Why a Labrador Retriever?
Why a Labrador Retriever?
The Labrador Retriever has been the most popular selling dog in the United States for over 25 years now, and rightfully so! Labradors are classified as "working dogs" and their history can be traced back to Newfoundland, where fishermen began using them.
Originally, the Labrador was called a "Lesser Newfoundland Dog" however, the Labrador Retriever should not be compared to the Newfoundland except the shared web feet design which allows for easy work of swimming situations.
The terrain conditions of Newfoundland are rugged, requiring dog of surefootedness, stamina, and "buoyancy." The Labrador was an ideal dog for this rough environment-able to bear the icy waters of the North Atlantic, with its broad chest which allowed it to "surf" on the strong waves, and its "waterproof" coat which can shed water quickly.
The Labrador made its way to the American shores in the early 1900's but its popularity did not catch on quickly. The breed was officially recognized but the AKC in 1932.
The Labrador has since gained continued popularity in America, known for their loving nature, intelligence, working capabilities and just all-around terrific personality. It's no surprise their popularity continues to grow.

Trusted by Families Across the Country
Black Betty is 5 ! Healthy, smart and a Dang Good Dog!
Mike Martinez the breeder, is still in touch with us and enjoys hearing about her.
Betty and I have grown an inseparable bond over the years we cherish dearly. Being semi retired and working from home, we share a lot of our time together. She’s independent but always ready and waiting to share her love with us, the wife and I.
An F1 field dog, Betty Loves-to-Run and gets in at least a mile or two a day. Being trained off leash, she has the freedom and discipline to enjoy her walks in the park. Videos added.
Thank you Mike, for helping us find each other. We needed each other and time has been good to us.
Update 10/25/23. Betty is almost 3.5yrs now. Best forever friends! She's a good girl and we'll trained off leash. It took 1.5yrs till she knew it. A lot of time and patience to get there. The free spirit loves to socialize with the pack and their parents. She challenges alpha and plays hard to win.
Thanks Mike! It really means a lot to share our adventures with you.
Thanks Mike, for your professional experience and honest assessment of where we are in the doggy world today.
Our journey to meet you, by chance on the internet, was rife with disappointment and fraud. It had been 12-years since we shopped for a puppy and best-friend Jackson R.I.P, in 2008. When I spoke on the phone with Mike, he listened as I admitted my experience since early May, and aided me in the realization that I would be spending more than planned for a quality dog.
Mike indicated I could find a puppy in my price range, but, the dogs will most likely not be DNA and OFA certified. He went on to explain his quality breeding service and convinced me that I should consider his advice and read through the information in his website, along with his Google reviews, to see what others had to say.
We ended up with our beautiful, sweet, intelligent Betty! I understand the point’s people have made in the Google reviews- and I have to say I now understand why and confirm their accuracy with my own experience.
Mike calls to check on the pup. Mike has been breeding dogs for 15-years. The care and knowledge he possesses are vast, freely shared and greatly appreciated. Having had dogs all my life it is reassuring that his calls are of concern for his puppy’s and clients.
Mike is well read and experienced in puppy matters such as; health and safety, nutrition, doggy habits, training, discipline, etc. His breeder skills are top notch and delivers well-bred pups that are healthy and smart.
The “puppy prep sheet” Mike emails you is a good read and suggested reference when bringing a puppy home. The requirement sheet provides valuable and useful info for new puppy’s and owners, and older lifetime owners that may read some good info about quality pup care.
The care that goes into breeding Mike’s pups is proven science and a love for his dogs. His dogs are well cared for with walks and swims in Lake Michigan, and they are fit and trim. The dogs and pups live with him. Duly noted in another review is how clean and odor free his house is. His dogs are trained, very friendly and the puppies are born into a nurturing environment.
Betty is 8-weeks now. She goes to the door to go out, shakes paw, sits and her biting is down to a minimum, except when she’s in mad-dog mode and wants to play hard. She learns fast. She knows her name and is starting to come when called. I have started training, explaining; sit, stay, down, heel, leave it, on the double and no mud. Never too early to start, I believe she may be voice command trained very quickly!
Thanks Mike, A week and a half, and we are best friends. Betty’s personality is fast becoming loyal and trusting. She tries to please us with the skills she is learning, and loves obtaining our praise and kindness! The treats help too.
I may call to inquire about quality trainers to assist in Betty’s development. She’s smart and I would like to see her achieve her potential.
Bill Gibbons
Chicago, IL
Mike goes out of his way to ensure you have all of the information you need to be a successful pet parent. We also went over the thorough genetic testing and insights Mike has.
We’re so happy to have Molly as our new family member and appreciate the care that went into ensuring we had plenty of information to feel confident in the type of dog we have.
Mike’s dedication to responsible breeding gave us complete confidence in our decision. He truly cares about his puppies and the families they go to— this isn’t just a business for him, it’s a mission. If you’re looking for a healthy, well-socialized Labrador or Labradoodle and want to work with someone who genuinely puts the dogs’ health first, Mike is the breeder you want. Highly recommended!
Before adopting Tootsie, I did a lot of research on the internet. Then I sope with Mike at great lengths, and decided Mike knew what he was doing, and cared deeply about his dogs. The in-person conversation only reinforced my research, and slowed me Mike is a first class breeder. Then he provided documentation regarding Tootsie's parents, specifically DNA and OFA testing. That was the proof I needed, he had testing to prove her health is as advertised, and what could be expected. I am a retired Project Manager in the Nuclear Power Industry that appreciates hard evidence.
Tootsie was Stage 2 trained. Eliminating hours and hours of crate training, she had all the basis commands I needed to help me build upon. Which I have, what a smart dog.
Thank you, Mike, for my dream puppy.
And thanks for your continued follow-up calls.
Not only is he incredibly knowledgeable, but he also goes above and beyond in staying in touch throughout the process. Whether it's answering questions, providing updates, or sharing essential information, he’s always available and eager to help. It’s clear that he cares deeply about the families he places his puppies with and is invested in their well-being every step of the way.
If you're looking for a healthy, well-bred Labradoodle and a breeder who truly cares about both the dogs and their future families, look no further. You won't find a better place to start your journey!
When decided to get another dog, we did more research for “good breeders”. We read reviews, looking to see how long they have been breeding dogs, etc. It wasn't until we came across Labrador and Labradoodle Puppies of Chicago that we began to understand the importance of DNA and Orthopedic testing. Most breeders don't even mention it, we just assumed we were getting a high quality, healthy dog because it’s from a breeder. I am so thankful that we came across Labrador and Labradoodle Puppies of Chicago and that Mike was able to teach us the importance of genetic testing. Mike prides himself on breeding healthy, high-quality puppies, which was so important to us given the experience we had with our last dog. Please, don’t get a puppy just based off reviews, take it from us, I wish we knew then what we know now. Thank you so much Mike, we love our beautiful little puppy Loki and look forward to a long healthy life with her.
From the very beginning, Mike was extremely easy to work with—professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in his dogs' well-being. What truly set him apart was his continued support even after adoption, consistently checking in to see how Minnie was doing and if we had any questions.
It’s clear that he cares deeply about his puppies and the families they go to. We couldn’t be happier with our decision, and we highly recommend Mike to anyone looking for a reputable, responsible breeder!
Given the large number of puppy mills in the Chicagoland area, it is great to know firsthand that Mike at Labrador and Labradoodle Puppies Chicago is a first rate, legitimate breeder.
Having flown across the states not once, but twice, to bring home our beloved dogs Sherman (Black Labradoodle) and Birdie Bean (Silver + Blue Eyed Labradoodle), I am continually impressed by Mike's dedication and the personalized care he extends.
Mike's approach to breeding is grounded in meticulous DNA and orthopedic testing, ensuring each puppy's long-term health and vitality. His responsiveness and genuine care for the puppies extend well beyond the initial adoption. Mike's follow-up texts over several weeks to check on our new pup Birdie Bean highlight his commitment not just as a breeder, but as a true caregiver who remains invested in the lives of his puppies and their families.
I love to highly train my dogs and Mike's dog are crazy smart. Sherman off-lease in full heal in downtown Seattle could catch a frisbee 100 yards away and was taught to carry my umbrella in the Seattle rain. He would even walk to the local store and find my wife's favorite popcorn and bring it back to her. I plan to train Birdie to be in my pediatric medical clinic as a service pup. Anything is possible with Mike's dogs.
What truly sets Mike apart is his people-first attitude. His quick responses to texts, readiness to provide knowledgeable answers, and his innate kindness make the entire experience deeply personal and reassuring. The journey from Seattle to Illinois is a testament to the trust and respect we have for Mike's professionalism and the love he shows to every puppy and family he encounters.
If you are looking for a breeder who not only provides healthy, beautiful puppies but treats you like family, look no further than Mike Martinez at Labrador and Labradoodle Puppies Chicago. Here, you are not just adopting a pet; you are becoming part of a community that cherishes lifelong bonds.
Thanks Mike! 🐶 ❤️
Mike has been great about checking in with us frequently to make sure Champ is doing well and he remains available to answer any questions. Working with Mike has been a great experience I would definitely recommend.
week old Labradoodle “Bodi” two weeks ago. It’s been two weeks now. Bodi is in a nuts shell, crate trained, potty trained, (unless his parents screw up) and basically the smoothest transition dog I have ever had. Going on 8 dogs in my lifetime. We have had one indoor accident since arrival and It was my fault. Bodi rings a bell when he wants to go outside(our training). We have taken him on an 8 hour ride to PA from Chicago and he has no concerns being in his crate or buckled in to the back seat. We have kept him in his crate 60% of the day and will continue this practice until 6 months of age.( this make separation anxiety a breeze) He is well adjusted to being at peace by himself and has adapted well to our home and family. I can’t say enough about Mike! We have been in constant contact about the genetics reports on Bodi’s mom and dad, feeding recommendations and just about everything else. Mike is a very available and totally invested person when it comes to the future of his dog’s forever home family. If I have a question….Mike is willing and excited to reply promptly every time.
I was close to giving up on having a dog because of the shedding and allergies that would be an issue in my home.
I investigated the labradoodle breed because of the non shedding/hypoallergenic factor. While searching, I found Mike’s site. Everything just fell I to place from that moment.
We have an entire immediate and extended family that has fallen in love with Bodi! 9 cousins absolutely didn’t want us to leave PA this thanksgiving.
My parents are on deck to get a stage 1 trained pup from Mike as they are also a huge fan of a non shedding and not have to wake up every 2 hours every night to walk the babies.
Bodi’s demeanor is cool and isn’t overbearing unless on walks and then he wants to kill every blowing leaf he sees. He’s a puppy! It cute. He sits, waits, comes, lays down and did I mention in a week, he learned to ring a bell when he needs to pee?!?!
We are over the moon with the stage 1 labradoodle decision from a guy who has 17 of his own dogs at his house and celebrates birthdays and thanksgiving with all of his own labs and doodles!
All genetically tested and reported!
Thanks Mike!
My sons, husband and I will never forget the wonderful first meeting that Mike facilitated at his beautiful facility, full of happy dogs, where we met Burfi and his parents for the first time. Mike is very, very thorough in his approach, both in terms of the paperwork and health records for the puppies, as well as the preparatory instructions for soon-to-be dog owners! He is extremely knowledgeable about his profession, is very transparent about the health screens for his puppies and their parents, and also very transparent and helpful on what to expect with the puppies as they transition into their new home and grow. His records for Burfi were meticulous, and his instructions on how to deal with the early days with a new puppy have been on point. Mike has tirelessly checked in on us - he genuinely cares for Burfi and for us to have the best possible bonding experience with our new love and family member!
Update…about 6 years after adopting, we decided our family was ready to add another dog to the mix. After having such a great experience, we decided to reach out to Mike again. We found a perfect fit for our family in adopting Ruby, a trained puppy. She was already crate trained and able to walk on the leash. She even sleeps through the night. Mike allowed us to bring our dog over to play with Ruby for awhile to make sure they got along. Could not have been an easier process. For anyone looking for a puppy or a trained puppy, I highly recommend!
He was very quick to respond when I was inquiring about a puppy.
We had a wonderful experience.
2024 UPDATE:
Finley is 2 years old now. What a great dog she has turned out to be. We tried to train her properly, but I also feel like she's naturally a quick learner, eager to please, and quite intelligent. I've had a few questions for Mike along the way and even after owning Finley for almost two years, Mike is still friendly and quick to respond. He's part of the family now too. I highly recommend reading the puppy training book he provides, I tried new things from the book, and the tips worked, like training them not to bark all the time. The steps are simple, but consistency and patience are key. Also, exercise, exercise, exercise. Mike is right when he says it's the most important thing to have a well behaved, happy dog. We couldn't be happier with our pup that we purchased from Mike. He's an excellent breeder and like I said before, he truly cares about all of his dogs and the puppies he sells.
How to Purchase a Labrador Retriever
When you have decided which style of Labrador suits your needs, American Field or English style, there are a few elements that must be examined in order to ensure that you are getting a quality dog that will not have health issues down the road.
Weight- A Labrador is considered a medium sized dog, and the recommended weight range is from about 50 pounds up to about 85 pounds. If a Labrador is over this weight, it means two things: either the dog was bred incorrectly-breeding two very large parents-or the dog is simply overweight due to excessive food consumption and/or lack of exercise.
It is important to view the parents before purchasing your pup or ask the breeder the weights of both parents before considering a pup.
An overweight Lab is much more susceptible to joint problems, due to the excess weight the joints are required to carry. The same holds true in a human who is overweight-there are generally knee and back issues due to the extra load placed on these areas.
Authentication of Pedigree- When you purchase a purebred Lab, ask the breeder to see the Pedigrees of both parents. This helps to ensure that you are getting a good stock of dog. If the parents or any of the dogs related to the parents have any qualifications such as Master or Junior hunters, Field or Agility Champs, and so on, these qualifications will be coded next to that particular dog on his/her Pedigree paper.
I personally give everyone who purchases one of my pups an Official AKC Litter Certificate. This certifies from AKC the name of the breeder, the date the litter was born, how many were in the litter, and a litter serial number. The certificate also gives a Pedigree of the parents. I believe this is just an added measure of security and verification for an individual searching for a quality Lab.
Eye and Hip certifications- These are excellent ways to tell if the parents have healthy hip joints and eyes. This can be done through OFA & DNA testing.