Frequently asked questions.

Stella Maris Samoyeds is in Bearcreek, Montana, in the Beartooth foothills near Red Lodge, about an hour south of Billings. Puppies are raised in Annamarie Peterson's home, and families are welcome to pick up in Bearcreek and meet the parents. We also offer a free drop-off in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and can arrange a flight nanny or ground transport for families further away.

A Stella Maris Samoyed puppy is reserved with a $1,000 deposit, with a balance of $2,800 to $3,300 depending on the litter, before taxes and fees. That price includes a veterinary health exam, first vaccinations and deworming, a microchip with lifetime registration, prepaid AKC registration, and early training and socialisation. The deposit is non-refundable but transfers to a future litter.

Start with the Puppy Application on this site, and Annamarie will call you to talk it through. If it is a good fit, a deposit holds your place in a litter — not a specific puppy. At about seven weeks each family is matched with the puppy whose temperament actually suits them, and puppies go home at eight weeks.

Every Stella Maris Samoyed is health-tested through the OFA before being bred, including hips, elbows, patellas, eyes and cardiac, plus DNA screening for the conditions known in the breed. The program is CHIC certified, which means the full recommended panel is on public record with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Results are published on the Health Testing page rather than described in general terms.

Yes — every puppy comes with a 3-year genetic health guarantee and lifetime breeder support. If a genetic problem appears, we want the phone call, whether it is at three months or three years. The full terms are discussed by phone and put in writing before a puppy goes home.

Puppies are raised inside the house using the Puppy Culture protocol — Early Neurological Stimulation, daily handling, sound and surface exposure, and early manners. By the time they leave they have started crate training and potty training, have met adults and other dogs, and have been to the vet. Annamarie is an AKC Breeder with H.E.A.R.T. and a Puppy Culture breeder.

Puppies go home at eight weeks old, after their veterinary exam, first vaccinations, deworming and microchip. Families are matched to puppies at about seven weeks, once temperaments are clear. Upcoming litter dates are listed on the Litters page and kept current.

Yes — Stella Maris places puppies with families across the United States. Options are pickup in Bearcreek, Montana; a free drop-off in Idaho Falls, Idaho; meeting partway; a flight nanny who carries the puppy in the cabin; or ground transport with couriers we have used before.

Samoyeds are affectionate, people-oriented dogs that were bred to live and work alongside families, and they generally do well with children and other dogs. They are also vocal, energetic, and need real exercise and a lot of grooming. Stella Maris puppies are matched to families on temperament, so a household with young children is paired with a steadier puppy.

A Samoyed needs a thorough brushing several times a week and blows its entire undercoat twice a year. Expect clouds of white fur for a few weeks each spring and fall, and plan on a good undercoat rake and a high-velocity dryer. Grooming is the single most common reason Samoyeds are rehomed, so we talk about it honestly before any deposit.

Current availability, planned litters and expected go-home dates are always on the Puppies and Litters pages. Because litters are small and matched by temperament, most puppies are spoken for from the waitlist before they are born. The Puppy Application is the way to be considered.

Each puppy goes home with a vet check and health record, first shots and deworming, a microchip registered to you, AKC registration, a starter kit, and a blanket carrying the scent of mum and the littermates. You also get Annamarie on the other end of the phone for the life of the dog.

Most Stella Maris puppies are placed as family companions. Show or breeding prospects are occasionally placed with experienced homes, and the Puppy Application asks about your goals and your view on spaying or neutering so we can talk it through honestly. Sam, the sire, is shown in AKC conformation.

Stella Maris Samoyeds is an AKC Breeder with H.E.A.R.T., CHIC certified through the OFA, a Puppy Culture breeder, and a member of the Samoyed Club of America. Puppies are AKC registered, and the program has verified owner reviews on Good Dog.