Question 1

When is the next available puppy?

Accepted Answer

We generally have between 30-70 people on our waitlist at any given time.  Please get ahold of us early! Our litters are typically sent home between April-October of each year.  Wait-time for chocolate is longer (1.5 Years) as it is a recessive color, and only about 10% of our puppies are chocolate.

You are able to be on multiple colors/male/female waitlists with your 1 deposit, and doing so will help with your timeline.

Question 2

Whats the difference between American and English Labradors?

Accepted Answer

We breed American Labradors, which typically have been bred for field (hunting) work in the United States while English Labs have typically been bred for show competitions.

American Labs tend to have a lankier, athletic look while English Labradors tend to be heavier set, with larger heads and stout bodies. That being said, not every American Lab is the same, nor every English Lab. There are hundreds of Labrador breeders in the US who have different priorities from each other.  The best thing to do when purchasing a Labrador Retriever is to read reviews about the breeder, read about the breeders priorities when it comes to hunting or not, and look at pictures and the health of the breeding dogs and past puppies.

Question 3

I want a puppy at a specific time, why can't you promise me a timeline?

Accepted Answer

We know this may feel like a long wait.  As a small-scale, intentional breeding program, we do things differently by design. We are not a volume-based operation, and we don’t breed on demand. If we were simply filling orders, we would become the opposite of what we stand for. We breed responsibly and with purpose. 
 
 This means we only breed our girls when: 
They are in peak health
They won’t miss a whole hunting season
We have enough committed, intentional homes for the litter
It’s also important to note that heat cycles can be unpredictable. While many expect a six-month schedule, we’ve seen variations of +/- two months, or more. Science is still catching up in this area.... but nature  will always call the shots. 
 
If you’ve placed a deposit and are waiting on a specific sex, color, or pairing, we absolutely understand! You’re welcome to have narrow preferences, but please be aware that this may extend your wait. 
 
We do not breed to meet demand.  If this were the case, we would own 3x as many dogs. We breed for sound structure, steady temperaments, and lifelong hunting and family companions. That takes time, and we believe the right pup is worth the wait.

Question 4

What do I have to do to place a deposit?

Accepted Answer

First, we ask you read our deposit page on this website to become familiar with our process.   Then, email us through our Contact page and we will discuss if our dogs are right for you, and the next steps in getting on a waitlist for a Diamond R Labrador puppy.

Deposits are a non-refundable $200.

Question 5

Do you have older dogs available?

Accepted Answer

On occasion, we have a started dog, retired dog, or special circumstances puppy available.  While rare, we recommend contacting us and adding your name (no deposit needed) to one of these lists.  
MORE INFORMATION ON OLDER DOGS HERE

Question 6

What is included in the price of my puppy?

Accepted Answer

Dewclaw removal (Dewclaw removal cannot be guaranteed, call for questions)
1st Shots
De-Worming
Individual Vet-Check of your puppy before going home
AKC paperwork if you choose to register your puppy. 
Extensive Socialization with people & older dogs
Sensory Introduction to toys, the outdoors, vacuums, music, and different flooring.
Guarantee against genetic hip dysplasia, as well as genetic eye defects.  
Read our guarantee on our website.
Puppy Information Packet, Puppy Toy, and Blanket!

Question 7

Do I have to pick up my puppy in person?

Accepted Answer

No, although we do encourage in-person pickups, we are more than happy to help you make a choice between puppies over the phone.  
 
All puppies picked up after 8 weeks must be chosen in advance at 7-8 weeks via photos.  
We can only ship puppies starting at 8 weeks on.

- We offer premium in-cabin shipping to your closest airport of choice. Prices vary depending on current Delta airline prices.   
- We also offer cargo shipping with Alaska Airlines
- Or your can contact another airlines for their pet policy and fly with the pup in-cabin.

Question 8

Should I choose male or female?

Accepted Answer

Consider these:

1) Size: Our Males full grown average between 55 and 75 pounds. Females average between 50-65 lbs. There is a larger range in sizes as we do not breed for show or size, rather personality, ability and health first.  Puppies can weigh outside of these average ranges.

2) Personality.  Each of our breeding dogs have produced both working dogs and family dogs.  We do not see a difference in male or female dispositions when it comes to control issues.  Females can sometimes be more independent while males can be more attached to you.

3) Hunting ability:  Since the males are larger, they are more muscular, but females can be every bit as effective in the field and we have never chosen a dog to guide over based on sex, only ability.

4) Neuter/Spay: Males can be neutered and females spayed with no adverse effects on their working abilities or personalities AFTER reaching full growth, preferably 2 years but we require at least 1 year to keep our guarantee on your dog.  Metabolisms will slow differently for each and you should monitor their weight after a spay or nueter.  Please talk to your vet about a timeline for spaying or nuetering, the best thing to do for your dogs health is wait until they are fully grown before taking away beneficial hormones. 
***Do not take an in-heat female out hunting.**

Question 9

What is the difference in colors of labs?

Accepted Answer

We have all the three colors of labs in the Diamond R bloodline.  Chocolate Labs, Yellow Labs, and Black Labs available. There is no personality difference in between the three colors in our line, and you can generally find all three colors within one litter.  We have raised and trained all three colors the same way and their personalities come from their parents, not their color. Each person has their own unique preference, if you have questions please email us we are happy to answer anything.  Our line breeds for ability and temperament first.

Question 10

Do you board dogs?

Accepted Answer

No we do not board dogs.   Please refer to Google for the most recent updates on who boards dogs in Bozeman or Ennis! Thanks

DIAMOND R KENNELS

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