MATESFORLIFE Labradors
MATESFORLIFE LabradorsMATESFORLIFE LabradorsMATESFORLIFE LabradorsMATESFORLIFE LabradorsMATESFORLIFE LabradorsMATESFORLIFE LabradorsMATESFORLIFE LabradorsMATESFORLIFE LabradorsMATESFORLIFE Labradors
Kate O
Kate O

MATESFORLIFE Labradors

LocationTownsville, QLD

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Hi, I'm Kate O.

We are a small family breeder located in Townsville, North Queensland. All of our dogs have been hip and elbow scored and have had full DNA profiles, all of which are available to view on our website. They are clear of all genetic diseases, such as PRA and EIC. Our Labradors are bred for soundness and temperament.…

Vet Approved Criteria

Last verified on 7 Jul 23

RightPaw Responsible Breeder Badge

Every breeder on RightPaw has agreed to our vet-approved RightPaw Code of Ethics, and passed an interview from one of our team.

  • Breeding & Welfare
  • Health Practices
  • Home Environment
  • Documentation
  • Feeding
  • Physical Condition

Newborn & Planned Litters

Our Breeding Practices

puppy line drawing

Behaviour and socialisation

We expose our pups to various stimuli, including physical, visual and auditory. We also expose them to adult dogs, as well as our children and grandchildren. They are accustomed to common household and outdoor noises, and have a puppy play area built outside to stimulate and enrich them.

paw print in heart above hand line drawing

Health

All puppies are wormed, micro-chipped, vaccinated, and treated for ticks and fleas. Our breeding dogs are tested for all relevant genetic and physical diseases, and are fed high quality food. We also conduct a health check on puppies done prior to leaving.

kennel line drawing

Home environment

Puppies are raised in our family home, and are well socialised. We live on an acreage property, and the pups have their own space, as well as access to outdoor spaces where supervised. They also have a sensory play area for stimulating enrichment.

puppy pack drawing

Included with our puppies

All puppies will come with: Puppy raising guide, DNA results of parents, Hip and elbow score of parents, DNA results for puppy, Vet check, Relevant health records, Breed specific care guide, ANKC registration certificate, Starter Food Pack, Toy, Blanket, Scented Blanket

Health Tests

Core Tests(4/4)

MATESFORLIFE Labradors conducts 4 out of 4 core health tests which RightPaw believe are most important to conduct for the Labrador Retriever.

EIC

dna iconGenetic Test

Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC) is a genetic condition mainly affecting Retrievers and Spaniels.…

EIC

Elbow Dysplasia

stethoscope iconPhysical Test

These breeders have had x-rays taken on their breeding dogs to assess the quality of their elbow…

Elbow Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia

stethoscope iconPhysical Test

These breeders have had x-rays taken on their breeding dogs to assess their ‘hip score’. Dogs with…

Hip Dysplasia

PRA

dna iconGenetic Test

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in dogs is a type of genetic eye disease causing deterioration…

PRA

Additional Tests

MATESFORLIFE Labradors conducts 17 additional tests available for the Labrador Retriever.

dna iconGenetic Test

Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome (CMS) is genetic disease that causes extreme muscle weakness after just a short amount of exercise. It can result in puppies or dogs who collapse after only five to thirty minutes of exercise. There is a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition.

dna iconGenetic Test

Canine Elliptocytosis is a rare genetic disease causing the red blood cells to be abnormally elliptical in shape, rather than round. It generally does not cause a clinical problem to affected dogs, but puppies may be mildly anaemic and smaller than others. There is a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this disease.

dna iconGenetic Test

Centronuclear myopathy (CNM), is a genetic muscle disease that occurs in Labradors. A DNA test is available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition.

dna iconGenetic Test

Cone degeneration is a genetic eye disease that results in ‘day blindness’, extreme sensitivity to light, and poor vision. The condition begins in puppies and gradually worsens as they get older. There are various types of cone degeneration in the dog, including Achromatopsia. There is a DNA test available in certain breeds to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition.

dna iconGenetic Test

Congenital Macrothrombocytopenia (CM) is a mild disease which normally does not have any impact on an affected dog’s health or lifespan but can cause concern if noticed on routine bloodwork without knowing the cause. It is a blood disease resulting in low numbers of very large platelets. There is a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition.

dna iconGenetic Test

This condition mainly affects Newfoundlands although other breeds can be affected. It is a genetic condition which results in the production of kidney and bladder stones. There is a DNA test available to confirm that breeding dogs are not carrying this condition.

dna iconGenetic Test

This is a disease affecting the spinal cord of older dogs, initially causing wobbliness and eventually hindlimb paralysis. It can affect a wide range of breeds. There is now a DNA test that can indicated if a breeding dog is carrying this disease.

dna iconGenetic Test

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a genetic skin disease. There is a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this disease.

dna iconGenetic Test

Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis (HNPK) is a genetic condition that can affect Labradors. It causes very dry and crusty skin around the nose that predisposes to infections. There is a DNA test available to determine whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition.

dna iconGenetic Test

Hyperuricosuria (HUU) is a genetic disease that causes a build-up of uric acid in the urine, predisposing to painful bladder and kidney stones. It can occur in a range of breeds. There is a DNA test available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this disease.

dna iconGenetic Test

Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) is a rare genetic condition that causes adverse reactions to anaesthetic drugs. It results in the body rapidly overheating and is sometimes fatal. There is now a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition.

dna iconGenetic Test

Macular Corneal Dystrophy (MCD) is a rare genetic eye disease that has been identified in Labradors. It causes cloudy eyes and potential vision impairment. There is a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition.

dna iconGenetic Test

X-linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM) is an inherited muscle disease causing severe, progressive muscle atrophy in puppies. Affected puppies are small and lack coordination. Within weeks, the puppies may have difficulty holding their head up or standing and may collapse after exertion. There is a DNA test available to identify whether a breeding dog might be carrying this condition.

dna iconGenetic Test

Narcolepsy is a genetic disease which causes affected animals to fall asleep suddenly following periods of excitement, such a feeding or play. These dogs might collapse and appear drowsy or might completely fall asleep. They usually grow out of the condition after about one year of age. There is a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition.

dna iconGenetic Test

Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD) is a genetic disorder resulting in low levels of an energy-producing enzyme in the body. Affected dogs can experience lethargy, exercise intolerance and severe anaemia. There is a DNA available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition.

dna iconGenetic Test

Skeletal Dysplasia is an inherited form of dwarfism which causes the leg bones to grow much shorter than is proportional for the body. Affected legs will be short and slightly bowed outwards. Often the forelimbs are more affected than the hindlimbs, which can make the condition more difficult to spot in subtle cases. There is a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition.

dna iconGenetic Test

Stargardt Disease, also known as Juvenile Macular Degeneration, is a genetic eye disease that causes gradual degeneration of the retina. This can cause blurred vision and difficulty seeing when moving quickly from bright to low light. There is a DNA test available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition.

Australia States

Transportation options

Australia States

MATESFORLIFE Labradors will send their puppies to the following states for their new families:

NSW
QLD
SA
VIC

Getting your puppy home

MATESFORLIFE Labradors supports the following options for getting your new puppy home safely.

In person puppy pick up
Meet the breeder in person for puppy pick ups
Domestic air travel by plane
Supportive of domestic air transport by plane

Badges of Recognition

RightPaw Verified BadgeDogs Australia Registered

About the Breeder

A little about us

We have a large family and live on lovely green acreage in North Queensland. Many of our children still live at home and we also have a grandchild who visits regularly. Our dogs and puppies are very well socialised and love a belly rub.

Why we got involved in breeding

We previously owned large acreage with cattle and horses. We have since downsized to smaller acreage and wanted to continue working with animals. I have always loved the Labrador retriever, but we owned cattle breeds previously. Bringing well bred, healthy Labrador puppies into the world is a magical experience. They…

Our special touch

We have a veterinarian in our family so we have 24/7 care for our dogs and puppies.

Credentials

Association

Dogs Queensland (ANKC)

Association number

4100236705

Prefix

MATESFORLIFE

Breeding since

We purchased our first chocolate Labrador in 2018 and just love her dearly. We have since added another three Labradors to our family.

Applying for a puppy

Apply for a puppy by answering a few questions so Kate can get to know you.
A$2,500 - A$3,000

Limited register with Dogs Queensland (ANKC), Vaccinated, Microchipped, Wormed, Vet Checked and Puppy Pack (Information Booklet, Hypo Premium Food, Toy, Blanket, Lead, Measuring Cup, Poop bags and grooming mit).

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MATESFORLIFE Labradors accept safe and traceable payments. What's this?

A$2,500 - A$3,000