About Us

Welcome to Chara' Labradors! I'm Tonya MacRae, and I'm honored you've taken the time to learn more about my breeding program.

Located in beautiful Cullman, Alabama, Chara' Labradors was established in 2022 with a simple mission: to preserve the Labrador Retriever through responsible breeding, comprehensive health testing, and a lifelong commitment to the breed I love.

Although Chara' Labradors is a newer breeding program, my passion for Labrador Retrievers has been years in the making. Every decision I make is centered around producing healthy, structurally correct Labradors with exceptional temperaments that will thrive both as beloved family companions and as versatile working and performance dogs.

I believe every puppy deserves the very best start in life, and every family deserves a breeder who is honest, knowledgeable, and committed to supporting them long after their puppy goes home.

A Commitment to Excellence

The Labrador Retriever is one of the most versatile breeds in the world, and preserving those qualities takes dedication.

My breeding program focuses on black and yellow Labrador Retrievers from carefully selected pedigrees, including several imported bloodlines. Every breeding is thoughtfully planned to improve health, temperament, structure, and overall breed quality—not simply to produce puppies.

As a proud member of the Labrador Retriever Club, I actively participate in AKC Conformation, Obedience, Rally, Fast CAT, and Hunt Tests. These events allow me to evaluate my dogs while continually learning from respected breeders, judges, and fellow preservation breeders across the country.

Showing and competing isn't simply about ribbons—it's about proving that my dogs possess the qualities that make Labrador Retrievers such outstanding companions and working dogs.

Health Always Comes First

The health of every puppy begins long before birth.

Before any dog becomes part of my breeding program, they complete extensive health evaluations, including:

*OFA Hip Certifications

*OFA Elbow Certifications

*Cardiac Evaluations

*Breed-specific DNA testing

These health clearances allow me to make informed breeding decisions that help produce puppies with the greatest opportunity for long, healthy lives.

My commitment to responsible breeding extends far beyond health testing.

Every litter receives individualized care, early enrichment, careful socialization, and veterinary oversight from birth until they join their forever families.

Raised in My Home ~ Loved Like Family

Every Chara' Labrador puppy is raised inside my home—not in a kennel.

From their very first days, puppies are gently handled and introduced to everyday household life. They experience a variety of surfaces, sounds, toys, people, and positive interactions designed to help build confidence and resilience during their critical developmental weeks.

As they grow, they enjoy car rides, new experiences, and age-appropriate enrichment activities that help prepare them for life with their future families.

My goal is to send home puppies that are not only physically healthy, but also emotionally prepared to thrive in their new homes.

A Relationship that Lasts a Lifetime

Bringing home a puppy is only the beginning.

When you welcome a Chara' Labrador into your family, you also gain a breeder who genuinely cares about your success. I'm always happy to answer questions, offer guidance, and celebrate milestones throughout your dog's life.

Watching my puppies grow into cherished family members is one of the greatest rewards of responsible breeding, and I consider every puppy family part of the Chara' Labradors family.

Whether you're searching for your first Labrador Retriever or adding another companion to your home, I look forward to helping you find the perfect puppy and supporting you every step of the way.

My Journey with Labrador Retrievers

People often ask what inspired me to become a Labrador Retriever breeder, and the answer begins with witnessing firsthand just how extraordinary these dogs truly are.

In 2022, a close friend who suffered from severe seizures needed the assistance of a service dog. One of the puppies from my program, Creekstone Box of Chocolates, lovingly known as Forest, was selected and began training for service work. Watching Forest learn and develop was an incredible experience and deepened my appreciation for the Labrador Retriever's intelligence, willingness to work, and desire to serve people.

As Forest matured, it became clear that his drive and energy leve exceeded what my friend needed in a service dog. While he possessed an exceptional temperament, he was simply better suited for a different type of work.

Not long afterward, a police officer contacted me looking for a Labrador with the confidence, focus, and determination required for narcotics detection. Forest proved to be the perfect fit. The very qualities that made him too much dog for service work became exactly what law enforcement needed.

Forest went on to become an exceptional drug detection dog, helping recover more than $1.5 million worth of illegal drugs during his career. His journey reinforced something I believe with all my heart: every Labrador has unique gifts, and when those gifts are recognized and nurtured, they can make an incredible difference in the lives of others.

That experience became one of the defining moments behind Chara' Labradors. It strengthened my commitment to producing Labrador Retrievers with sound temperaments, excellent health, and the versatility to succeed in whatever role they're destined to fill—whether that's as a beloved family companion, a show dog, a performance competitor, a hunting partner, or a working dog serving the community.

Every litter I plan reflects that same philosophy: breed with purpose, raise with intention, and carefully match each puppy to the home where it can truly thrive.