About Our Kennel
We offer the very best field bloodlines available in the Labrador Retriever world.
Get to know all about Contender Retrievers - what we do, our mission and our history.
Welcome to Contender Retrievers
Contender Retrievers breeds Labrador Retrievers year-round for field trials, hunt tests, hunting, and life as devoted family companions. Our story began in 1992 with Ellie, a chocolate Lab Jason found in the Des Moines Register. At the time, he didn’t even know what a field title was. What started with one dog and a growing fascination with the breed has become more than three decades of dedication to raising exceptional Labradors.
That dedication earned Jason a remarkable honor in 2023: the American Kennel Club named him Breeder of the Year by Sport for Retriever Field Events.
Our Philosophy and Bloodlines
From the beginning, Jason wanted Contender Retrievers to stand for something distinctive. He set out to preserve historic Labrador bloodlines while making health, temperament, and early puppy socialization central to the breeding program.
We believe a great Labrador should be as versatile as the breed itself. Our dogs are bred with the drive and ability to compete in field trials and hunt tests, the instincts to make capable hunting partners, and the temperament to be loving members of the family. We feel fortunate to work with these dogs every day, and we welcome you to become part of the Contender Retrievers family.
Now Offering Limited Boarding
For the first time, we’re opening our kennel facility to a limited number of outside dogs for boarding. Whether you’re looking for a hunting partner, a competitive field dog, a well-rounded family companion, or a safe and caring place for your dog while you’re away, you’ll find the same dedication to dogs behind everything we do.
New Kennels!
In the Summer of 2015 we began construction on our new kennel facility.
We put a tremendous amount of thought in designing every detail with a strict emphasis on safety, durability, and operational efficiency. The end result is a premium space tailored to the unique comfort of our Mama dogs and their puppies, while providing a, welcoming environment for every canine guest that stays with us.
Our Story
Jason began raising Labs in 1992. He and Kristi have been raising Labs as partners since 2012. Jason is the mastermind behind breedings. These days, Kristi's focus is mostly on Hogan, but also on puppy raising and socialization.