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 and the Poodle are two of the most popular dog breeds in the world, each with their own unique qualities. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct traits that make them suited to different types of families and lifestyles.
Let us compare the Labrador vs. Poodle to help you decide which breed might be the best fit for you.
| KEY FACTORS | LABRADOR | POODLE |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Appearance | Larger, muscular, short dense coat, 21-24" tall, 55-80 lbs | Elegant, curly hypoallergenic coat, 15" tall, 45-70 lbs |
| Temperament | Friendly, social, loyal, great with kids, pets | Independent, affectionate, more reserved, good for families |
| Training & Intelligence | Easy to train, eager to please, excelling in hunting | Intelligent, agility & obedience, needs mental stimulation |
| Training & Intelligence | 10-12 years, prone to hip/elbow dysplasia, heart issues | 12-15 years, prone to hip dysplasia, retinal issues, epilepsy |
| Grooming Needs | Low-maintenance, sheds heavily, requires brushing | High-maintenance, requires regular grooming |
When it comes to physical characteristics, the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle differ quite a bit. Labradors are larger dogs with a solid, muscular build, typically standing between 21 to 24 inches tall and weighing 55 to 80 pounds. Their short, dense fur comes in three primary colors: black, yellow, and chocolate.
Poodles have a more refined, elegant look, highlighted by a dense curly coat that does not shed, making them a favorite among people with allergies. They are available in three sizes, including standard, miniature, and toy, with the standard size averaging about 15 inches tall and weighing 45 to 70 pounds.
Poodles are often recognized for their hypoallergenic coats, which require regular grooming to maintain their health and appearance. In contrast, Labradors tend to have a more low-maintenance grooming routine, though they shed heavily, especially during seasonal changes. This can be a consideration for owners who prefer less frequent grooming but are okay with the shedding.
Both Labradors and Poodles have friendly, loving natures, making them excellent family companions. Labradors are highly social and thrive on interaction, enjoying active time with their owners. Their affectionate, loyal disposition makes them wonderful with children, other pets, and even newcomers.
While Labradors are versatile, one area where they are less suited is personal protection; they are not typically used as attack or guard dogs because of their welcoming nature.
Poodles, while equally friendly, tend to be a bit more independent and reserved, though they are still very affectionate toward their families.
Labradors are trainable and eager to please, often excelling in tasks such as hunting, service work, and dog sports. Poodles, on the other hand, are highly intelligent and excel in agility and obedience competitions. While both breeds are easy to train, Poodles might require more mental stimulation due to their higher energy levels and intelligence.
Both breeds are generally healthy, but they come with their own set of potential health concerns. Labradors are prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and certain types of heart issues. Their lifespan averages between 10 to 12 years, and with proper care, they tend to live a long, active life.
Poodles, on the other hand, have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, which is slightly longer than that of Labradors. Nevertheless, they can be prone to conditions like hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and epilepsy.
In terms of maintenance, Poodles are generally more susceptible to skin issues such as sebaceous adenitis and ear infections due to their dense, curly coat. Labradors, while not as high-maintenance in terms of grooming, can develop issues such as obesity if not given enough exercise, which is vital to their health and well-being.
Choosing between a Labrador and a Poodle ultimately depends on your lifestyle, living space, and what you are looking for in a dog. If you are looking for a large, energetic, and loyal dog that is great with children and can adapt to various roles, the Labrador Retriever may be the right choice for you. But if you prefer a smaller, hypoallergenic dog with high intelligence and a refined personality, the Poodle could be a better fit.
At Twin Lakes Kennel, we specialize in breeding American field labs with superior DNA, providing families with Labradors bred for hunting, competitions, and companionship. With over 45 years of experience, our expertise extends from producing top-tier family pets to training dogs for high-performance roles.
Our accomplishments include having a show featured on ESPN for three years and multiple dogs in the Hall of Fame. We also contributed to life-saving efforts for U.S. Marines in Afghanistan by training IED detection dogs.
While we ship puppies nationwide, we encourage prospective buyers to visit us in person to choose their puppy. Once selected, your puppy will be flown to your local airport for convenient pickup. Our goal is to help you find the perfect Labrador, whether for family life, hunting, or competition.
Limited litters available – reserve your future hunting partner or family friend today!
Limited litters available – reserve your future hunting partner or family friend today!
