DUCKHILL KENNELS
British Labradors. The Duckhill Way.
Preserving the British Labrador. Continuing the Duckhill Legacy.
These qualities didn't happen by accident.
They trace back to one person's vision for what a working Labrador should be.
The Duckhill Legacy
Duckhill Kennels began with Robert Milner and his vision for producing exceptional working Labradors through thoughtful breeding and training without force. Long before positive reinforcement was common practice, Robert built his training model around it and bred Labradors capable of excelling wherever a dog might be asked to work, in the field, in search and rescue, in service to the people who needed them, and at home as part of a family. That vision became the foundation of everything Duckhill Kennels still stands for today.
For over a decade, Mauri Jourdan worked alongside Robert in the day-to-day life of Duckhill Kennels as his kennel manager and mentee, raising, training, evaluating, and breeding generations of Duckhill dogs. Over those years, Robert's mentorship developed into a close working partnership and eventually a lasting friendship. Robert remained the leader and driving force behind Duckhill, while he and Mauri continued to develop and refine the breeding and training program through their years of working the dogs together.
Heather Hodges also spent several years working and training under Robert and Mauri, gaining hands-on experience caring for, raising, and training Duckhill dogs.
When Robert's role at the kennel changed, he chose Mauri and Heather to continue what he had built. He trusted them, believed in their commitment to Duckhill, and entrusted them with more than a kennel name. He wanted the British Labrador bloodlines he had carefully selected and preserved within the Duckhill breeding program to continue, along with the traits that defined his dogs. Carrying Duckhill forward meant preserving those bloodlines and qualities while remaining true to the breeding and training principles that had shaped the program.
The original Duckhill Kennels Somerville, TN location closed, and Duckhill entered a new chapter. Today, Duckhill continues through two independently operated kennels: Duckhill Kennels North, led by Mauri Jourdan in Battleview, North Dakota, and Duckhill Kennels South, led by Heather Hodges in Halls, Tennessee.
While each kennel now operates independently, both remain connected to the dogs, bloodlines, principles, and history that began with Robert Milner and Duckhill Kennels.
One Legacy, Two Kennels
Duckhill Kennels North
Located in Battleview, North Dakota, Duckhill Kennels North is led by Mauri Jourdan and operates independently. Duckhill North carries forward bloodlines from Robert Milner's original Duckhill breeding program and remains firmly rooted in the breeding and training philosophy he established.
Mauri is committed to honoring those principles and the Duckhill name entrusted to her, while also preserving the knowledge and practices she and Robert developed through their many years working together. Her own decades of hands-on experience, continued study, and knowledge gained through each generation of dogs continue to guide the program today.
Many of the dogs at Duckhill North today descend directly from the bloodlines Robert carefully developed and preserved throughout his years at Duckhill. Those generations remain an important part of the breeding program today.
Among them are:
Indigo — son of Geronimo, grandson of Banjo, and great-grandson of Boomer
Whiskey — descendant of Otter and Viceroy Encore
Bianca — daughter of Tibea Duckflight (Angus) and Stellar Event,
Lady — descendant of Cuckavalda Monty (Tex), Otter, Buccleuch Ultra (Jake), and Northvale Becca, and Brackenbird Minnow
Magnolia - descendant of Buccleuch Ultra (Jake), and Northvale Becca
TJ - daughter of Tudorcourt Twigs Shadow and grand-daughter of Buccleuch Ultra (Jake),
Majj - descendant of Major Event and Sailor’s Return
Oakley - descendent of Geronimo, Banjo, and Boomer
Duckhill Kennel South
Duckhill Kennels South is led by Heather Hodges and operates independently in Halls, Tennessee. Heather spent several years working and training under Robert Milner and Mauri Jourdan at Duckhill Kennels, gaining hands-on experience raising, caring for, and training Duckhill Labradors while learning the principles that have long guided the program.
Today, Heather carries that experience into her own breeding program at Duckhill South, where she continues to work with Duckhill bloodlines and raise dogs within the tradition in which she was trained.
Several of the dogs at Duckhill South today descend from Robert Milner's established Duckhill bloodlines, carrying forward generations of dogs that have been part of the program.
Among them are:
Milo - descendant of Viceroy Encore, Banjo, Boomer, and Otter
Indigo — son of Geronimo, grandson of Banjo, and great-grandson of Boomer
Wren - daughter of Guinevere, descendant of Tibea Duckflight (Angus,) and Buccleuch Ultra (Jake)
Willow- daughter of Bianca and grand-daughter of Tibea Duckflight (Angus)
Itty Bitty - daughter of Indigo, descendant of Geronimo, Banjo, Boomer, and Buccleuch Ultra (Jake)
From Instinct to Ability
Black Labrador Retriever gun dog confidently retrieving a training bumper from the water. This young retriever demonstrates natural drive, strong swimming ability, and excellent focus all are key traits in well-bred working Labradors.
Adorable British Labrador Retriever puppies in red, yellow, and black snuggled together shortly after birth. These well-bred pups highlight the classic coat variations seen in British Labs, and they’re being raised with a strong focus on health and early socialization.
Fox red British Labrador Retriever puppy confidently retrieving a training bumper through the woods. This young gun dog in training is developing strong natural retrieving instincts, focus, and drive — essential qualities for future field work, hunting, and search and rescue training. Early retrieval exercises like this build a solid foundation for advanced handling and working dog success.
Well-trained black Labrador Retrievers patiently waiting for handling cues during a gun dog training session. These British Labradors demonstrate steadiness, focus, and teamwork — essential skills for working dogs in hunting and field trial environments. Proper steadiness training ensures that retrievers remain calm and ready for direction, whether in the field or during advanced search and rescue work.
News from Duckhill
Training, breeding, puppies, and the knowledge behind generations of Duckhill Labradors.
Duckhill has always been about more than the dogs themselves. It's also about the knowledge passed down through years of breeding, raising, training, and working with them.
News from Duckhill continues that tradition by sharing articles from the Duckhill archives, including writings from founder Robert Milner, alongside new information and experiences from Duckhill today. Topics will range from breeding, puppy development, training, and helping puppies successfully transition into their new homes to gun dog work, search and rescue, and the many ways these dogs continue to put their natural abilities to work.
Join the list and we'll let you know whenever something new is published.