Hobby Breeders breeding AKC Registered Labrador Retrievers
Presented by Arvid DeBraganca at House Passport
Our Story
Our Mission
At Sunset Bay Labradors, our mission is to breed AKC-registered Labrador Retrievers with exceptional quality and sound temperament. We prioritize responsible breeding practices that focus on health, structure, and breed standards. Our goal is to preserve the integrity and timeless characteristics of this remarkable breed.
Our Team
Our team is made up of experienced professionals who share a deep passion for Labrador Retrievers and a commitment to providing exceptional service to every family we work with. Sunset Bay Labradors is owned by Christine Bradford, who has built her program with the guidance support of trusted experts throughout her journey. Established in 2024, Sunset Bay Labradors is dedicated to breeding AKC‑registered Labrador Retrievers whose parents have undergone comprehensive genetic testing, including OFA Hip and Elbow Clearances, Eye Clear Certification, EIC Clearance, and Dilute Status (Clear/Non‑Carrier). Our goal is to preserve the integrity of the breed while producing healthy, well‑tempered Labradors that meet the highest standards.
OUR STORY
Our journey began in 2021 when Cooper came into our lives at eight months old. Like most young Labradors, Cooper was full of energy and enthusiasm, but he also needed training and guidance. Determined to set him up for success, I enrolled him in a basic obedience class.
I'll never forget leaving that first class in tears, completely frustrated by my untrained furry friend. When I returned the following week, I learned one of the most valuable lessons of my dog journey: training isn't really about training your dog. It's about training yourself. Learning how to communicate, read, and understand your dog creates a partnership built on trust and mutual respect. Once that relationship is established, the training follows.
Cooper became our greatest teacher. Together, we worked hard, and he went on to earn his CGC (Canine Good Citizen) title and Rally Novice title. More importantly, he inspired us to learn more, do more, and become better dog owners and advocates for the breed we love. Today, Cooper is an incredible companion and remains the foundation of everything we do at Sunset Bay Labradors.
Our conformation journey also began in 2021 at the Royal Canin National All-Breed Championship Show in Orlando, Florida. We were ringside cheering for my husband's aunt, Tami Bradford of Traxx Siberian Huskies, and her beautiful dogs. Watching the competition and the dedication of breeders and exhibitors sparked something in me. That was the moment I caught the bug.
Having owned four Labradors throughout my life, I already knew the breed held a special place in my heart. With Cooper joining our family, I knew without a doubt that Labradors were my breed.
Through Tami, we were introduced to Darlene Craze of Windy Hill Labradors, a respected breeder and professional dog trainer with more than 30 years of experience. Darlene generously shared her knowledge, and I listened, learned, and absorbed everything I could. In 2022, she entrusted us with co-owning Hadlee, and over the years she has become not only a mentor but also a treasured friend. She taught me that no dog is perfect and that building a Champion requires patience, consistency, dedication, and countless hours of hard work.
In the Fall of 2025, Hadlee began showing with professional handler, breeder, and mentor Arvind M. DeBraganca. From the moment they met, Hadlee adored Arvind. Anyone who has watched him in the ring understands the remarkable connection he develops with his dogs. They trust him completely, and it is clear how deeply he cares for each one and Hadlee truly blossomed with Arvind and his assistant Sam Czajkowski. Hadlee’s confidence, attitude, and presence in the ring has grown stronger with each show.
That year she earned six championship points, including a Major and her first class win at a Labrador Retriever Club Specialty. Watching Hadlee compete at Royal Canin among some of the most accomplished breeders and exhibitors in the country was both surreal and deeply rewarding. It was also a reminder that success in this sport is never achieved alone. It takes a team.
Under Arvind's presentation, Hadlee earned her second Major with a Best of Opposite Sex win and Winners Bitch for a three-point Major, bringing her total to nine championship points. Hadlee went on to win her 3rd Major and her first BOB for a total of 14 points by the summer of 2026. We are incredibly proud of everything she has accomplished. In September 2026 and with Sam Czajkowski showing Hadlee, Hadlee earned her final point winning Winners Bitch, BOS for a total of 15 Champion Points and her Champion Title (pending AKC approval). She also won BOS for her first point towards her GCH.
We are incredibly grateful to be surrounded by people who believe in us, support us, and celebrate every milestone along the way. We couldn't be prouder of how far Hadlee has come, and we know our journey is only beginning.
Hadlee's story has never been about ribbons or titles alone. It is about growth, perseverance, mentorship, friendship, and a deep love for the Labrador Retriever. Every lesson, every show, and every mile traveled has strengthened our commitment to preserving and promoting this wonderful breed.
This fall we will step away from the show ring to breed Hadlee for our fist litter at Sunset Bay Labradors. Darlene and I will be breeding this litter, and we have already chosen a gorgeous stud. Hadlee will be heading to VA to be whelped by Darlene. I can't wait to see what the future holds for Hadlee and these puppies.
At Sunset Bay Labradors, we truly believe that excellence is built through passion, dedication, and teamwork. I'm super proud of TEAM HADLEE!
Hadlee
CH Windy Hill's High Hopes
(CH Hadleigh Greenstone Guido × Horne's Fight the Power at Windy Hill)
Presented by Arvind M. DeBraganca and his assistant Sam Czajkowski of House Passport
Bred By: Darlene Craze, Mike Horne & Rene Horne
Owned By: Darlene Craze, Christine Bradford and Jeff Bradford
Sunset Bay Labradors, LLC
Where Passion Meets Excellence™
Capturing moments of excellence in every frame
