The Lord has blessed our family with 5 children (Puppy Socialization Program Administrators), and a small farm on which to live. We raise Labrador Retrievers and Boer Goats; striving for excellence in our endeavors.
Our days are filled with many educational opportunities, as well as hard work. Living and working together on our farm offers daily memory-making, laughter and fun. Did I mention hard work?!?! Our family is our number 1 priority, and we pray these times knit our family unit closely together.
We attend Ebenezer Baptist Church where we have witnessed the Lord perform miracle after miracle throughout our building project. Our first service in our new building is set for November 23, 2008. We have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season!
God is so GOOD!
"English" or "American"?
There are two distinct “types” or “styles” of Labrador Retrievers--the English and the American. The English Labrador is directly bred from English lines, and quite different in appearance. English bred Labrador Retrievers are heavier, thicker, and blockier than their American counterparts. The American Labrador Retriever is taller and lankier, and in our opinion, tend to be more on the hyper side. We see more American “style” Labs utilized as hunting companions. (DISCLAIMER: THESE TENDENCIES ARE GENERALITIES, in our opinion!)
In order to make the claim “English Lab,” it must be a direct descendant of English lineage. There are true English Labradors in the United States (actual imports), but they are not as prevalent, of course, as the American bred Labs. With that in mind, breeders will often advertise “English style,” or “English type” to indicate what appearance you can expect. Both, English and American Labs serve a purpose. It is up to you to decide which one is right for you.
Willow Springs Kennel, specifically breeds for the English conformation and temperament. Our females, Gracie and Bell, are Grand-sired by a direct English import, Ch. Sandylands Star Trend. All of our females are of the English “type” or “style,” and possess solid English pedigrees. It is our goal to perpetuate the strong appearance and calm, gentle nature of these fantastic creatures!
We give God all the praise, honor and glory for our kennel! He has entrusted us with much, and it is our desire to be faithful stewards of His blessings! Our kennel consists of 4 females at present (11.09). Abby, Gracie, Bell and Willow--all of which are so dear to our hearts. First and foremost, our girls are members of our family! Our kennel is intentionally kept small to ensure that our goals are met, and that each girl receives the love and attention she deserves. This is quality over quantity in action. We feel we are the perfect size!
Our goals are simply two-fold:
1. Improve the breed with each and every puppy God gives us.
2. Exceed expectations as a Breeder.
Willow Springs’ puppies hail our methodical and conscientious breeding program. Our mark will be left on this breed--be it positive or negative--simply due to our involvement. We are 100% committed to leaving a positive footprint! With that in mind, our litters are never produced with a “puppies to sell” mentality! Quite the contrary! They are well-planned and thoroughly thought out with the utmost care and concern for improving the breed! Our litters are ALWAYS sired by a Champion male who is a superior specimen of the breed; as well as, one who possesses the ability to pass those quality traits to his progeny! By breeding this way, we are always improving our lines and offspring--not maintaining status quo--or creating a stagnant gene pool (by using just any male we may have on hand). This approach is much more labor intensive; requiring much time, effort, travel, research, planning, testing and of course, money! But this is our Commitment to Excellence as a Breeder. Adhering to these standards, we are well pleased with the footprints we see so far! J
To achieve goal number 2: Simply put--we work diligently to earn that right! From the overwhelming response we have gotten, we feel we are definitely on the right track!
What does all of this mean for you, a potential adoptive family?
Every Willow Springs’ Labrador Retriever bears our name and our commitment to excellence! This assures you are adopting a genetically superior puppy (English style) from folks who are committed to a standard of excellence as a Breeder.
If you have questions regarding our goals and/or standards, we welcome the opportunity for further discussion.
"You can tell you have really put your heart into this. I would be happy to refer to you in the event I find someone else looking for a lab pup." K.B., Ohio
Labrador Breed Organizations
Craig & Lori Wolfe
Logan, Ohio
740-380-9838
| | | |
WEBSITE BUILT BY: CRAIG WOLFE