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Levi our silver American Labrador Retriever grand-dad of the breeding programHording his toys

FOR THE LOVE OF... 
 American Labrador Retriever's
Celebrating the Dilute Color Coats

Tribe of Levi

ACA Registered First Generation of New England Labrador Retrievers

Levi: The Foundation of Our Program

Levi is the dog who shaped our vision from the very beginning. A striking American Labrador Retriever, he carries a rare, pale silver velvet soft coat that’s exceptional and beautifully showcases the dilute variation. His build is powerful and athletic, he is a true version of the American Labrador Retriever body type. Levi's temperament is steady and confident. His puppies arrive strong, well‑structured, and often with those signature oversized paws that hint at the impressive adults they’ll become.

Why Levi Leads Our Breeding Vision

Even though Levi is ACA rather than AKC registered, his quality is unmistakable. His structure, health, and temperament make him the clear choice to anchor our program, and he has exceeded every expectation.

 

While some breeders are comfortable registering with the American Kennel Club under a false coat color, I choose to avoid this misconception with my dogs. When the club is ready to include all coat variations we will reconsider our options. For now we are 100% satisfied with our American Canine Association registration. 

Key qualities that set Levi apart:

  • Exceptional health profile — cleared for more than 210 genetic health predispositions.

  • Strong, consistent litters — puppies with excellent bone, balance, and early confidence.

  • Ideal pairing compatibility — matched with our dams to ensure no overlapping genetic risks.

 

This careful pairing process allows us to guarantee that none of Levi’s puppies inherit the genetic predispositions he has been screened for.

Our Commitment to Healthy, Purpose‑Bred Labradors

Levi represents the standard we hold for every dog in our program: sound genetics, strong structure, and a temperament suited for family life, companionship, and versatility. His influence is woven into the foundation of the puppies we raise, and his legacy continues to shape the quality we are proud to offer.

For those who want to follow his development more closely, our Facebook page shares regular updates, photos, and milestones. You can also subscribe to our email list for news about our dogs, upcoming litters, training insights, and canine nutrition.

Big Beautiful Silver American Labrador Retriever Levi
Levi & Lunaria Oct 2025.jpg

ACA & AKC Registered First Generation of New England Labrador Retrievers

Tribe of Levi Matriarch Lunaria

The Dam We Searched Years to Find

Lunaria was never a “diamond in the rough”—she was the rare gem we spent nearly three years searching for. Now three years old, she is a silver American Labrador Retriever with the structure, temperament, and presence that perfectly embody the American‑style Lab we are committed to preserving.

From the start, we needed a female who could not only complement Levi’s build and genetics, but also match his natural alpha leadership. Lunaria met that standard effortlessly. Confident, intelligent, and beautifully composed, she has become the ideal counterpart to Levi, and her puppies reflect that harmony in both temperament and conformation.

What Makes Lunaria Exceptional

Lunaria brings together the traits that define a truly outstanding dam:

  • Dual registration — fully registered with both the ACA and the AKC.

  • Exceptional genetic health — cleared for more than 266 genetic health predispositions.

  • Balanced temperament — confident enough to lead, gentle enough to bond deeply with her people.

  • Strong, consistent litters — puppies that inherit her structure, intelligence, and calm confidence.

 

Her pups are living proof of the careful, intentional pairing behind our program.

 

Her Role in Our Breeding Vision

 

Lunaria represents the standard we hold for every dam in our program: sound genetics, strong American Lab structure, and a temperament that blends leadership with warmth. She is the cornerstone of our female line, and her influence is shaping the next generation of healthy, well‑balanced Labrador Retrievers.

Paired with Levi’s genotype, Lunaria puppies are an intentional expression of the dilute chocolate line—carrying it forward into the silver coat variations that define the look we love in our program.

For those who want to follow Lunaria's journey, our Facebook page shares regular updates, photos, and milestones. You can also subscribe to our email list for news about our dogs, upcoming litters, training insights, and canine nutrition.

ACA & AKC Registered First Generation of New England Labrador Retrievers

Abby Road of Stonewater

The Final Piece of Our First‑Generation Vision

As we prepared to expand our program with our first generation—our Tribe of Levi—we began searching for a female who could expand coat variation with Levi within the first generation of our breeding program. This meant finding a genetic match that was of breed able age. Many assume this is a simple task, but when done with integrity, it is anything but. We needed a dam who met exceptionally high standards in structure, temperament, and genetics, and finding her proved to be one of the most challenging parts of expanding our first generation program.

Our criteria were exacting:

  • Strong American Labrador genetics with the body type we are committed to preserving.

  • A genotype uniquely compatible with Levi’s, allowing us to continue celebrating dilute coat variations with intention and well-being.

  • A comprehensive, cleared genetic health panel that aligned with Levi’s to ensure sound, healthy puppies.

 

Meeting all three requirements is rare. Adding the need for a mature, confident, dominant female made the search even more difficult. And when such a dog does exist, breeders rarely part with them.

How Abby Found Her Way to Us

Through relationships within the dilute‑friendly breeding community, we finally found a path forward. A trusted breeder had purchased a promising young female from Stonewater Labradors—a kennel we know and respect—with the intention of adding her to their own program.

 

But as life shifted and their family became immersed in rodeo commitments, the realities of responsible breeding made continuing impossible. Their dogs lived as family, not kennel stock, and stepping away from breeding meant making difficult decisions.

 

Abby was deeply loved, and letting her go was not easy. But our needs aligned, and with a personal recommendation bridging trust between us, her breeder felt confident that Abby would join a home where she would be cherished—not treated as a commodity.

 

Abby: A Remarkable Addition to Our Program

 

Abby is a four‑year‑old black American Labrador Retriever with pristine genetic testing and a temperament that immediately set her apart. I drove her from Virginia back to New England—long hours on the road, hotel stays, and the emotional weight of leaving her former family—and she handled every moment with grace. She listened attentively, responded beautifully to verbal cues, and bonded with me as though we had known each other for years. Her sweetness, intelligence, and calm confidence made it clear she was meant to be part of our family.

 

Key qualities that define Abby :

  • Four‑year‑old black American Labrador Retriever with excellent structure and temperament.

  • Conformation that had me nicking naming her "Black Beauty" from the onset of meeting her. 

  • Pristine genetic health panel, aligning with the standards of our program.

  • Exceptional disposition, gentle, polite, and deeply connected to her people.

  • Strong pairing compatibility with Levi, both genetically and temperamentally.

 

What Abby and Levi Will Produce

Abby genotype pairs beautifully with Levi’s, allowing their litters to express a range of stunning coat variations, including chocolate, black, and charcoal. More importantly, their puppies will carry forward the health, structure, and temperament that define our first‑generation breeding vision.

We are truly overjoyed to welcome Abby into our home and into the foundation of our program.

For those who want to follow Abby's  journey, our Facebook page shares regular updates, photos, and milestones. You can also subscribe to our email list for news about our dogs, upcoming litters, training insights, and canine nutrition.

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Lunaria
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ACA Registered Second Generation of New England Labrador Retrievers

Larson Silver Son of Levi

A Standout From the Moment He Arrived

Larson was one of the puppies who immediately caught my eye in Lunaria’s August litter. Every pup in that litter was special, but Larson had a presence that set him apart. He reminded me so much of Levi as a youngster—his structure, his movement, even his energy were nearly a mirror image of his sire. From the beginning, he carried the unmistakable look and spirit of Levi’s line.

 

Exceptional Genetics and Superior Health

 

Because both Levi and Lunaria are genetically clear of more than 274 health risks, Larson inherited this same pristine genetic profile. Even more impressively, he carries one copy of the Copper Toxicosis (Attenuating) ATP7A variant, passed down from Levi. This is not a harmful variant—quite the opposite. When paired with a mate who also carries one copy, such as Lillibet, their puppies can inherit two copies, which is associated with increased protection against Copper Toxicosis.

 

This unique pairing potential makes Larson not just genetically sound, but genetically advantaged. For those interested in the science behind this, I’ve written a detailed article: Copper Toxicosis RETN Gene Variant and How It Affects Your Dog’s Health: What Every Owner Needs to Know.

 

Structure, Temperament, and Drive

 

Larson embodies the American Labrador body style we strive to preserve—balanced, athletic, and beautifully composed. At seven-months old, he is full of youthful energy, but he also inherited Lunaria’s intelligence and eagerness to learn. He thrives on training challenges and consistently seeks engagement beyond what is typical for his age. His combination of drive, intellect, and structure makes him an exceptional young male with tremendous breeding potential.

 

Key qualities that define Larson:

  • Genetically superior profile, including protective ATP7A variant.

  • Classic American Labrador structure with strong conformation.

  • High energy paired with advanced trainability.

  • Direct reflection of Levi’s build, temperament, and genotype.

  • He is the perfect clone of Levi

 

Larson’s Future in Our Program

When paired with Lillibet, Larson is expected to produce puppies with strong genetic health and all charcoal coats—a striking and highly sought‑after variation. As both Larson & Lillibet carry one copy each of the Copper Toxicosis RETN Gene Variant, their pups will be assets in health, reinforcing strength agains copper Toxicosis. 

 

Looking ahead, we plan to add one more carefully selected breeding female to pair with Larson, allowing us to continue preserving and advancing the silver coat variation in future generations.

 

Larson represents the next step in our long‑term vision, and we are excited to watch him mature into the remarkable sire he is destined to become.

For those who want to follow Larson's development more closely, our Facebook page shares regular updates, photos, and milestones. You can also subscribe to our email list for news about our dogs, upcoming litters, training insights, and canine nutrition.

Larson
Abby

ACA Registered Second Generation of New England Labrador Retrievers

Beasty Boy Legacy Son of Levi 

Our Second‑Generation Sire Fated to Be

Beasty has a story unlike any other in our program. His path to becoming a second‑generation sire wasn’t planned; it was written in fate. From the moment he was born, he stood out. He was the final pup delivered in Lunaria’s litter and nearly twice the size of his siblings—decidedly not the runt. His presence was impossible to ignore, and we watched him closely as he grew.

When it came time to choose which male would carry Levi’s line into the next generation, the decision narrowed to Beasty and Larson. Larson mirrored Levi so precisely—in structure, temperament, and genotype—that he became the clear choice for preserving Levi’s exact lineage. With that, Beasty was made available for adoption, and he found a wonderful family almost immediately. It should have been a joyful moment, but letting him go was unexpectedly difficult.

Fate Brings Beasty Home

Within 48 hours of his adoption, a concern arose—one that neither I nor the adopting family felt comfortable overlooking, especially with a young child in their home. To protect the family from potential heartbreak and to ensure Beasty received the best care, he returned to us. After extensive veterinary evaluations, including specialist consultations, we learned the issue was nothing at all.

Having already struggled to part with him once, there was no question this time. Beasty belonged with us. Fate had spoken clearly.

A Genetic Surprise That Changed Everything

 

Anyone familiar with my program knows my passion for dilute coat variations. For years, I dreamed of adding the champagne variation to our lines. As it turned out, Beasty carried a hidden gift: he inherited a small “e” from his mother—giving him the genetic potential to produce champagne (blonde) puppies.

And then, in perfect timing, we had found Lillibet—our second‑generation female whose genotype pairs beautifully with Beasty's. Together, they will produce champagne blonde and charcoal puppies with exceptional structure, health, and temperament.

 

Fate didn’t just return Beasty to us—it aligned him perfectly with the future of our program.

 

Why Beasty Is an Exceptional Sire

 

Beasty brings together the qualities we value most in our breeding males:

  • Powerful American Labrador structure with impressive early development.

  • Genetic diversity that expands our dilute program into champagne and charcoal variations.

  • A temperament full of confidence, sweetness, and intelligence.

  • A lineage rooted in Levi’s strength, and Lunaria's intelligence....yet uniquely his own.

Beasty's journey is one of those rare stories where everything aligns exactly as it should. As he continues to grow into his role as a second‑generation sire at New England Labrador Retrievers—he is a cornerstone of what our program will become. 

For those who want to follow Beasty's development more closely, our Facebook page shares regular updates, photos, and milestones. You can also subscribe to our email list for news about our dogs, upcoming litters, training insights, and canine nutrition.

Beasty Byron and Levi Training Session .jpg
Beasty
Second Generation_edited.jpg

ACA & AKC Registered Second Generation of New England Labrador Retrievers

Lillibet Spring-born of Stonewater

Our Second‑Generation Promise

Lillibet Springborn of Stonewater—Lilly to us—is the extraordinary second‑generation female we spent over two years searching for. New England Labrador Retrievers is beyond thrilled to welcome her into our program, where she represents the next chapter of Levi’s legacy.

Our goal was clear: find a female with a precise genotype to pair with our second‑generation sire, Beast Boy Legacy of Levi (“Beasty”). Their genetic compatibility is exceptional, and together they are expected to produce breathtaking champagne and charcoal puppies with the structure, health, and temperament we are committed to preserving.

A Lineage Worthy of Our Program

Integrating the Stonewater Labs lineage into our own is an honor. Lillibet may be sweet and puppy‑soft now, but her pedigree is anything but ordinary. She descends from a champagne line known for excellence, anchored by her remarkable sire, Rhett.

Rhett is a powerful 107‑pound English–American blend with a beautifully blocky head and a pedigree that matches show‑ring prestige with working‑dog accomplishment. His sire was an English Champion show dog, and his dam held American hunt titles—an ideal combination of form and function.

Rhett’s achievements include:

  • UKC HR

  • AKC Senior Hunter

  • Canine Good Citizen

  • Trick Title

  • Temperament Title

 

He is also a Certified Therapy Dog and one of the most thoroughly health‑tested studs in the country. Rhett carries a CHIC certification from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and is certified normal or clear in eight OFA categories—a testament to the strength of the line Lillibet comes from.

 

Why Lillibet Is So Special

 

Lillibet embodies everything we hoped to find in a second‑generation dam:

  • A rare and intentional genotype that pairs beautifully with Beasty to provide champagne and charcoal dilute variations.

  • Lilliebet also carries one copy of the Copper Toxicosis RETN Gene Variant, ensuring genetic strength in puppies when bred with Larson.

  • A lineage rich in titles, health certifications, and proven excellence.

  • A champagne heritage that supports the coat variations we aim to preserve.

  • A temperament full of sweetness, intelligence, and potential.

 

We are over the moon to welcome this little lady into our pack. She represents the future of our program, and we feel truly blessed to have her.

 

Follow Lillibet's Journey

 

Lillibet's story is just beginning. We will continue to update her page as she grows, trains, and steps into her role within our breeding program.

 

For those who want to follow Lillibet's development more closely, our Facebook page shares regular updates, photos, and milestones. You can also subscribe to our email list for news about our dogs, upcoming litters, training insights, and canine nutrition.

Lillibet
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