We are located in the heart of Iowa & began in 1992 with a single Labrador female of very modest lineage. Since that time Contender Retrievers has developed into a top-notch producer of retrievers bred from Field Trial lines that will fulfill the needs of the most discriminating competitors of field tests as well as upland / waterfowl hunters. We understand that not all of our puppies will be placed in competition or hunting homes, however we still use the same high standards for ALL of the puppies from our breeding program.

Contender Retrievers has worked very hard over the years to make available the some of the very best bloodlines in the country. Intelligence, trainability, a natural desire to retrieve, superior marking ability, genetic soundness and an overall desire to please are the key reasons we select these type of retrievers for our breeding program. Despite what many people believe, they are also very loyal & loving companions & great house dogs as well. This will be quite evident should you decide to visit us.

The key to any successful breeding program, whether it be dogs, horses, cattle, etc., lies in the females. Contender Retrievers has gone to great lengths to attain some of the highest quality females in the country. Their natural abilities and pedigrees are second to none. In fact, compare the pedigrees of the Contender Retriever gals to others. You will find that the difference is in our bitch lines. (...continued)