Family Raised English Labrador Puppies in Michigan
Welcome to Michigan Elite Labradors! We are the Karp family in Wheeler, Michigan, and we are passionate about raising loving English Labrador Retrievers that become cherished members of their families.
Our breeding program has been built over generations of our own lineage, with a strong focus on health, temperament and conformation. We especially value the calm, gentle, eager to please temperament that makes our Labrador Retrievers such incredible family companions and an excellent choice for therapy and service work.
Over the years, we have had the honor of helping families throughout Michigan and across the country welcome a Labrador into their life, while also placing puppies into loving homes where they have gone on to serve important roles as therapy and service dogs.
As AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. breeders, we carefully evaluate our adult Labradors through extensive genetic testing, OFA hip evaluations and temperament assessments. Our goal is to thoughtfully pair our Labradors to produce healthy, well balanced puppies with the temperament and conformation we want to continue through future generations.
Learn how to reserve your puppy.
We would be honored to help you Experience the Love of a Labrador!
Julie Varchetti
Finding MEL was one of the greatest blessings to our family. We are the proud parents of the smartest, sweetest, most laid back lab, Gracie. Steve Karp and family are incredible to work with and truly care for their puppies and the families who adopt from them. If I could give 100 stars, I would! If you're searching for a lab, look no further.
Kara Bunbury
We cannot say enough great things about M.E.L. and owner Steve Karp. Steve is very hands on throughout the entire process- sending weekly updates until the pups come home and remaining in contact thereafter. Our handsome male puppy is not only the best looking lab we’ve ever had, but his temperament and personality are both absolutely perfect. Everywhere we go people ask what breeder he came from. We’ve had labs our entire life from various breeders, but we are now and forever will be, a “Michigan Elite Labs” family!
Melissa Koontz
After a tragic & sudden loss from our last Labrador (non MEL) we were on the hunt for another English Lab & came across Michigan Elite Labradors web page. I instantly knew they were the right breeder for us, I contacted Steve and he answered all my questions and concerns before I got on the waiting list (which wasn’t a long wait even tho I was 9th in line). We got many (very cute) updates on our soon to be little puppy. The whole experience was very relaxing & easy going, you can tell Steve & his family put so much love & time into ALL of their puppies. We feel honored to be apart of the Michigan Elite Labrador family!
Jill Price
We were looking for a pure bred lab but were very skeptical about many breeders until we found Michigan Elite Labs. We knew after our first contact with them we found the breeder we were looking for. Stan is 10 months old and we love him to pieces. If you are looking for a pure bred lab you have found the perfect breeder. We couldn’t have possibly asked for anything more with our baby!
Butch Benzenbauer
We are so blessed to have found Michigan Elite Labradors 4 years ago. We live in Central Indiana & drove to Michigan to pick up our gorgeous baby puppy. Our Ruby is smart, loving & beautiful. Everyone loves Ruby & Ruby loves everyone. We would never think of going anywhere but Michigan Elite to get a Lab. Steve & Alisha really care about their Labs. Steve is always just a phone call away if you have any questions. Steve is very knowledgeable about his Labrador Retrievers. In 2015 our Ruby was on the cover of "JUST LABS" magazine. If you want an amazing Labrador puppy check out Michigan Elite Labradors you will be glad you did!
Rich Tota
My family has been extremely happy with our MEL experience. From the first contact with Steve, you are reassured with their dedication to the breed and the MEL family that you become a part of.
It's said that one of the best signs of a "good product" is repeat customers. We're proud to be an example of that, with 2 MEL dogs in our home. Temperament, physical health and the characteristics of MEL dogs are perfection. Our 2 1/2 year old and now 8 month old males are amazing dogs and family members.
The added benefit of the MEL owners group is also a great perk. We've made amazing friends through the group, which is reinforced each year at the annual reunion.
I would not hesitate to recommend Michigan Elite Labradors to family and friends!
Cindy Jenks
We found MEL after losing our lab. We looked at all of the photos and knew we would get a beautiful pup but didnt expect all of the wonderful traits they would have. Smart, LOVING, playful, very loyal, and goofy babies! We ended up getting 2! They are beyond my wildest dreams of what a pet should be... So intuitive! When ive had issues, steve has been a phone call away with the answers. Best babies around... You wont be sorry!
Linda Sargent
We have 2 MEL's since 2008 when Steve started selling Lab pups. I believe we were part his second litter and his biggest litter with Cocco and Chopper (14 pups). Both of the parents were beautiful and on site when we went to pick out our first "Pink Collar" girl. We picked up our second "Pink Collar" girl in late 2014. They have become best friends from the beginning. They have never fought or growled at each other and play very well together. We have had the best puppies/dogs/best friends we could ever ask for from a breeder. The Karp's are very caring and knowledgeable about the Labrador breed. Any questions I have ever had Steve has always been there to guide me and teach me. His extended MEL family has been very inspiring and amusing as we all watch the pups grow into beautiful pets.
Kris Thompson
Michigan Elite Labradors are wonderful. We had a great experience working with the Karp family. Our little black lab has brought us so many blessings! Thank you Karp family😊
Lynne King
Michigan Elite Labs are absolutely outstanding. They are the most
wonderful family and breeders. They are extremely reputable and involved
with every pup. Steve is always available to you. I called so many times.
He is conscientious and really cares about where his puppies go. We got
Jax (Bach/Zillow 12/14) and he was the most amazing sweet lovable calm
puppy. He is beyond gorgeous. As a matter of fact, I can honestly say that I
have never seen better looking labs. Elite labs are very intelligent and have
excellent temperaments. Jax was potty trained right away. When I got a
trainer, He learned everything immediately. She was so impressed with
him and shocked how well he did. She trains Leader of the Blinds dogs so
it was a huge compliment coming from her. We have people stop us
everywhere to ask if he is a show dog. One of them was a breeder.
Another huge bonus is the all the relationships we have made amongst the
Elite family. I love all the stories and pictures. Many of us got together for a
Michigan Elite Lab's Reunion. All the dogs were gorgeous fun and well
behaved. Even all the parents were a blast. I could go on and on about
Michigan Elite Labs, but most important is the fact I would never get a dog
from anyone else!