About Us
Welcome to Flying S Retrievers.
We have owned Retrievers and gun dogs all of our lives. Breeding Labs early on, we took a break as our active teen children's schedules had them traveling a lot. With the children now adults on their own, I have jumped back into Labrador Retrievers, hunt testing, dock diving, and obedience.
We started our love of animals with Flying S Ranch in Wisconsin, where we owned an equine breeding, boarding, training, and sales facility. All of this combined with tack store, feed dealership, and 4-H Leaders kept us busy. We attended Iowa State and were certified for equine reproduction and insemination which has crossed over nicely into our dog side of the business.
For years after moving to South Dakota, I used my animal experience as the Medical Supervisor at The Humane Society of the Black Hills working with many of the area vets doing intake, treatment, and spay/neuter surgery. This job resulted in a few rescue misfit cats and dogs in our home as well as multiple foster animals through the years. I still volunteer as a tech with several rescue and spay/neuter organizations when possible.
We have a pheasant lodge in the heart of Pheasant Country called Dog Ear Lodge. I own my own kennel and my husband owns his own, each with our own dogs and breeding philosophy. We are avid bird hunters and several of our dogs guide at upland lodges through the pheasant season. We also antler shed hunt in the early spring, hunt big game, and fish every chance we get.
All of my breeding animals are AKC registered Labrador Retrievers. Our dogs are selected for their disposition, athletic ability, trainability, and health. Most of our dogs are hunt test, dock diving, and/or obedience titled. We enjoy the outdoors and have various hobbies that involve our dogs including hunting, antler shed hunting, hiking, jeeping, camping, hunt tests, and horseback riding. Our puppies have a 26 month hip, elbow, genetic, and eye guarantee, and come current on all vaccinations and worming. I have a few dogs with talents in more than one area, so keep an eye out for a couple of our dogs in dock diving, rally, barn hunt, and Canine Good Citizen as well. All of our dogs are health tested prior to breeding including OFA hips, elbows, cardiac, dentition, CNM, DM, PRA/PRCD and EIC, and in most cases much, much more.
Though we have a lot of practical medical experience, we are by no means veterinarians. We may share our stories, and life experiences with our clients, but ALWAYS consult your vet when it comes to the health of your animals.
We try to maintain three kinds of dogs here.
The Sporting Gun Dog : Hard charging dogs for the demanding sportsman and experienced dog handler. These dogs are best suited to hunt test, working bird dogs in a guide situation, or an active experienced home.
The Classic Gun Dog: Working dogs in the classic Labrador tradition, calm and biddable, with outstanding game-finding and retrieving ability. These dogs are suitable as a family pet but retained the activity level and natural instinct needed for that nice all around dog during the hunting season. Tend to be medium activity level.
The Occasional Gun Dog: Gentle and intelligent companion dogs that retain hunting instincts. These dogs are just happy to be doing what you are doing. They are great for a leisurely hour at a time upland, or a nice morning in the blind, and make outstanding companions.
About Our Dogs
%20(1).png)
Breed Standards
We only breed the three standard colors known to the Labrador breed: Black , Yellow, and Chocolate and their accepted shades. All of the dogs in our program are DD dilute clear and we have removed anything with dilute lines or pedigrees from our program.
Our labs are bred to be within the breed standard for size. You will find that our females are 55 to 70 lbs and our males are 65 to 80 lbs.
Testimonials
"While I have not purchased from Shannon and Mark, she has willingly shared with me and many lab owners lots of great advice about raising our puppies in several forums. She is a advocate of all labs and does significant health testing to ensure the quality of labs coming out of her breeding program. She and her husband are very well respected among the breeding community. I would be thrilled to own a Flying S Retriever! "
~ Beth Clark
We've had our new baby boy home for about 4 weeks now. He is such a beautiful and healthy dog!! Flying S puts a lot of effort and love into the work they do. Very selective with the breeding selections. I was fortunate enough to meet them and I only wish I could've stayed longer. We will be returning next year for a new female furbaby!! Highly recommended if you want a great dog, from great lines, raised by great people.
~ Micah Christian
When our 12 year old chocolate lab passed away our family was devastated. Shannon was patient with me through the emotional decision to add another lab into our family. She made sure she understood the type of dog I was looking for and kept me updated as the puppies were born and growing. When picking up Liberty (Max and Katie litter) at 8 weeks old, the puppy area was clean and organized. At our first vet visit, our vet was very impressed with our breeder and the information and health records we were given about Liberty's parents and lineage. We could not be happier with our new girl who is now 12 weeks old. It is obvious she was well socialized and loved. She is smart, kind, and loves to cuddle. Shannon and Mark are not only raising hunting dogs but also members of the family. I highly recommend Flying S Retrievers for your next companion.
~ Jamie Maher
Our experience with Shannon has been and was amazing. She kept us updated and in the loop after puppies were born and we got to watch our Drake grow until we were able to pick him up!! Drake has been such a blessing and we can't be happier with him!!! Thank you Shannon!!!!
~ Claire Taylor
My wife and I have been looking for the right dog to add to our family. I searched for the right kennel and Flying S Retrievers was the one. After looking and talking to some of the owners none of them cared for there dogs the way they did. Their dogs weren't just there pets they were like their kids. After visiting with Shannon and getting to know about her and the parents to my puppy I knew this was the litter for me. Shannon made sure that I knew what I was getting into and gave me information to help prepare me for my puppy. When we arrived to pick out my puppy she let me come not once but as many times as I seen fit to help me make the right choice in picking my puppy. I would highly recommend anyone looking for a puppy to look at Flying S Retrievers as the experience and the quality puppies you are getting are top notch. Thanks again for the help and for also helping me as my puppy continues to grow.
~ Tom Squires
Derald and I would like to say that our experience with Flying S Retrievers has been nothing but excellent. Shannon goes above, and beyond to provide the best quality, and beauty of pups to her retriever program. Very well educated on the knowledge of the breed, and answers any questions you might have before, during, and after purchasing one of her pups. We have our pups ACE and Cali who are amazing. Thankful every day that we have gotten to know Shannon, and now have her pups.
~ Cindy Poindexter
Poindexter's County Line Kennels
You can't ask for a more attentive, responsible, loving breeder! Shannon and Mark take the utmost care to endure healthy and driven lines with their dogs and as a buyer, keep you involved and up to date for a phenomenal experience from start to finish! Above and beyond anything you can imagine, highly recommended them!!
~ Melaney Barba
Shannon is a top-notch breeder and amazing person. She forms a personal connection with her suppliers and customers. But, most of all, she forms a personal connection with each of her dogs. Their welfare is her top priority. I have witnessed her spending many a sleepless night to nurse a struggling pup back to health. In today's world of self-fulfillment, that kind of sacrifice and commitment is tough to find
~ Kristi Bussler
Von Bussler Labradors
Getting our new fuzzy son from Shannon and Mark at Flying S Retrievers was an amazing experience! Regular updates on the pups, driving a social connection with all of the future owners, being readily available to answer questions, plan delivery/pick-ups, providing incredibly detailed records. we couldn't be happier overall with the entire experience!
~ Kellie Womack
Very respectable breeder that strives to produce only the best! They have some of the top pedigrees available and also health test to ensure they produce the best quality competitors and companions possible. Great job!
~ Nathan Atkinson
Fowlplay Retrievers
Shannon raises some of the best dogs! My parents adopted Althea last year and she has been a great dog! As just a family dog she loves to retrieve and spend all day in the lake but also loves to sit in your lap. She has such a great personality and is great with everyone and everything she meets. These dogs definitely have great genes and great breeders!
~Ashley Ritchie
Flying S Retrievers, has been helpful form the deposit. From having to keep the puppy a few more weeks while I was out of country. To reaching out every few months to check in on our dog Kiai. I feel I can reach out anytime if I’m having an issue with training, health, or anything else and have an answer shortly. It’s been a little over two years since we got Kiai and it’s nice to know Shannon cares about the dogs and checks in on them. Thanks for everything.
~ Jared Zerfoss
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Reliability, Responsiveness, Value
I can't say enough great things about this lady! You will not find a more passionate, loving, caring, knowledgeable breeder who dumps their heart and soul into everything she does!
I have been blessed to have done business with Shannon on more than one occasion and could not be more happy!! I've searched all over the US and keep coming back to Shannon. She produces top notch puppies and does so out of love!
~ Ashley Edgar
West Coast Retrievers
I found Shannon and Flying S Retrievers after a traumatic loss of our lab. Not only did Shannon help match us with a new pup, she continued to guide us through the trials of raising a new puppy. We loved Flying S so much we decided to get a 2nd pup a year later.
Most impressive is their dedication to the breed and the responsible approach they take to their adoptive families. It’s obvious they are dedicated to each and every litter and maintain a relationship with the families. If I ever need advice on anything Labrador, Shannon is the first person I would ask and trust. I would highly recommend Flying S Retrievers.
~ Laura Bjerke
We now have a chocolate and golden lab from Flying S Retrievers, and we cannot express enough how awesome Mark and Shannon are to work with. They are extremely knowledgeable, and highly educated dog breeders that are always willing to help at any time. It is easy to tell that Shannon and Mark care so deeply about all of their dogs and puppies. We feel so fortunate that we have had the chance to work with Flying S Retrievers and will continue to recommend them.
~ Joelle Neutzling
I have purchased 2 black lab puppies from Flying S Retrievers, and cannot express enough how awesome Mark and Shannon are to work with. They are extremely knowledgeable, and highly educated dog breeders that produce some of the best labs you will ever find! If you’re looking for high quality labs, look no further, you’re in the right spot!
~ Tawnya Hawkins
Shannon produces well bred, beautiful and cunning animals. She is very responsive and knowledgeable in every aspect. She has been my mentor for a few years and has helped guide me through obstacles effortlessly.
~ Lisa Morlock
I've gotten several pups and love them all! Plus their pup support is 100% . I've lost track at the amount of questions and conversations we've had Highly recommend!
~ Chad Odenbrett
Shannon’s extremely good to work with. I have both used one of her males and bought a female that I am now adding to my program once she passes her health clearances. She’s been very helpful along the way and never has a problem answering questions. I very highly recommend her and her program for your next puppy.
~ Justin Ranslam
I have a 1 year old white lab that I got from Shannon and mark and I couldn’t have asked for a better dog! I bird hunt alot and she can do it all she’s also a family dog and gets along great with our other dogs. I recommend Flying S Retrievers to anyone looking for a hunting partner/family member
~ Hunter Brutag
My husband and I cannot recommend Shannon and Mark highly enough. They have been absolutely amazing to work with. We were so indecisive on whether or not we were ready to add another dog to our family and wanted to be sure we picked the perfect one. So glad we decided to get a pup from Flying S. He is absolute perfect! They care for their dogs like no other breeder I have seen. Their dogs are great hunters and even better family members! They are always available to answer our questions and they are always allowing us to come out for a visit and to help with our hunting training. We are so happy with them and so in love with their dogs that we plan on getting another puppy from them in the future!
~ Kelsey Ruzicka
I can not recommend Shannon and Mark highly enough. We lost my husbands hunting partner and a beloved family pet almost 2 years ago. Since then I have been searching for a puppy for our family. We got our puppy from Shannon because of the way she cares for her dogs. They are great hunters but also part of the family. I knew that a puppy from Flying S would be from good lines, well taken care of and loved. We were not disappointed. Shannon's description of her was completely accurate and she gave us lots of information about the litter and the parents. Our puppy is well socialized with people and other animals, well adjusted, alert, attentive, bright, happy and loving. We could not be happier with our puppy or in our choice of getting a puppy from Shannon. Thank you so much Shannon! We love her!!!
~ Sandra Nichols
Great breeders! One of the smartest puppies we have ever owned. The love she has for her dogs and continued love she has for her pups after they leave is impressive. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a great Labrador.
~ Casie Gubler
I have done business with Flying S Retrievers (Shannon) several times. She is always professional and very helpful with any questions. She takes excellent care of her Labs. Would highly recommend purchasing a Lab from Flying S Retrievers.
~ Kim Nelson
We are so excited to welcome Althea our Yellow Lab from Flying S Retrievers. What a wonderful experience. Our vet was very impressed with all the information about Althea that was provided to us by Shannon including some wonderful pictures. We have owned several dogs and are so impressed how incredibly smart Althea is. For anyone looking for an exceptional dog we would highly recommend Flying S Retrievers!
~ Julie Auge
We got Opie (Rosco) he is adorable. It was an easy process to get him, he was flown in. We were very pleased, when we are looking to get another dog, we will definitely be contacting Shannon. Thank you so much.
~ Rejean Gardner
I bought a puppy from down south and Shannon brought him all the way up here for me! She took care of him and loved him like he was one of her own. Shannon & Mark are great people and I highly recommend them!
~ Bobbi Jo Simonsen
Running Ridge Retrievers
Amazing person! She owns a couple dogs from my lines and an adult female from my retired Lab breeding program (Im no longer breeding labs) She breeds for just the most versatile Labs I've seen and she also is an amazing photographer as well!!! I would highly recommend her to anyone! !!
~ Sarah McClary
Shannon and Mark just to put it bluntly where absolutely amazing from the very first time we spoke, during the breeding, pregnancy, birth, pickup and I strongly believe that will continue throughout Augustus's life. Never once did we feel out of the loop, never did I have to request pictures/videos, They knew our desire was a lab with a high drive to be the best so they anticipated our need and provided live pidgins so we could watch them work. They are very knowledgeable about the breed and have an impeccable line! They helped turn a very long drive (Alabama-South Dakota) into a weekend my family will never forget! Not only did we gain an absolutely amazing lil man to our family but friends as well!! Thank you both.
~ Luke Waters
Silver King Labs
"Working with Shannon at Flying S Retrievers has been an incredible experience for my family! About a year ago I contacted Shannon with interest in an upcoming litter but wanted to surprise my husband with this news. Shannon was on board right away and after talking about what we were looking for she helped me surprise my husband with this incredible news! Once the litter was born she made the experience of watching these pups grow every step of the way by creating a Facebook page specifically for the new families. It was always evident how much she cared for all of the puppies each and every day! Every step of the way we always felt like we were a part of our new little addition from the first day. Flying S Retrievers takes every measure to support you in your decision of adding a new family member and continues that support throughout. We could not be any happier with our choice to work with Shannon at Flying S Retrievers and look forward to working with her again in the future."
~Joelle Neutzling
Love these dogs and their breeder! Shannon is responsible, knowledgeable, and helpful. Her dogs are smart, healthy and very lovable!
~ Carol Salveson
Dog Trainer for Project Kenny
She has trained about 8 of our puppies for Veterans
Amazing breeder who loves her dogs! Thank you Shannon for all of your hard work.
~ Amber Jindra
We love our pup from Flying S Retrievers like no other and can never thank you enough for breeding such a good girl for us. We get so many compliments on how pretty she is all the time. She is ridiculously smart almost too smart for her own good!
~ Melissa Diatte
Great experience with high quality puppies carefully bred and healthy. I will buy from this breeder again
~ Doreen Burkart
Windbush Retrievers
I had a wonderful experience with Flying S Retrievers. Shannon is extremely knowledgeable and responsive to my questions. I had been waiting for a female since 2019. Finally in 2021 we welcomed home a beautiful English white female. The puppies are very well taken care of and she puts a lot of time and love into all the puppies. I would highly recommend Flying S Retrievers for English or American Labradors.
~ Taegan Mason
Best dogs and the best breeders. Health and care of their dogs is a top priority. I will never get a furry family member anywhere else. They genuinely care about all of their dogs, all over the country. They are always available to ask questions and help in anyway they can.
Shannon and Mark are top tier dog breeders and should be the expectation for any and all breeders to strive for.
~ Jackie Whitehead
They are great to work with, very knowledgeable, and their labs are the best. We’ve done their guardianship program for 3 dogs now and it’s been AMAZING!
~ Kelsie Simon
Certified Vet Tech
Mark and Shannon are amazing, caring and hard working. They love all animals and retrievers (family and hunting dogs) are their speciaty. You will find them to be some of the best in all aspects of the business.
~ Roseann Hess
Have been great to work with and have provided lots of support and advice . We have two dog from them and couldn’t be happier with both ! And look forward to getting another from them in the future
~ Emily Baraga
Highly recommended! She is great at picking the right puppy out for your needs she knows the personality on them. She has never be wrong weather your wanting a full on hunting fool or just one that wants to cuddle all day,
~ Christy Henker
Flying S Retrievers is one of the best in the Midwest. Mark and Shannon are very knowledgeable about the breed and do all the right steps to ensure you're taking home a top notch pup.
~ Kyle Thernes
We got our lab from Shannon 6 years ago!! Shannon was amazing to work with and answered every question we had!! Recommend her and her pups!
~ Becky Schmidtke