Frequently asked questions about English Labs

Most Asked Questions

Our Process & Training

Health and Registration

General Questions

  • The difference between the levels of our dogs comes down to overall quality. A good way to picture it is by comparing a Toyota and a Lexus. Both are excellent vehicles and built by the same manufacturer, but a Lexus offers a higher level of refinement, luxury, and detail. In the same way, while all of our Labradors are healthy, well-bred, and wonderful companions, certain bloodlines represent the very best in structure, temperament, and pedigree — truly a step above the rest.

  • You may take your puppy home as early as 10 weeks of age, at which point they will have had three comprehensive veterinary exams and two sets of vaccinations. However, most of our families choose to enroll their puppy in our Level 1 Crate Training School, which gives them a strong foundation in early training and socialization. Puppies who complete this program graduate at 16 weeks, by which time they are fully vaccinated and ready to transition smoothly into their new homes.

  • No. The listed price reflects the purchase of the puppy only. Crate training and delivery are available as optional services for an additional fee.

  • At Smoky Mtn, we have a world class team of dog experts that are constantly tending to the puppies. Let us know what qualities and temperament you desire in a puppy, and our team will select the puppy that will work best with you and your family!

  • Smoky Mtn has an infrastructure that rivals most Kentucky horse farms. This means that Gene will look at upwards of 30 males to determine which ones would be capable of winning some of the best dog shows in America. Very similar to how each Kentucky horse farm desires for one of their colts to be a Triple Crown Winner, we desire our Smoky Mtn males to be highly decorated in the show world.

    To make this happen, Smoky Mtn oversees EIGHT satellite kennels across the country that carry Smoky Mtn bloodlines. Each satellite is closely monitored by our Founder to ensure that the highest level of breeding is conducted. All of our puppies are born and weened at these kennels before coming to the main Smoky Mtn facility in Knoxville.

MOST ASKED QUESTIONS

OUR PROCESS & TRAINING

  • Depending on what is bred and your desired color and gender, the typical wait time is 4-7 months for most puppies.

  • With more than 40 years of professional experience, our head breeder, Gene Wolfenbarger, is dedicated to producing healthy, beautiful Labradors with no shortcuts taken. Every step of our process is approached with careful consideration—for both our dogs and our clients—to ensure the very best results. When you bring home one of our puppies, you’re not just gaining a new family member, you’re becoming part of the Smoky Mountain family. Our commitment doesn’t end at pickup—we’re here to support our clients for years to come.

  • Crate training gives your puppy a safe, comfortable space while teaching healthy boundaries and routines. It helps with housebreaking, prevents unwanted behaviors, and makes the transition into your home much smoother. By the time your puppy completes our program at 16 weeks, they’ve received all necessary vet exams and vaccinations, giving you peace of mind about their health. The extra time also allows us to better evaluate each puppy’s personality and temperament, ensuring we place the right dog with the right family. Because English Labradors are eager to please and quick learners, they adapt well to this positive, affirming training—setting the stage for a happy, well-mannered companion.

  • Our behavior program helps your Labrador mature into a well-mannered, attentive companion. Beginning around 7–9 months old, your dog returns to the farm for a short evaluation before starting a 4–6 week course with our experienced head trainer. During this time, they master essential commands like heel, sit, down, stay, and come, along with proper leash manners. Training is reinforced both at home and in public settings, giving you confidence that your dog will listen and behave wherever life takes you. This extra investment not only strengthens obedience but also builds on your Labrador’s natural temperament—ensuring a reliable, enjoyable companion for years to come.

  • Families can either pick up their puppy in person or choose delivery, which we often recommend for convenience and the puppy’s comfort. Smoky Mountain Labradors is USDA-certified to transport puppies across state lines, and delivery fees vary based on location. For pickups, be mindful that long car rides can be tiring for young pups, and flights require specific health documents and vaccinations depending on domestic or international travel. Some of our puppies are housed at satellite kennels across several states, so state sales tax or coordination fees may apply. No matter which option you choose, we’ll guide you through every step and make sure your puppy arrives healthy, safe, and ready to settle into your family. For More details check our out “Puppy Pickup & Delivery page.”

  • Smoky Mtn Labradors has a non-refundable policy once a a puppy has been purchased. There is only one exception to this policy, and that has to do with any potential failed medical examinations of your puppy at your veterinarian office within the first 7 days of arriving at your home. One of the things that set us apart is that all of our puppies here at Smoky Mtn Labradors have been thoroughly examined by our own veterinarian before we even begin to show you pictures or even before the selection of your puppy. We have found that this process eliminates any disappoint for your family. Only once a puppy has been returned to us upon failing an exam will a refund be issued. Below is more information concerning the health examination process: (Smoky Mtn Never refunds any part of the Training) Our trainers are independent from our kennel. Please review their contract extensively.

    Initial Health Exam - In order for the health warranty to be valid, the purchaser agrees to have the puppy examined by a veterinarian within 3 working days of the transfer. If at that time the puppy is diagnosed with an existing medical problem, the puppy may be returned for a full refund. If requested by the Breeder, the purchaser must provide the Breeder with an evaluation from a second veterinarian of the Breeder’s choice at the Breeder’s expense prior to any payment. Smoky Mtn. Labradors must be informed immediately of the initial vet examination by email at gigi@smokymtn.com. If we do not receive notice of the vet examination, all guarantees are no longer valid.

    If the buyer’s vet establishes a major problem with the puppy upon initial examination, which would identify any genetic illness, then the buyer should initiate a claim for the puppy. At the buyer’s expense, the buyer should return the puppy to the seller if the seller requests so to be done. There is a very specific protocol for this - please contact our office immediately. Smoky Mtn is known around the nation for the highest level of customer service in the Labrador World.

    Due to Parvo Virus and Kennel Cough running rampant at veterinarian offices, local pet stores , and road side rest areas around the country, Smoky Mtn Kennels is not liable for this disease.

  • Congratulations, and welcome to the Smoky Mtn family! We are truly honored that you’ve chosen us to provide your new puppy. Our team pours love and care into every step of the process, and we can’t wait to share this journey with you. From the moment your puppy is born, we’ll keep you updated so you can share in the excitement as they grow and get ready to join your family.

  • Our delivery drivers calculate cost roundtrip. For families on the West Coast or farther away, we also offer a puppy nanny service, where one of our trusted nannies can personally fly with your puppy to your nearest airport. The cost for this option varies based on airline ticket prices, travel supplies, and related expenses

  • We give your puppy the strongest possible start—handling the complex parts here at Smoky Mtn through early structure, socialization, and training. That way, you step into pet ownership with more confidence and ease.

    But at the end of the day, the real difference-maker is you. A great dog always begins with a great owner.

    Our team will guide you through the transition and help you integrate your pup into your home. If you follow our recommendations and lead with consistency and intention, there’s truly no limit to what you and your dog can achieve together.

  • Every puppy receives vet exams at 6, 9, 12, and 16 weeks. A 10-week puppy will only have two exams and partial vaccinations, with the family responsible for follow-up care. By 16 weeks, puppies are fully vaccinated (including rabies), making it the safest age to go home, which is why 95% of families choose this option.

    All of our puppies receive their vaccinations, and there are no expectations placed on families beyond that. Thank you for being so understanding.

  • In the event of an emergency, your first step should always be to take your puppy to the nearest veterinary clinic as quickly as possible. While we go to great lengths to ensure the health of every dog, illness or injury can still occur. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know—we’re always happy to answer questions and offer guidance. Though we’re not a veterinary clinic, we have extensive experience with our Labradors and are glad to share our knowledge to help you navigate any concerns that arise.

  • When your puppy comes home, you’ll receive a puppy packet that includes their AKC registration paperwork. It is the owner’s responsibility to complete registration with both the AKC and AKC Reunite (for microchip information).

  • We do not offer full registration with our puppies. At Smoky Mtn Labradors, we take breeding very seriously and hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards.

    We encourage families to be cautious of breeders who freely offer full registration without proper consideration—it's often a sign of carelessness rather than quality. Our goal is to protect the integrity of the breed and, more importantly, to protect your family by ensuring every puppy is bred and raised with purpose, responsibility, and long-term care in mind.

  • After trying many different options over the years, we consistently come back to Purina Pro Plan. It’s what we trust and use for our own dogs.

    We’ve found it provides the right balance of nutrition, digestibility, and performance—whether we’re raising puppies or training active adults. While there are many good foods out there, Purina has proven itself time and time again in our program.

    If you’re getting a puppy from us, we’ll guide you on exactly which formula we’re using at the time and how to transition if needed.

HEALTH & REGISTRATION

  • Absolutely! We love to share the Smoky Mountain Labrador life with our family and encourage you to share your best Labrador moments with us too. Give us a follow and tell your friends!

    Instagram: smokymtnlabradors

    Facebook: Smoky Mtn Labradors

  • Our farm is in Seymour Tennessee, surrounded by the beautiful East Tennessee mountains.

  • We’re a little old school — and proud of it. The best way to reach us is with a phone call at (865) 440-1100 during our office hours. We love real conversations and are always happy to talk through questions, timing, or anything else you need. You can also reach out to us by email at any time.

    Call: 865-440-1100

    Email: gigi@smokymtn.com

  • We operate through three unique divisions. Our Show Division is dedicated to raising award-winning English Labradors that excel in the ring. Our Behavior Division focuses on developing what we proudly call “the gentleman’s dog”—a well-mannered companion equally at home on the couch or out on the golf course. Our newest addition, the Gun Dog Division, trains and highlights the athleticism and natural retrieving instincts of the English Labrador.

  • For the safety of our dogs and your future family member, we do not allow visitors on the premises. We take every precaution to protect the health and well-being of our puppies, and we appreciate your understanding as we prioritize their care and security.

    Our commercial insurance policy unfortunately doesn’t permit visitors, and we want to honor that fully. Thank you so much for your understanding.

  • Because your puppy’s health and well-being come first, we typically wait to share photos and videos until they are truly ready to go home. By then, your puppy will have completed all of their veterinary exams and/or graduated from our crate training school. While we focus our time and energy on raising happy, healthy English Labradors, we promise the wait will be worth it once you meet your beautiful puppy in person.

GENERAL QUESTIONS