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
When choosing a dog, the Labrador vs. German Shepherd comparison often comes up. Both breeds are celebrated for their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility, yet each has traits that make them suited to different households and lifestyles.
Let us explore the differences between these two popular breeds, so you can make a more informed decision.
| KEY FACTORS | LABRADOR | GERMAN SHEPHERD |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, outgoing, gentle | Loyal, protective, reserved with strangers |
| Family Compatibility | Excellent with children and other pets | Good with children when socialized, protective |
| Exercise Needs | High energy, requires regular activity | Very high energy, needs mental & physical stimulation |
| Training | Eager to please, responsive to positive reinforcement | Independent thinker, requires firm consistent training |
| Protection Instinct | Low - better suited for companionship | High - natural protector, used in guard roles |
| Grooming | Regular brushing, sheds seasonally | Frequent brushing, heavy shedding seasons |
| Ideal For | Families, first-time owners, active households | Experienced owners, protection roles, structured activities |
Labradors are known for their friendly and outgoing nature. They are easy to please, which makes them great companions for families, especially with children and other pets. Their gentle and approachable demeanor also makes them ideal for first-time dog owners. One aspect where Labradors differ from German Shepherds is in protection; they are not typically used as attack dogs and are better suited to companionship roles.
On the other hand, German Shepherds are fiercely loyal and protective. They form strong bonds with their families and often act as natural protectors. While they can be good with children when socialized properly, they are more reserved around strangers and require consistent training to keep their protective instincts in check.
Labradors are highly energetic dogs that require regular physical activity to stay healthy and happy. They thrive in active households and enjoy long walks, hikes, and playtime. Regular exercise helps prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior.
German Shepherds are similarly energetic but tend to have higher stamina and require more structured mental and physical stimulation. They excel in jobs that involve agility, obedience, and search-and-rescue tasks. A German Shepherd needs both physical and mental exercises to prevent restlessness and make sure they remains well-behaved.
Both breeds are highly intelligent, but their training styles differ. Labradors are known for being exceptionally eager to please, making them responsive to positive reinforcement. This trait makes them a popular choice for those new to dog training or those who want a dog that learns quickly.
German Shepherds are independent thinkers who require firm, consistent training. They may take longer to respond to commands, but their problem-solving abilities make them exceptional working dogs in law enforcement and military roles.
When it comes to grooming, both Labradors and German Shepherds require regular care to maintain their coats. Labradors have a short, dense coat that sheds throughout the year, especially during seasonal changes. Regular brushing helps control shedding and keeps their coat healthy.
German Shepherds have a thicker double coat, which requires more frequent brushing and attention, especially during heavy shedding seasons. Both breeds benefit from routine ear cleaning, nail trimming, and occasional baths to stay healthy and comfortable.
In the Labrador vs. German Shepherd debate, the choice ultimately depends on your lifestyle and what you are looking for in a dog. If you want a friendly, easy-going companion who is great with families and other pets, a Labrador may be the right fit.
However, if you are looking for a loyal protector with a higher level of independence and drive, a German Shepherd could be the ideal breed.
At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training American Labrador Retrievers for over 45 years. Our dogs are bred for hunting, competitions, and companionship, with superior genetics you can trust. Our accomplishments include having a show featured on ESPN for three years, multiple dogs in the Hall of Fame, and contributing to life-saving efforts for U.S. Marines in Afghanistan through training IED detection dogs.
We welcome prospective families to visit in person to select their American field lab with superior DNA. Once chosen, puppies are flown to the owner’s local airport for pickup.
While nationwide shipping is available, nothing replaces the experience of selecting your puppy in person, and we look forward to helping you find your perfect Labrador.
Schedule a visit today.
Limited litters available – reserve your future hunting partner or family friend today!
Limited litters available – reserve your future hunting partner or family friend today!
