Our story

Welcome to Lakeside Labradors! We're a small, family-owned breeding program in Crystal Lake, Illinois, dedicated to raising healthy, well-tempered Labrador Retrievers. Learn more about our journey, our values, and what makes us different.

Welcome to My World of Labrador Retrievers

  My name is Nikki, and after several years of thoughtful research and preparation, I began turning a long-held dream into reality. I grew up in a small town on the lake, where some of my most cherished memories were shaped with my Labrador Retriever, Oprah. She was far more than a pet—she was a constant companion and a meaningful part of my childhood.

  Oprah shared every adventure with me, from swimming and fishing to spending countless hours by the lake she loved so much. Her intelligence and eagerness to learn were remarkable. As a young dog, she would leap off the pier after me and could retrieve the very rock I tossed into the lake, diving deep and returning with it each time. As she matured, her devotion only grew. Around five years old, she independently took on the responsibility of retrieving the daily newspaper, running down our long driveway and carefully bringing it back to my parents—especially on Sundays, when the paper was larger and she refused to leave even a single page behind.
  She also possessed a naturally nurturing spirit. When my mother babysat young children, Oprah instinctively positioned herself at the top of the stairs, calmly but firmly ensuring the children stayed safe. She was a gentle guardian, and in many ways, an extra set of hands. While we never trained her for hunting or showing, she was always willing, capable, and eager to do whatever was asked of her. I will always be grateful to my parents for introducing me to Labrador Retrievers and for showing me the joy, loyalty, and companionship that define this extraordinary breed.
  Growing up with a Labrador instilled in me a deep appreciation for their intelligence, versatility, and nurturing temperament—qualities that make them exceptional companions and qualities I believe are essential to preserve and protect within the breed. Over time, my love for Labradors evolved into a desire to contribute meaningfully to their future through responsible breeding.
  Professionally, I have held a variety of roles, but my greatest passion has always been labor and delivery. Being part of the journey that brings new life into the world is profoundly rewarding. I have had the privilege of supporting countless families during one of the most important moments of their lives, and each experience has been a gift. It is this passion for new beginnings, combined with my lifelong love for Labrador Retrievers, that led me to commit myself fully to the thoughtful research and dedication required to pursue this journey with care, integrity, and purpose.

 

All hands on deck!

At Lakeside Labradors, our dogs are family and we all are part of their care.  We include our big dogs in all aspects of our lives, from camping trips to baseball and softball games, ensuring they are well-socialized and bring joy to those around them. As a small breeding program, it is myself, my husband, and my two wonderful kids who will be raising these beautiful fur babies. With my background as a labor and delivery nurse, I bring a unique perspective to dog breeding, prioritizing the safety and health of our dogs just as I would with all the additional training and experience I have gained as a nurse. It's an honor to combine my passions for dogs and bringing life into the world, and I am personally very excited to share this journey with you.

What makes us different

Beyond healthy and certified Labradors, we go the extra mile to ensure our puppies are well-prepared for their new homes. We implement early neurological stimulation and early scent introduction to promote optimal development. Each puppy will be dewormed every 2 weeks, receive their first round of vaccinations and be seen by our personal veterinarian to assure we are sending home a puppy with a clean bill of health along with being microchipped.  We're dedicated to producing well-adapted dogs and providing our clients with comprehensive information to help them confidently welcome their furry family member home.

Our guiding principles

At Lakeside Labradors, our program is guided by health, ethical breeding, and continuous education. We strive to meet Labrador breed standards through genetic testing, OFA hip and elbow certifications, eye examinations, temperament evaluation, proper nutrition, socialization, and always prioritizing the best interests of our dogs. We follow evidence-based practices and ethical guidelines to continually improve our program.
As our program evolves, we have chosen to move toward a more traditional Labrador foundation, focusing on black, chocolate, and yellow, from cream to deep crimson red. Rosie, our beautiful Champagne girl, will always hold a special place in our hearts as an important part of where we began. However, through continued research and education, we recognize that there remains a lack of conclusive evidence regarding the dilute Labrador and its classification within the purebred Labrador Retriever. In an effort to better align our program with the direction of our parent Labrador club, we have chosen to take a more traditional approach to coat color moving forward.

"Lakeside Labradors is dedicated to crossing their T's and dotting their I's prior to breeding, with a focus on health and genetics."

The Lakeside Labradors Family