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
Choosing between a Labrador vs. Belgian Malinois can be a tough decision for potential dog owners. While both breeds are highly intelligent and active, they each come with their own unique set of traits that suit different lifestyles. Here, let us compare the two breeds to help you make an informed choice based on their characteristics and care needs.
| KEY FACTORS | LABRADOR | BELGIAN MALINOIS |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, social, family-oriented, adaptable | Energetic, independent, reserved around strangers |
| Training & Intelligence | Eager to please, easy to train, good for service roles | Highly intelligent, requires training, protection work |
| Exercise Needs | High energy, enjoys balanced play and relaxation | Very high energy, needs physical and mental stimulation |
| Health & Lifespan | 10-14 years, prone to hip/elbow dysplasia, obesity | 10-14 years, prone to hip dysplasia, retinal issues |
| Ideal For | Families, first-time dog owners, active households | Experienced owners, those ready for intense exercise |
Labradors are celebrated for their friendly, social, and outgoing nature. They adapt well to families, children, and other pets, making them a popular choice for first-time dog owners. One area where Labradors differ from breeds like Belgian Malinois is in protection; they are generally better suited to companionship roles than as attack or guard dogs, excelling at being loyal, family-oriented companions.
In contrast, Belgian Malinois are highly energetic and possess a strong work ethic. While they are affectionate with their families, they are more reserved around strangers. These dogs thrive on mental stimulation and are often best suited for experienced owners who can give them the necessary training and structure.
Training a Labrador is generally straightforward. Their eager-to-please attitude means they respond well to positive reinforcement and are quick to learn commands. Labs are commonly used as service dogs due to their intelligence and willingness to work with humans in various environments.
Belgian Malinois are exceptionally intelligent and highly trainable, often excelling in police, military, and protection work. Their drive and independence can challenge novice owners. Consistent training and structured tasks such as agility or specialized exercises are key to channeling their energy productively.
Labradors have high energy levels, but they tend to enjoy a balanced mix of playtime and relaxation. A daily walk, a game of fetch, or a swim in the water is typically enough to keep them satisfied. Their friendly demeanor makes them suitable for active families who enjoy outdoor activities.
Belgian Malinois require much more intensive exercise. This breed needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Without sufficient activity, they can become bored and potentially destructive. They are ideal for owners who are dedicated to providing rigorous exercise routines and interactive activities like agility training.
Both Labradors and Belgian Malinois enjoy similar lifespans of around 10 to 14 years. However, their health concerns can differ. Labradors are prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and obesity if not properly exercised. Regular vet visits and a balanced diet are important for maintaining their health.
Belgian Malinois are generally healthy dogs, but can suffer from issues such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and autoimmune diseases. They are more likely to experience injuries due to their intense activity levels. Proper care, including regular check-ups and maintaining a safe environment for physical activities, is best for their well-being.
When deciding between a Labrador vs. Belgian Malinois, lifestyle and daily commitment play a major role. Labradors are ideal for families seeking a loving, easygoing, and trainable companion.
Belgian Malinois are better suited for highly active households or individuals who can dedicate time to intense physical and mental exercise. Both breeds offer loyalty and intelligence, yet their differing energy levels and training needs help determine the best fit.
Twin Lakes Kennel specializes in breeding American Labrador Retrievers, known for their superior genetics and excellent temperament. With over 45 years of experience in breeding and training, our achievements include having a show featured on ESPN for three years, multiple dogs in the Hall of Fame, and contributions to life-saving efforts for U.S. Marines in Afghanistan through IED detection dog training.
Prospective families are encouraged to visit in person to select their puppy. Once chosen, puppies can be flown to your local airport. While nationwide shipping is available, visiting Twin Lakes Kennel provides the best experience for finding your perfect Labrador companion.
Limited litters available – reserve your future hunting partner or family friend today!
Limited litters available – reserve your future hunting partner or family friend today!
