About this litter
Why we're running this cross again.
This is the second time we've run Bear and Willow together. The 2024 litter set a high bar — eight pups, all placed cleanly, every family reporting calm-at-home, birdy-in-the-field exactly the way the parents are. We expect more of the same.
What to expect
From sire and dam, into the pups.
What to expect from this litter:
- Sire: Bear — black Lab, 5 yo, OFA Excellent hips, hunt-tested 4 seasons
- Dam: Willow — yellow Lab, 4 yo, OFA Good hips, attentive mother (proven on 2024 litter)
- Whelp date: early April 2026
- Estimated litter size: 8 puppies
- Color expectation: yellow, black, and chocolate — Willow throws all three colors
- Go-home week: starting June 8, 2026 (8 weeks after whelp)
- Headstart program available — pups stay until 16 weeks if you elect
Health Clearances
- Both parents OFA hip and elbow cleared
- Both parents CERF eye cleared
- Both parents cardiac cleared
- Early Neurological Stimulation (days 3–16)
- Raised underfoot in the farmhouse
Temperament & Field Work
- Now booking deposits
- Family interview required before reservation
- Hand-delivery available within driving range
- Lifetime breeder support and return-to-breeder guarantee
Reservations
Where the deposits stand.
Deposits are open. We typically book this kind of litter out within a few weeks of announcement. If you've been thinking about a Smokey Hill puppy, this is the moment — get in touch and Tom or Maggie will get you on the phone for the family interview.
Want a pup from this litter?
Get on the phone with us early — these book out within a few weeks of announcement.