part of their program. Mark 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.

Sweet Marley is an amazing dog. She has a great ability to turn her high drive Labrador off and on. Marely has a few titles such as her AKC Junior Hunter, UKC Hunter Retriever, AND a North American Diving Dogs Dock Junior title. When she is not out earning titles she can be found right at our feet. Marley is great with children and enjoys being around other dogs.

Philly, formally known as YFL’s Philadelphia Freedom, is the epitome of a well-rounded Labrador—calm, sweet-natured, and bursting with charm. Her name is a tribute to Mark Sr. and Christine, who grew up and met in the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA, and share a love for Elton John’s iconic music. This thoughtful naming perfectly captures Philly’s meaningful place in the Yates Family Labradors story. A daughter of Nelli, Philly carries on the legacy of our cherished Fox Red-Yellow bloodline, a dream of Mark Jr.’s that began long before Nelli was even born. Watching Philly grow into the dog she is today has been deeply rewarding, as she embodies everything we envisioned for this special line. Philly is already proving to be a team player. She’s a joy in the house, blending seamlessly with her family, and is eager to keep up with the "big dogs" in the field as she learns from them. Her calm, cool, and collected demeanor, paired with a playful streak, makes her a natural fit for both work and family life. She’s currently working on simple obedience and training toward her AKC Canine Good Citizen certification, and we can’t wait to see her shine in the duck blind. In her downtime, Philly loves sunbathing and engaging in her favorite pastime—throwing tennis balls at passing cars and people, playfully inviting them to stop and join her in a game of fetch. Her affectionate and fun-loving personality never fails to win hearts. Philly is more than just a Labrador; she’s the realization of a dream, a link to cherished family memories, and a beloved companion who brings endless joy to all who meet her. Her future is bright, and we’re proud to have her as part of the Yates Family Labradors legacy.

Cole is a powerhouse of heart, drive, and affection—a 75-lb black Labrador who represents the very best of our breeding program. A daughter of our beloved Reagan, Cole stood out early on for her social, happy, and loving nature, winning the hearts of Christine and Mark. It was clear from the start that she was a special girl, and we proudly kept her as part of our breeding program to carry on Reagan's legacy. Hailing from lines renowned for producing exceptional Hunt Test and household dogs, Cole has inherited the best of both worlds. Her tremendous attitude, upbeat personality, and desire to please make her a joy to train and be around. She gives 110% in everything she does, whether it’s working in the field or playing at home with family, who adores her. Cole’s natural exuberance, while requiring some training to channel, is balanced by her patient and gentle demeanor. She’s wonderfully social with other dogs, friendly with strangers, and endlessly affectionate with her family. Highly trainable and always eager to please, Cole is the quintessential Labrador—ready to work, play, or simply be your best friend. Cole holds a special place in our hearts, not just for her outstanding qualities but also for the joy and love she brings to everyone around her. She’s an example of how Mark Sr. picks out his pups to keep from a litter, blending a playful spirit with an affectionate soul.

Solo is a one-of-a-kind 65-lb chocolate Labrador with a pedigree as unique as her name. Born to two black Labrador parents who carried the recessive chocolate gene, Solo truly lives up to her name as “the Solo Chocolate.” Purchased as a young dog from a close friend in Western Kentucky, Solo quickly proved to be a remarkable addition to our family. In the field, Solo is a dynamo. Sharp as a tack, she began retrieving at just seven months old and has since earned HR passes in UKC Hunt Tests. Her intelligence and drive make her an exceptional working dog, while her calm, loving demeanor ensures she’s equally at home as a full-time family companion. Solo is as gentle as they come, with a deep desire to be close to her people. Whether she’s out on a long walk or curled up by your side, she exudes warmth and devotion. Her versatility shines as she transitions seamlessly from the field to the home, embodying the balance we strive for in our Labradors. Solo is more than just her unique coloring or impressive accolades—she’s a loyal, loving, and well-rounded companion who brings joy to everyone she meets. Her legacy as the “Solo Chocolate” is one we’re proud to carry forward in Yates Family Labradors.

Storm is a striking 70-lb Labrador with a tall, lean frame and a strong, athletic build. Her well-balanced behavior and exceptional temperament make her stand out, and her AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification is a testament to her intelligence, trainability, and calm demeanor. Storm's natural retrieving talent, unyielding desire, and remarkable stamina shine brightly, making her an exceptional partner in the field and a treasured companion at home. An absolute ball hound, Storm could retrieve all day without losing an ounce of enthusiasm. Her stamina and drive are paired with an unwavering focus and a poised demeanor that make her a joy to train and handle. These qualities ensure that her offspring will inherit the traits needed for success as both skilled retrievers and loving family pets. In the home, Storm is the epitome of versatility. Whether she’s laying her head in your lap for affection or holding her "place" command with steadfast obedience, she’s a pleasure to have around. Her natural ability to adapt to her environment, coupled with her loyalty and sweet nature, make her the ideal Labrador for any family. Storm embodies the qualities we value most in our dogs—strength, grace, and a heart full of devotion. She’s a perfect example of what Yates Family Labradors strives to achieve in every generation.

Wonka is a joyful, 60-pound black American Labrador Retriever with a heart as big as her smile. She may be on the smaller side, but she more than makes up for it with personality and love for her people. Wonka came to us at the same time as Comet, though the two aren’t related. She quickly proved to be a perfect fit for our program and our family. Living with a household full of kids, she thrives in the hustle and bustle of family life—whether that’s splashing in the pool during the summer or curling up for snuggles afterward. Her pedigree is outstanding, stacked with field champions and Hall of Famers from both the U.S. and Canadian National Opens. Despite her championship bloodlines, Wonka is first and foremost a family companion. She is a huge cuddler, endlessly social, and always eager to be part of whatever’s going on. Wonka is the kind of dog who greets you at the door with a smile and an open heart. She is happiest when she’s included—whether that’s playtime, training, swimming, or simply being by your side. We’re thrilled to have her as part of our team and can’t wait to see her legacy shine through in her future litters.

Comet is a sleek black American Labrador Retriever who lives up to her name—fast, focused, and always ready for the next adventure. She’s an absolute ball hound, the kind of dog who would happily chase a tennis ball until your arm gives out. Though she has a playful, high-energy side, Comet also enjoys her independence. She has claimed the dog bed in Mark Sr.’s office as her own little retreat, where she happily lounges between play sessions. Comet came to us at two years old through our breeder network. Before joining our family, she lived with a professional trainer, traveling, competing, and training at a high level. While she proved to be quick, intelligent, and capable, she wasn’t destined to be the next field trial or hunt test champion. What she did show—consistently—was that she embodies the true heart of a retriever: eager, athletic, and incredibly loving with her people. Now part of the Yates Family Labradors team, Comet has been a wonderful addition to our program. She is EEBb genetically, and we are thrilled to be planning her first litter. We know her puppies will carry on her blend of intelligence, drive, and gentle companionship.