I was interested in a Lab puppy with good hunting bloodlines who would also be a good personal companion with a loud woof! I was single and living alone in the big city at the time!

I was very interested in finding a “responsible” breeder. Although I know a lot more about what that truly means now after years of knowing and working with Sandy, at the time, that meant that I wanted a breeder who had a few good quality litters per year and one who did genetic testing to screen for problems common to the breed. Knowing Sandy for these past many years has been a huge education in the many, many ways a breeder is a good steward of the breed and the individual animals in their care. I got very lucky to have stumbled upon her and she is the yard stick by which I measure all other dog breeders. It doesn’t necessarily matter that they all fall short, because I can’t imagine buying a dog from anyone else.

I chose RBRandL because Sandy was a thoughtful communicator from the very beginning, and we had meaningful conversations about her dogs, my background and experience, and our mutual expectations. I could tell she genuinely cared for her dogs as family members, and I felt I would receive a lot of ongoing support once I purchased one of her dogs.

We have now purchased TWO Labradors from Sandy, so that may pretty much say it all. Our experiences have been universally positive. If we could have eight of her dogs, we probably would!

I could write a novel about our dogs. They’re gorgeous, well-tempered, superb hunters, cherished family companions, and a million other things. I can’t say enough about them.

I have enough respect for Sandy and her dogs that I actually do NOT recommend her to every random person who asks me about a Lab puppy. Sandy’s dogs deserve extremely committed families who will be responsible in every way (and Sandy would accept nothing less). Unfortunately, that doesn’t describe just any owner. For the people that keep their dogs inside, treat them as part of the family, hunt, or otherwise meaningfully engage with their dogs, absolutely I recommend Sandy exclusively.

I would just like to thank Sandy (and Chris, and the whole RBR&L “team”) for the role they’ve played in our lives in making it possible for us to live with these absolutely cherished family members. We can’t imagine our lives without our wonderful dogs, and it is a privilege to be their caretakers, even though sometimes it truly is the dogs who are taking care of us. We’ll be loyal and lifelong customers. More than that, over the years, Sandy has been an amazing resource and a wonderful friend to us. We are extremely grateful for everything.

I have had Labradors all my life. But I have never had dogs like the ones from RBRandL.

What first impressed me was the setting along the Shenandoah River in beautiful rural, West Virginia. What dogs wouldn't be happy and of good nature being hand raised here?

It wasn't just the setting or the nature of the dogs. It was the whole package: good dogs and good training.

Sandy Stokes not only provided me with ideal animals, she also provided me with the training I needed to keep my dogs happy and healthy.

Sandy was always there with advice, additional training, and care for my dogs whenever needed.

This setting and attention may not be for everyone, but it was exactly what I wanted and needed to make my two dogs, Duke & Duchess, a loving part of my family and my life.

For anyone interested in a high quality pure bred labrador retriever, this is the only breeder I would trust! The Stokes dedication to producing offspring that represents the best characteristics of labs, from conformation to working ability to temperament, is unbeatable. They are also dedicated to performing every test they can on their breeding animals to insure they do not pass on congenital/genetic diseases in their lines. Whether you are looking for a working retriever or family pet, please consider Red Barn Ranch and Labradors!!

Max is a true family companion. Her loyalty and unconditional love makes her the ideal family member. She loves to travel and has accompanied us on various business and pleasure trips. In addition, she was easily trained to act accordingly so that she can be taken to the office during work hours. Max’s playful demeanor also allows her to frequently provide comic relief. We are truly thankful that we learned about Red Barn Ranch and Labradors and decided to receive one of their puppies. We have frequently recommended their Labs and as a result, one of our friends got his Labrador from Sandy. We know of no better place to get a Labrador Retriever.Read more

From the first time we spoke to Sandy on the phone, we knew she was the breeder for us and that we were going to add a RBRandL Labrador to our family. We visited the puppies a few weeks after they were born, and 8-29-10 we welcomed Cooper to our home.

He came to us crate trained and almost housebroken. He is so smart and very talented. Cooper trains in Freestyle and Rally. He moves beautiful for a large dog. He is also the best when it comes to small children. He gets along fine with our 2 other Labradors.

Cooper has done well as a gun dog the times he has been taken to hunt on the Susquehanna River. He has a lot of hunting drive.

Sandy has guided me in Cooper's health and nutrition from day one. She has always been there to answer all of my questions. She is the most dedicated and caring breeder. We purchased a few Labs before Cooper and have never had this unique relationship with any of the breeders. I am very blessed to have met Sandy and to be a part of RBRandL Labrador family.

We have had several dogs (all small breeds) in our family over the years and went into unfamiliar territory with a Lab.  Our son always wanted a sturdy, larger breed to share outdoor activities but we were concerned with the rambunctiousness of a Lab inside our home.  Our experience with RBRandL has been wonderful.  Their selective breeding, careful and loving rearing and then their abilities to match the dog’s personality with our request was right on target.  We couldn’t be happier with Brooke.

I heard about Red Barn Ranch and Labradors through a friend who bought a RBRandL puppy in 2011. Chris and Sandy invite you into their home and treat you as if they have known you for years. Their home is not a place full of kennels or dogs that are over bred, instead what you see are their "girls", as they call them, happily running the hills of their beautiful farm or sleeping right on the kitchen floor.

RBRandL Bella Grace II is our beautiful chocolate female Lab. She is named after her grandmother and mother. We call her "Gracie". She has one of the most beautiful coats that we have ever seen on a Labrador. Gracie learned quickly to sit, stay, shake, speak, and easily crate trained. She's been swimming since we brought her home at 7 weeks of age. Gracie joined our two German Wirehaired Pointers and she made herself right at home. She has stolen our hearts!

Luke came into my life at a time when my service dog, a Beauceron named Puller, was nearing the end of his life. I hoped that Luke would fill those big paws of responsibility and he has done so. Luke was tested as a puppy to see if he had “the stuff “to be a service dog and he passed those tests with flying colors.

Luke followed Puller around and watched as Puller did his job as a seizure alert and assistance dog. Luke is now a certified service dog. He is one of those dogs that when you look into his eyes you are simply looking into his soul. Playful, but always very aware of where I am and what I am doing.

I chose Sandy and RBR & L as my breeder because of the way they raise their dogs. Naturally fed using Wendy Volhard’s food (my choice also), minimal vaccinations and a healthy home environment with lots of outdoor time. And the big plus, this is not some commercial kennel, this is their home where their dogs are part of the family and live in the house. I also love that Sandy & Chris have stayed involved in Luke’s life, they are remarkable people and quality breeders.

As a Realtor, the greatest compliment is a referral or a repeat client -- I think so highly of my first RBRandL Labrador that I have done both. I was blessed with the opportunity to welcome THREE Red Barn Ranch and Labrador Labs into my home and there is no turning back!  One, two, THREE Red Barn Ranch Labradors bless my home, my life! As a testimonial goes, three speaks volumes to my commitment to Red Barn Ranch and Labradors as well as Sandy's commitment to me. Yes, the breeder's commitment to the client; it is a relationship, not a transaction when buying one (or three) of these puppies.

The beginning of my story is similar to many - after the passing of my first Labrador, I grieved. When my heart and mind were ready, I began to research the purchase of my next black Labrador. I met and talked with a couple of breeders, none fitting what I wanted, none making the connection. One breeder kindly recommended I pay a visit to Sandy Stokes in Charles Town, WV; she just happened to have black Labrador puppies soon to be ready for their new homes. The day I made the trip I was not ready to welcome a puppy into my life; however, God and Puppy #3 had a different plan! When the gate opened, Gracie, along with her eleven puppies made their way out; it was Puppy #3 along with the special meeting with the Stokes that changed my mind, my heart and my life - forever!

For Sandy Stokes the Red Barn Ranch and Labradors breeding is not a part-time or side job operation; it is who she is and what she does - full time, everyday! Sandy has been there to help me and other owners with training and education related to everything from the right collar to the right bones for chewing to their daily diet. Years later she continues to be there for the celebrations as well as whatever challenge one or all three may deliver my way. Likewise, as the breeding program grows, so does the network of owners who connect and even rely on one another for advice or guidance.

Rodanthe, Maggie and Sandpiper enjoy every opportunity to travel with me from errands to vacations. During our travels we and have encountered countless people who admire and compliment in different ways: sitting in traffic, folks 'hoot' from their vehicles, 'your dogs are gorgeous!' or running on beach, swimming in the ocean they become part of OTHER families' home movies. While my three are particular special to me; because of Sandy's dedication to her breeding program, all Red Barn Ranch Labradors possess the same outstanding personalities that captivate the people that experience them. The quality of dog in these pups is truly amazing and has made training and spoiling them EASY!
The Stokes Family and the beloved Red Barn Ranch and Labradors' Desdemona's Grace (Gracie), you are truly amazing and all these years later, I thank you every day…times THREE!

Red Barn Ranch and Labradors - you not only have a client for life, you have a friend who shouts from the mountain tops how great these Labradors are and will continue to do so!  Thank you for opening the door to your home, to your heart and the gate to these wonderful Labradors!

Stryker is such a gentle and sweet dog and wonderful to train. He is especially good with other dogs and loves to play with his best friends who happen to be Westies and Wire Haired Dachshunds. There is a calmness about him which is endearing and very typical of the dogs that Sandy breeds.   We love him dearly.

Huck is a brilliant, enthusiastic puppy with lots of energy. He has integrated well into our family of two other older dogs. We have started him in basic obedience, and he picks up new things very fast.  He loves people, and accepts human leadership well. He also has a very sweet disposition.

I love crazy Huck. He is very smart

Maizie is my trusted and most loyal companion. Thanks Sandy for this wonderful house mate. She and Mel have helped extend my years.