Three Important Changes to the Waiting List

When it comes to the Dire Wolf Project, there’s one thing we hold sacred:

the future of the American Dirus breed.

Every puppy we raise carries the weight of a dream that stretches far beyond any one family.

It’s about preserving a legacy, protecting the breed’s integrity, and finding devoted homes where these extraordinary dogs will thrive.

That’s why our waiting list is unlike any other.

Unlike many breeders,

we’re not breeding simply to sell puppies.

We’re here to continue a grand experiment begun by our founder, Lois Schwarz, called Strongbred™ breeding.

We believe nature’s way of sustaining all of life will sustain genetic health and longevity for our beloved domesticated pets, too.

Along with that experiment, we are committed to carefully placing our special American Dirus dogs into homes that align with their needs, temperament, and purpose.

Our waiting list isn’t about speed—

It’s about trust and intention.

Other breeders may offer deposits tied to specific litters, or even guarantee a puppy right away.

But with the Dire Wolf Project, the waiting list ensures that you have the time to find your puppy, while we have the time to make the right match.

This flexibility is important because not all puppies—or families—are alike.

Your future companion may be part of a litter that hasn’t even been born yet, and the waiting list allows us to focus on finding the perfect fit rather than rushing decisions.

The $600 non-refundable deposit is another way we prioritize commitment.

This isn’t just an investment in a puppy—it’s an investment in a philosophy.

By requiring this level of commitment upfront, we ensure that our waiting list is filled with people who truly understand the responsibility and honor of owning an American Dirus dog.

While your $600 non-refundable deposit doesn’t guarantee a puppy from any one litter, it does guarantee that you’ll be given thoughtful, dedicated attention to help you find the right furry companion for your family.

It’s a commitment we take just as seriously as you do.

The American Dirus isn’t your average dog.

And the Dire Wolf Project isn’t your average breeder.

Our focus is on breeding healthy, temperamentally sound dogs that embody the legacy of the dire wolf.

This means making thoughtful decisions about every aspect of our program.

Including who we trust to join this journey.

So, beginning tomorrow, February 1, 2025, we implement the new waiting list policies I laid out in yesterday’s email.

For those of you who have been on our waiting list for many years (and some for a decade or more), if you plan to remain on the waiting list for more than two years from now, we will place your name on a separate “Waiting on the Side” list.

The “Waiting on the Side” list will be located on the same page as the main waiting list, but simply be below the main list of people who are actively pursuing puppies in the next two years.

Since you are grandfathered in under the old rules, you can continue to rest there until you are ready to find your next puppy.

We do appreciate if you check in with us each year in January when we inquire to update any new contact information and let us know you are still interested in our work.

The only thing that will change for those on our waiting list before February 1, 2025 is once you do wish to be placed on our main waiting list, you’ll have TWO YEARS from the time you are placed on the main list to pick your  puppy or lose your spot in line.

So make this choice wisely.

We don’t want you to lose your spot, so make sure its the right time to move over to the main list.

It is our hope that the “Waiting on the Side” list houses fewer and fewer names as families move to the main list.

Thank you for being part of this journey, for understanding the care that goes into every decision we make, and for trusting us to help you find your perfect companion.

The future of the American Dirus depends on people like you—people who are willing to wait, invest, and believe in something extraordinary.

As always, we’re here to answer your questions and guide you through this process every step of the way.

Together, we’re building a legacy that will last for generations to come.

THE WAITING LIST HAS NOW BEEN UPDATED

IN PREPARATION FOR THE NEW POLICY

TO TAKE EFFECT TOMORROW!

Here’s the link to our updated waiting list:

https://direwolfproject.com/direwolf-dogs/waiting-list/

Again, if your name isn’t there and it should be, it’s because you have yet to contact us.

Don’t panic.

It’s all still okay.  

Simply reply to this email and let us know you still wish to remain on the public waiting list.

We’ll get your name back up once you contact us.

However, if you are NOT going to purchase a puppy from the Dire Wolf Project in the next two years, let us know that.

P.S. If you would like to be on our waiting list, the first step is to complete the puppy adoption questionnaire and become approved.

https://direwolfproject.com/puppy-application/

Jennifer Stoeckl is the co-founder of the Dire Wolf Project, founder of the DireWolf Guardians American Dirus Dog Training Program, and owner/operator of DireWolf Dogs of Vallecito. She lives in the beautiful inland northwest among the Ponderosa pine forests with her pack of American Dirus dogs.