I'm the breeder behind Kicking Bird Gun Dogs located in Blair, NE. We produce canine athletes with big motors that are highly intelligent. Our dogs are bred only to help us reach our goal of building superior retrieving machines.
About Darrin
I am the mad scientist behind the Pepper Box Championship Retriever program. I am an engineer and have a full-time job but train and do kennel maintenance before and after my day job. My primary function as a breeder is to make sure all the health requirements are met prior to breeding and have been documented. I am the whelping attendant and deal with the registration of the litter.
What makes Darrin’s program special
Our Retrievers are driven canine athletes with big motors, highly intelligent, and will be bred only to help us reach our goal of building superior retrieving machines. The Pepper Box Labs are the epitome of the Pure Bred American Field Lab and having robust pedigrees with impeccable health and genetics. We are a participant in the AKC Bred with HEART program. We have built our breeding program on this as our foundation. Key components of this program are commitments to health, education, accountability, responsibility, and tradition.
Darrin is a member of 5 clubs
Hunting Retriever Club, Missouri Valley Hunt Club, Nebraska Dog & Hunt Club, Salt Valley Hunting Retriever Club, Master Amateur Retriever Club
Darrin’s certifications & recognitions
AKC Breeder with H.E.A.R.T., CHIC Certified
Darrin has been certified by Good Dog's screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you're ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies. You'll also have the chance to share a bit about yourself and what you're looking for in a new companion. Together, you'll choose the puppy that's right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Puppy prices range from $1,000 - $2,500 and include a refundable deposit of $350.
“Prices vary depending on the credentials and accomplishments of parents. Price includes worming, veterinarian exam, vaccinations as recommended by our veterinarian, dew claw removal, and microchip.”
Darrin may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Darrin offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out to Darrin directly.
We believe in early neurological stimulation through touch, hearing and sight. A radio with classical music is playing for them 24-7 from the time they are whelped until the time they go home. All puppies start retrieving and are introduced to the outdoors at about 40 days old. I utilize the following enrichment methods: Early Neurological Stimulation, Sound Stimulation, Household Desensitization, Socialized with Cats, Socialized with Adult Dogs, Toys, e.g. Ball, Scents, Structures, e.g. Climbing, Chew, e.g. Bone, Socialized with Children, Touch Desensitization, Grooming Desensitization, Introduction to birds, Building Fetching Desire, Intro to water/swimming, Potty Training, Crate Training, Human Interactions , Pee pad, Bird Introduction, Recall training, and Fetch.
Puppies have dew claws removed at 2-3 days old, are wormed at 2, 4 and 6 weeks with a fecal check, veterinarian examination and first round of vaccinations at 6 weeks.
We send our puppies home with AKC Registration, Microchip, Vaccinations, and Food Starter Bag.
Darrin offers options to help you easily get your new puppy home.
If you’re nearby, you can visit in person to pick up your pup. If you’re far away, you can travel by car or plane.
Work with a trusted transporter to get your puppy comfortably dropped off at an airport or meeting point close to home.
Why Darrin started breeding
We began our Retriever journey with two Labs in 2010. Fast forward to today, after reading everything we can get our hands on, formal education provided by the AKC, participating in local Retriever clubs and acting on the advice of canine professionals, our Retrievers have achieved some of the highest Hunting Retriever credentials in the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club.
Darrin has been a member of Good Dog for over 5 years
Darrin was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2019.
Darrin’s program includes three colors
Darrin’s Labrador Retriever puppies include black, yellow, and chocolate. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Kicking Bird Gun Dogs meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
Labrador Retriever
Excellent level
Kicking Bird Gun Dogs reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Labrador Retrievers.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM), Skeletal Dysplasia (SD2), Elliptocytosis, Hyperuricosuria (HUU), PRA, Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd), Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC), Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis (HNPK), Myotubular Myopathy 1, Rottweiler Type, OFA/CHIC DNA Repository, D Locus (Dilute) DNA test, Retinal Dysplasia/Oculoskeletal Dysplasia 1 (RD OSD)
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).