Our Sister Program - Dal-Rhe Goldens

The Captain's Labradors and Dal-Rhe Goldens share more than a common philosophy. Together, they represent nearly 30 years of breeding, training, hunting, showing, and loving exceptional dogs.

While Dal-Rhe Goldens is our Golden Retriever program, our journey in dog breeding actually began with Labrador Retrievers. Our maiden voyage into the breeding world was a Labrador litter born in May 1999 that produced an extraordinary dog who helped shape the future of our program:

The Captain's Captain Morgan CD MH QAA

Known simply as "Captain," he was the original Captain and the dog who inspired our kennel name. His registered name, The Captain's Captain Morgan, was also a playful nod to my husband's favorite spiced rum back in the day. Captain was an accomplished hunting and performance dog, but more importantly, he was an exceptional family companion whose influence continues to be felt throughout our breeding philosophy today.

Born May 2, 1999, Captain lived to the age of 14, just a few months shy of his 15th birthday. He remained active and sound throughout his life, famously breaking ice to swim in our creek well into his senior years. For those who knew and loved him, that determination, spirit, and love of life were quintessentially "Captain."

In fact, Captain's legacy remains a living part of our breeding program. Long after his passing, we had the opportunity to use frozen semen that had been preserved from Captain, resulting in our current Labrador Retriever, The Captain's Jack Sparrow, a chocolate male born May 29, 2022.

Like his sire before him, Jack is a treasured family companion, enthusiastic hunting partner, and a reminder of the qualities that made Captain so special. Seeing Captain's influence continue into another generation has been both meaningful and rewarding for our family.

What began nearly 30 years ago with one special chocolate Labrador named Captain has grown into a lifelong passion for dogs, their people, and the adventures shared between them. Captain was the dog who started it all. He inspired our kennel name, shaped our breeding philosophy, and set us on a path that eventually expanded to include both Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers.

You could say our lives have quite literally "gone to the dogs," and we wouldn't have it any other way.

Over the years, our passion for purpose-bred dogs expanded to include Golden Retrievers through Dal-Rhe Goldens. While the breeds are different, the guiding principles behind both programs remain the same: health, temperament, trainability, sound structure, and lifelong support for the families who welcome our puppies home.

We use the term "kennel" loosely. Our dogs are first and foremost beloved family members who share our homes and our lives. Our puppies are raised in homes, not kennels, including our own home and, at times, the homes of carefully selected breeding partners and host families who share our commitment to responsible breeding, early socialization, and exceptional care.

Whether you are interested in a Labrador Retriever from The Captain's Labradors or a Golden Retriever from Dal-Rhe Goldens, you can expect the same commitment to:

• Health testing and responsible breeding practices
• Sound, stable temperaments
• Dogs capable of excelling in a variety of roles, from family companions and hunting partners to performance competitors, service dogs, and therapy dogs
• Lifetime breeder support

Careful puppy placement focused on the best match for both puppy and family

Today, both breeding programs reflect decades of experience, a dedication to preserving the breeds we love, and a belief that every puppy deserves a home where it can thrive.

We invite you to learn more about Dal-Rhe Goldens and explore the puppy placement information, contracts, applications, and buyer resources that currently support both of our breeding programs.