About us

Welcome to Blackthorn Labradors! We are located just south of Olympia, the capital of Washington—also known as the "Evergreen State." We've been busy over the last 55-plus years exhibiting, obedience trailing, running in hunt tests, duck and upland hunting, breeding, judging all over the world, and just plain loving our Labradors.

I (Barb) am a Charter Member of the Rose City Labrador Retriever Club, a Lifetime Member of Puget Sound Labrador Retriever Association,  a former President of the  Mt. Rainier Labrador Retriever Club, and currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Parent Club (LRC Inc.).  

All of our breeding stock today traces back to our legendary Multiple Best in Specialty Show sire, Am/Can CH Monarch's Black Arrogance CD WC. This remarkable sire was the Top Producer for several years running (produce a minimum of five championships per year to gain this Top Producer distinction),  a notable sire for our kennel and for many others around the world.

We hope you enjoy your visit to our website, where you meet our dogs and enjoy our beautiful gardens along the way.

~ Barbara and Robert Gilchrist ~ 


Meet our dogs

Boys

Stud dogs available for approved bitches 

Girls

Cornerstone of our breeding program

Puppies

Available puppies and upcoming  litters

Boys

Stud dogs available for approved bitches

Learn more

Girls

The cornerstone of our breeding program

Learn more

Puppies

Available puppies and upcoming litters

Learn more

Recent news and brags


Blackthorn's Evening Mai Tai JH SH

(CH Hadleigh Greenstone Geno  X Blackthorn Limon Fizz)

Blackthorn's Evening Mai Tai JH SH

We are so happy to announce Mai Tai’s new Senior Hunter title! She was bred by us and is co‑owned with Kristine Powell, whose dedication made this title possible. We are so proud of Mai Tai… she truly has what it takes!

Comeback Kid! After an injury to GinGin’s leg and a long recovery, this Championship means more than most. On Friday, January 16, 2026, GinGin (Blackthorn Gin N Tonic) won WB and BOW at the Rose City LRC Winter Specialty under judge Ronald Morelos, finishing her Championship. At the regular show before the Specialty, judge Edmund Dzuik also awarded Gin Gin WB and BOW. We’re extremely proud — she walked off with two 4‑point majors and a brand‑new title.