FAQ
Questions we're asked most
How much is a puppy?
$2,800, the same for every puppy in the litter, any color or sex. The price is confirmed when a litter is born and hasn't changed since 2025.
How does the deposit work?
$500, taken only after we've approved you, credited to the price. Fully refundable until the litter is born or if we can't match you; after that it can move once to another litter within 18 months.
How long is the waitlist?
Right now: five approved families for the spring 2027 litter, with two places open. We expect six to eight puppies. After that, applications go to 2028. We tell you honestly where you stand.
Do we get to choose our puppy?
We match puppies to families after an outside judge evaluates them at seven weeks, and we explain our suggestion. You can say no and keep your place. There is no 'pick of the litter' for sale.
Can we visit?
Yes — please do. The adults any time by appointment, the puppies from week 4 on Saturdays, one family at a time. If you're more than a day's drive away, we do a video call instead.
Do you ship puppies?
No, not by air cargo and not by ground transport. You collect your puppy here, or fly in to Missoula and we meet you at the airport so you can carry it home in the cabin.
Full or limited AKC registration?
Full for hunting and competition homes. Limited for family homes, changed to full at no charge once your dog has OFA final hips and elbows and a CAER exam.
What health tests do the parents have?
OFA hips and elbows (with numbers), annual CAER eyes, an advanced cardiac exam, and DNA for EIC, D-locus, CNM, prcd-PRA, HNPK, SD2 and DM. Each adult has a CHIC number. Every result is on the dog's own page.
What does the guarantee cover?
Hip or elbow dysplasia on OFA, or an inherited eye disease on CAER, before 30 months: $1,500 back or a puppy from a future litter, and you keep your dog. Plus a lifetime guarantee against the DNA-tested diseases.
What if we can't keep the dog?
It comes back to us, at any age, for any reason, and we find it the right home. That's in the contract. Please call us before anyone else.
When should we spay or neuter?
Not before 12 months — females after their first season, males around 15–18 months, following the UC Davis studies on Labrador joints. Early spay or neuter voids the hip and elbow guarantee.
What do the puppies eat?
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy, soaked, four meals a day at eight weeks. You go home with a 6 lb bag. Change food slowly if you change it, and keep the dog lean — it's the best thing for its hips.
Are your dogs good family dogs?
Yes, if the family gives them work. A field-bred Lab needs an hour or more of real exercise a day and something to retrieve. They are gentle in the house, but they are not couch dogs at 18 months.
Do you breed silver, charcoal or champagne Labs?
No. Those colors come from the dilute gene (d/d), which the Labrador Retriever Club doesn't recognize. All our dogs are tested D/D.
Will you help with training?
Yes. A first-month plan goes home with every puppy, Matt answers training questions for life, and we can recommend professional trainers in Montana, Idaho and the Dakotas.
What payment do you accept?
Cashier's check, cash, or card. Never gift cards, crypto, or a wire to anyone but us. If anyone asks you for those in our name, it isn't us.