About the Breeder

I am Gabriel Ben-Yosef, a small, home-based breeder of AKC Labrador Retrievers. I personally care for every litter from birth until the puppies go home, and my focus is on raising healthy, well-socialized dogs that make wonderful family companions. To date, I have personally raised two litters from my foundation female, Lucy, who had eight puppies in the first litter in the Summer of 2024 and seven in the second in the Summer of 2026. The experience reinforced my commitment to raising puppies carefully and responsibly in a home environment where they receive daily interaction, handling, and early socialization.

Because this is a small, family-based program, I typically plan for only one litter at a time and generally expect to breed one litter per year. For 2026, Lucy’s planned litter was the only litter I produced. I prefer to keep things small so that each puppy receives plenty of attention and early developmental care during the critical first eight weeks of life.

My goal is always to prioritize the long-term health and well-being of the mother dogs. Assuming good health, each female will typically have a limited number of litters — generally two or three — before retiring from breeding and remaining a beloved member of the family. I believe strongly that breeding dogs should live full, happy lives as companions first and foremost.

All of my dogs receive regular veterinary care, routine vaccinations, and ongoing health monitoring. Puppies are raised with careful attention to cleanliness, nutrition, and early development. They are examined by a veterinarian before going to their new homes and receive appropriate early vaccinations according to veterinary guidelines.

When puppies go home, I recommend keeping their diet consistent for the first few weeks to avoid digestive upset. A high-quality puppy food is important during this rapid growth stage. Many families use reputable brands of kibble, which can certainly work well, though I’m always happy to discuss other high-quality puppy diets if owners prefer. What matters most is a nutritionally complete puppy formula and consistency during the transition period.

Training is something I strongly encourage for all new puppy owners. Early puppy classes help establish good habits and strengthen the bond between dog and family. Basic obedience — commands such as sit, stay, and recall — is more than enough for most families, and structured classes are extremely helpful, especially for first- or second-time owners. I’m always happy to recommend reputable local trainers or puppy kindergarten programs that focus on positive reinforcement methods.

When it comes to choosing a puppy, I work collaboratively with families to help make the best match. I spend many weeks observing the puppies’ personalities, energy levels, and temperaments, which helps me guide families toward the puppy that is most likely to thrive in their particular household. While families certainly have input, I generally help direct the final match so that each puppy ends up in the environment best suited to its temperament.

All puppies are placed with a written contract that outlines the responsibilities of both the breeder and the new owner. The contract covers health guarantees, care expectations, and my ongoing commitment to the lifetime well-being of the dog.