We have been successful at retriever competitions for almost 40 years. Woody Thurman of Twin Lakes Kennel, has produced dozens of Master Hunter Labrador retrievers. Despite our incredible success at the field trials, we are most interested in helping our clients to own and handle the world’s best Labrador Retrievers. Our commitment to that goal has never faltered.
Labrador retrievers are the ultimate hunting or gun dogs. Labs win more field trials and earn more hunt test titles than all of the other breeds combined. According to one source, 20 to 25 percent of the Labrador retrievers in this country are used for hunting or field trials and hunt tests.
Hunt tests, sponsored by individual dog clubs and conducted under AKC (American Kennel Club) rules and regulations, are designed to evaluate a dog’s ability to find and retrieve downed birds. Hunt tests are not competitive, meaning the dogs do not compete against each other. Instead, their performance is measured against a standard established by the sponsoring agencies. Labs scoring the necessary points at a given number of tests can earn one of the following AKC titles:
Each level requires more skill. As the dog advances, hunt tests become more difficult. A good retriever must be able to remember the location of downed birds, to locate the downed bird, regardless of terrain, retrieve the bird and gently return it to its handler. The dog must be able to pay attention to its handler at all times and be comfortable with the sound of gunfire. The title, once earned, becomes a part of the dog’s pedigree.
We are very proud of titling more than 200 AKC Master Hunter Labrador Retrievers. Woody has also qualified 47 retrievers at AKC Master Nationals. He has won the Ducks Unlimited Open Championships twice. But we are most proud of…
Every one of the more than eight thousand Labrador Retrievers came with a guarantee against hereditary defects. That is a guarantee you won’t get from a puppy mill or a backyard breeder. During the past thirty-five years at Twin Lakes Kennel, we have searched for the most talented, well rounded, most dominant American field bloodlines. We breed for natural hunting instinct and tractability and those same qualities produce a gentle, loving and obedient family pet.
We really do believe that:
-Woody Thurman
About Woody Thurman: Woody and Judi Thurman of Twin Lakes Kennel have been breeding and training world class Labrador Retrievers for more than 35 years. Twin Lakes Kennel is the number #1 resource for Labrador Retriever puppies. We select from the most dominant American field bloodlines and breed for natural hunting instinct and tractability. Our Labs, both puppies and adults, are out of the top working Labrador Retriever bloodlines in the country. The end results are the most talented, well rounded Labrador Retrievers possible, making them a most desirable family pet.
More than eight thousand (8,000) Labrador Retrievers have been bred and trained during those thirty-five years. During this time, Woody has titled more than 200 AKC Master Hunter Labrador Retrievers. Woody has also qualified 47 retrievers at AKC Master Nationals. He has won the Ducks Unlimited Open Championships twice. In addition, two of his Labs, Drake and Rondy, bred and trained at Twin Lakes Kennel, are in the Master National Hall of Fame.
Our Labrador Retriever puppies are the culmination of a 30 year search for the most talented, well rounded Labrador Retriever possible. We select from the most dominant American field bloodlines and breed for natural hunting instinct and tractability. Our puppies begin a structured socialization program in the litter box and are introduced to birds at six weeks.
All our Labrador Retriever Puppies carry a guarantee against hereditary defects and to have basic retrieving instincts. Parents of all our Labrador Retriever puppies are physically sound with certified hips and eyes. They are out of the top working Labrador Retriever bloodlines in the country.
We guarantee all our Labrador Retriever puppies to be free from hereditary defects.
Call Woody and Judi at (910) 462-3246 for more information.
Discover which breed is the perfect fit for your family and lifestyle
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide. However, when considering the Labrador vs. Vizsla, Weimaraner, and Pointer, there are key differences to note. Each of these breeds offers unique traits, and understanding them can help potential dog owners make an informed decision.
| KEY FACTORS | LABRADOR | Vizsla | Weimaraner | Pointer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size & Appearance | Larger, muscular, short dense coat, 21-24" tall, 55-80 lbs | Elegant, curly hypoallergenic coat, 15" tall, 45-70 lbs | Tall, 24–27" tall, 55–70 lbs, sleek silver-gray coat | Medium, 23–28" tall, 45–75 lbs, smooth short coat |
| Temperament | Friendly, social, loyal, great with kids, pets | Independent, affectionate, more reserved, good for families | Independent, aloof with strangers, loyal, protective | Energetic, highly focused on hunting, independent |
| Exercise & Training | Easy to train, eager to please, excelling in hunting | Intelligent, agility & obedience, needs mental stimulation | High stamina, needs daily vigorous exercise | Loves running and pointing, needs lots of exercise |
| Suitability for Families | 10-12 years, prone to hip/elbow dysplasia, heart issues | 12-15 years, prone to hip dysplasia, retinal issues, epilepsy | Best with experienced owners, not ideal for young kids | Needs experienced owners, requires structured exercise |
| Best For | Low-maintenance, sheds heavily, requires brushing | High-maintenance, requires regular grooming | Experienced owners, homes with space and time for exercise | Experienced, active owners with outdoor space |
Labradors are a large, sturdy breed with a muscular frame, standing 22–24 inches tall and weighing between 55–80 lbs. Their short, dense coat comes in black, yellow, and chocolate.
In contrast, the Vizsla is a leaner dog, standing 22–24 inches tall and weighing 45–60 lbs, with a short, copper-colored coat. The Weimaraner, also known as the “Gray Ghost,” is slightly taller, ranging from 24 to 27 inches and weighing 55–70 lbs. Their sleek silver-gray coat adds to their elegant appearance.
Lastly, the Pointer is a medium-sized dog, standing 23–28 inches tall and weighing 45–75 lbs, with a short, smooth coat that typically comes in a variety of color combinations, including liver, white, and black.
Labradors are known for their friendly, outgoing nature. They are loyal, affectionate, and great with families, making them ideal pets for first-time dog owners. Unlike some breeds, they are naturally focused on companionship rather than protective or guard roles.
The Vizsla, while equally affectionate, is particularly known for its strong bond with its owners, often described as a “velcro dog” due to its constant desire for attention. The Weimaraner, on the other hand, is more independent and can be aloof with strangers, though it remains loyal and protective of its family.
The Pointer, known for its hunting skills, is highly energetic and often works best in active households where it can regularly engage in physical activities.
Labradors are energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay healthy. They enjoy activities like swimming, running, and playing fetch.
The Vizsla, similarly, has high energy levels and thrives on physical activity, particularly activities that allow them to use their speed and agility. The Weimaraner is another breed with high stamina. They require daily vigorous exercise to prevent behavioral issues.
Finally, the Pointer is a breed that needs a lot of exercise, with a love for running and pointing at birds during hunting activities. All these breeds are highly trainable but may require consistent guidance to channel their energy productively.
Labradors excel in family environments, particularly with children and other pets. They are easygoing and affectionate, making them ideal companions for families.
The Vizsla is also great with children, though it may be better suited for active families who can meet its needs for constant attention and physical engagement. The Weimaraner, while affectionate, may not always be the best for homes with young children due to its independent nature.
The Pointer, being an active and independent breed, may require more structured training and would do best in households with experienced dog owners who can help offer adequate stimulation and exercise.
At Twin Lakes Kennel, we specialize in breeding only the highest quality American Labradors – American field labs with superior DNA.
Having over 45 years of experience, we have built a national reputation for excellence in breeding and training. We encourage potential puppy owners to visit our kennel in person, where they can meet and select their puppy directly from our experienced breeders.
While we offer nationwide shipping, we believe seeing the puppies in person creates the best experience for both the owner and the dog. Our dogs are bred for hunting, competitions, and companionship, and we have had multiple dogs featured in the Hall of Fame and on ESPN.
We are also proud of our work helping train IED detection dogs that have saved lives in Afghanistan. Contact us today to learn more about how our American Labradors can become the perfect addition to your family.
Limited litters available – reserve your future hunting partner or family friend today!
Limited litters available – reserve your future hunting partner or family friend today!
