Why Lake Howard Labs Stands Out Among Washington States Labrador Breeders
Among the beautiful landscapes of Northwestern Washington, Lake Howard Labs has built a reputation that every Labrador enthusiast can appreciate. You can find more information about them on PuppyHero, where they’re recognized for their dedication to responsible breeding and family-raised Labradors.
For over a decade, Tim and Connie Schmidt have been lovingly raising Labrador Retrievers that embody everything the breed represents: loyalty, intelligence, and a joyful spirit. Their small, family-run program is rooted in compassion, responsibility, and a genuine love for dogs — the kind of values that make a breeder stand out.
The Story Behind Lake Howard Labs
Tim and Connie Schmidt live in Northwestern Washington, where they’ve been breeding Labradors for more than eleven years. As lifelong animal lovers, they began their journey with a simple goal: to raise healthy, well-tempered Labradors who thrive as both family companions and working dogs.
Lake Howard Labs remains intentionally small, allowing the Schmidts to give each dog personal attention and care. Their current breeding program includes two female Labradors — Ceda, a champagne Lab, and Wave, a silver Lab — along with three males: Odin, Shotgun, and Gus.
Every dog at Lake Howard Labs is treated like family, living in a warm and loving environment that nurtures their natural temperament. This personal, hands-on approach ensures that every puppy receives the foundation it needs to grow into a confident and loyal companion.
Commitment to Responsible Breeding
Lake Howard Labs follows a careful, ethical approach to breeding. Instead of focusing on quantity, Tim and Connie prioritize quality, health, and temperament.
Before breeding, every dog is thoroughly tested and evaluated. This includes:
Hip and elbow certifications through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
DNA testing for hereditary conditions like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC)
Veterinary health screenings for overall wellness
These steps ensure that each litter upholds the Labrador Retriever’s strong, healthy bloodline. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), ethical testing and health transparency are essential qualities of responsible breeders — a standard that Lake Howard Labs proudly meets.
The Labrador Retriever: A Breed Loved Worldwide
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States — and for good reason. Labs are affectionate, loyal, and endlessly adaptable. They excel as family pets, therapy dogs, hunters, and companions for people with active lifestyles.
Lake Howard Labs takes pride in producing Labradors that reflect the breed’s true essence. Their dogs are known not only for their family companionship but also for their versatility, with many descendants excelling in roles such as therapy work, hunting, and scent detection.
By selectively pairing dogs with calm, confident personalities, the Schmidts ensure that each puppy inherits the breed’s best traits. The result is a Labrador who’s just as happy fetching a ball at the park as it is performing meaningful work or comforting people in need.
The AKC describes Labradors as “friendly, active, and outgoing,” qualities that Lake Howard Labs consistently nurtures in every generation.
Early Socialization and Loving Environment
From the moment puppies are born, they’re raised in a caring, social environment. Tim and Connie believe that early exposure to people, sounds, and gentle handling helps each puppy develop confidence and trust.
Puppies are introduced to other dogs, household noises, and new experiences in a safe and controlled way, using age-appropriate enrichment toys and problem-solving activities to boost cognitive development. These exercises enhance the puppies’ adaptability, confidence, and ability to learn — essential traits for both family and working roles.
The ASPCA Puppy Care Guide emphasizes that early enrichment and socialization are key to developing a dog’s long-term temperament. Lake Howard Labs fully embraces this philosophy, creating Labradors that are emotionally well-rounded and eager to connect with people.
Adoption Process and Lifetime Support
For the Schmidts, finding the right home for each puppy is just as important as breeding them. The adoption process begins with a detailed application that helps match each puppy with the right family.
Once approved, new owners receive guidance on preparing their homes, feeding schedules, and basic training. Lake Howard Labs also remains available to answer questions and provide advice long after adoption.
This ongoing support reflects the AKC’s Responsible Breeder Program, which encourages breeders to maintain lifelong relationships with their puppy buyers — a value Lake Howard Labs has fully embraced.
Why Lake Howard Labs Stands Out
Several qualities make Lake Howard Labs one of Washington’s most respected Labrador breeders:
Experience and knowledge: Over eleven years of hands-on breeding experience.
Health-first focus: Rigorous genetic testing and veterinary oversight for every dog.
Ethical practices: Small-scale breeding that prioritizes care over commercial output.
Temperament training: Early socialization to nurture friendly, adaptable personalities.
Lifelong commitment: Continued guidance for every new puppy owner.
By staying true to these values, Lake Howard Labs has earned a reputation that goes beyond producing beautiful dogs — they produce lifelong companions.
Meet the Breeder: A Quick Q&A
Q: What inspired you to start Lake Howard Labs?
Tim: “It all started with our love for Labradors. We admired their loyalty and intelligence, and we wanted to raise them in a family setting that put health and character first.”
Q: What makes your Labradors special?
Connie: “Every puppy we raise gets personal attention from day one. They’re not just dogs to us — they’re family. We make sure each one is socialized, confident, and ready for their forever home.”
Q: How do you ensure your puppies are healthy before adoption?
Tim: “We use OFA certifications and genetic testing to rule out hereditary issues. Our puppies also see the vet regularly for vaccinations and wellness checks before they leave.”
Q: What advice would you give to first-time Labrador owners?
Connie: “Be patient, consistent, and loving. Labradors thrive when they feel part of the family. Exercise and positive reinforcement go a long way toward raising a happy, obedient Lab.”
FAQs
1. What health tests do Lake Howard Labs perform?
They conduct OFA certifications, DNA testing for EIC and PRA, and regular veterinary checkups.
2. Are Lake Howard Labs’ puppies AKC registered?
Yes. Their breeding program aligns with AKC standards, and puppies come with proper registration documentation.
3. What colors of Labradors do they breed?
They currently have champagne and silver Labradors in their program, with sires and dames selected for both health and beauty.
4. How can I apply for a puppy?
Interested families can contact Lake Howard Labs through their official listings or social media profiles to learn more about available litters.
5. What is the average temperament of a Lake Howard Labs puppy?
Their Labradors are known for being friendly, affectionate, and easy to train — ideal for families and first-time owners.
Conclusion
Lake Howard Labs represents everything a responsible breeder should be — knowledgeable, compassionate, and fully devoted to the welfare of their dogs. Through careful selection, responsible breeding, and a nurturing home environment, Tim and Connie Schmidt have built a program that reflects the true spirit of the Labrador Retriever.
For anyone looking to welcome a healthy, happy Labrador into their home, Lake Howard Labs is a name that stands for trust, experience, and lifelong support. You can learn more about them and other reputable breeders through PuppyHero, a trusted source for verified, ethical breeders across the United States.
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