Why breeders use waiting lists
Responsible breeders plan every litter carefully, and they only have so many puppies. A waiting list lets families line up ahead of time, gives the breeder time to get to know each family, and means every puppy has a home waiting before they're old enough to leave mom.
For you, the list means less rushing and better choices. Instead of competing for whichever puppy happens to be available, you get time to plan and a clear place in line.
Step one: reach out
It starts with a conversation. Call or text (919) 899-8917, or email us, and tell us about your family:
- Who lives in your home, including kids and other pets
- Your schedule and how active you are
- Whether you want a family companion, hunting partner or show prospect
- Color or sex preferences, if you have them
- When you'd like to bring a puppy home
There's no cost and no pressure in starting the conversation. We answer every call and text ourselves.
Step two: choose a litter
We'll tell you which litters are open and what we expect from each pairing. Current puppies and upcoming litters are listed on our available puppies page, and each mom is on our Our Dogs page.
If one litter doesn't suit you, you can wait for a later pairing that fits better. Honest matching matters more to us than filling a spot.
Step three: place your deposit
A $500 non-refundable deposit holds your place on the waiting list for a current or upcoming litter. It goes toward the price of your puppy.
We accept cash, Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, cashier's checks, credit cards, Apple Pay and Cash App.
Why non-refundable? When we hold a spot for you, we turn other families away. The deposit protects that commitment on both sides. If life changes, talk to us and we'll do our best to help.
Step four: pick order
Families pick in the order their deposits come in. If you're first on the list, you choose first, and so on down the line.
Litter size varies, so there's no way to know exactly how many puppies a pairing will produce. If a litter is smaller than expected, we'll talk with you about moving to the next one.
Step five: watching them grow
Once the puppies arrive, we share updates and photos as they grow. Our social pages are the best place to follow along, and you'll hear from us directly as pick day gets closer.
Step six: choosing your puppy
Photos only tell part of the story. As the puppies grow, we watch each one's temperament closely: who's bold, who's gentle, who's always first to the food bowl and who's happiest in a lap.
When it's your turn, we'll help you choose the puppy who best fits your home, needs and preferences. Most families find our input on personality just as helpful as the photos.
Step seven: go-home day
When your puppy is ready, you'll pick up in Archer Lodge, or we'll arrange ground or air transport. The remaining balance is due before or at pickup.
Ground transport is $2 per mile round trip from us, and air transport runs $850 to $2,000 depending on the flight and distance. See our guide to flying vs. driving your puppy home.
How early should you get on the list?
As early as you can. Our litters often fill before the puppies are born. Reaching out a few months ahead gives you the best choice of litter and a better spot in pick order.
What if I'm not ready yet?
That's fine. Call anyway. We're happy to answer questions, talk through timing and let you know when litters you might like are planned. Many families talk to us for months before reserving.
Tips for a smooth experience
- Be honest about your lifestyle. It helps us match you well.
- Stay flexible on color or sex if you can. Temperament matters most.
- Prepare your home early with our new puppy checklist.
- Save our number and reach out with any question, big or small.
Common questions
Can I be on more than one list? Talk to us. We'd rather you find the right puppy than rush.
Can I reserve from out of state? Absolutely. Many of our families do, and we arrange transport.
Can I visit first? Yes, by appointment, so the puppies keep their routine.
Get on our list
Ready to join? Call or text (919) 899-8917, or contact us with a little about your family. Our current prices are on the pricing and transport page.