Finding a Cavachon Breeder: Some Questions to Ask
I get many requests for help in finding a breeder. When I was looking for a puppy, I did not know where to start. The first thing I did was check the local dog pounds to see what they had. I called several and none of them had any puppies at the time. So, I started an “informational search” to see if I could determine what breed would be best for our family. I had actually thought the Cavalier King Charles sounded really good and while trying to find out as much information about them as I could I happened to stumble across something about a Cavachon. Well, one look at a picture of one and it was love at first sight! Besides looks, however, the breed we chose needed to have good qualities that fit our family and our lifestyle. The more I read about Cavachons, the more excited I got and knew for absolute certain that a Cavachon was the right dog for us.
Once I finally settled on the breed of puppy we wanted I did an internet search for Cavachons breeders but did not find too many, and no local ones. I started looking at a couple of the more popular puppy adoption web sites. I made a list of potential puppies and potential breeders. Since there were none nearby, I knew I would either have to drive (alot) or have the little guy shipped.
Once I had my list, I tried to do research on the breeders going so far as to find the addresses (sometimes that was difficult) and using google maps satellite views to zoom in on the property to see what it looked like! I was so nervous about getting a puppy mill dog. Then, I called each of the breeders, telling them the puppy(s) I was interested in. I basically interviewed the breeder, I had searched the internet to help me figure out what I should ask. I had a list of questions ready, asked all of them, and took notes. Some breeders did not let a customer visit their place, that was an immediate red flag for me – I would want to be able to see the place where my puppy was born and nurtured the first few weeks of it’s life. Even though I knew I could not visit most of the places, I wanted to know that that would have been an option – I did not start out telling them I would not be able to go there.
I also asked about the parents of the puppy I was interested in – size, age, health, # of litters, anything else I could think of. I asked for pictures of the parents and a current picture of the puppy to be sent to me. If someone did not cooperate with my requests, again, it raised a red flag.
I wanted to know if Cavachons were the only type of puppies they bred. That would not necessarily have been a deal breaker, but a breeder who is completely devoted to only Cavachons was my preference.
Did they breed only F1 Cavachons? THIS I felt was very important.
I tried to find reviews, but most of the time the only testimonials were on the web site and I did not necessarily trust those, a breeder can post whatever they want on their web site and make it look real.
I ended up choosing a place that was in Iowa , I live in Ohio. The owners were a husband and wife team. To this day, I do not know much about the actual home, but in talking with them on the phone several – make that many – times, I was content with all of the info and conversations we had. They never made me feel like I was bothering them and welcomed my calls. I could often hear puppies in the background and I liked that, I figured it meant they were in the house. They would return my call if I left a message. They worked with me on getting Kasey on the airline and flight I asked for.
The puppy that was first on our list was actually gone by the time I made up my mind to pick the breeder that I did. I was very, very sad, but we knew we had better hurry and make our second choice quickly. Luckily Kasey (Casey back then) was still there and we put our deposit down immediately – I know now that is how it was meant to be
There are many rules about flying a puppy, they actually go as cargo. A breeder who ships their puppies needs to be familiar with those rules. The part of the plane they are in is temperature controlled but the outside temperatures still have mandatory high and low limits in order to transport them. The puppy also has to be at least 8 weeks old. We had Kasey shipped to us the day he turned 8 weeks as we were so anxious to get him.
Our story ended very well! We got a perfect little puppy who greatly enriches our lives every single day!
I know there are things I missed here. I will add more as time goes on, no doubt!
Tags: 
My husband and I want a Cavachon to love, but to also train it to be a therapy dog, so we’re hoping to find one with a sweet, calm “therapy dog” disposition. We are interested in looking into Briarthorn and it looks like people here have been posting good things about this breeder. Does anyone know if they would help “match” us with the type of puppy that looks like it would have potential to be a therapy dog? If not, which other breeders would be recommended for helping us with this? Any advice would be helpful.
[Reply]
Hi LoloWe are Maggie and Jack (dogs) and our mom helps us comment on blogs like yours. Mom read us your post and we laehugd that you blamed the cat for your illness. stupid cats.We live in Anacortes Washington USA with a cat, a bunch of chickens and a duck named Daisy.We look forward to reading all about your adventures and mom has promised to add your blog to all of the other blogs that she follows. See you soon.
[Reply]
I am having a hard time finding breeders as well…I’m in Michigan. I’ve started looking on puppyfind.com, but I’m afraid most of those places are puppy mills. Anyone have any experience with any of the breeders on there? I’ve found one in IA and one in MO, but I think I’m too afraid they might be a puppy mill. I did just find a website in Mi today, Smooch My Pups in Lapeer, Mi. Anyone have any experience? They are a lot more expensive than the ones on puppyfind, but I’m thinking you get what you pay for!
[Reply]
Anonymous Replied:
July 29th, 2013 at 10:03 pm
Very high on the “puppy mill” lists
[Reply]
Cavachon breeders in PA. Very high on the “puppy mill” lists. I have a breeder in RONK,PA. Please provide any info on Cavachon pups in this state? Thanks ,Steve
[Reply]
Hi, I’ve never owned a dog before and am considering getting a Cavachon, but I am having trouble finding a breeder in my area. Does anyone know of any trustworthy Cavachon breeders in Texas?
[Reply]
Lori
Were you able to visit the farm where the puppies are kept until they bring them home when you visited Briarthorn?
Thanks
[Reply]
Is the breeder you purchased you Cavachon from in Iowa called Century Farms?
[Reply]
I wanted to give a “good news” update. I’ve heard back from Terry at Foxglove and she is saying that she will look into the issue with “Stella’s” knee and that she will stand behind her puppies. I’m hoping that all goes well and that “Stella” will be feeling well again soon. I will provide an update as soon as the breeder lets me know what she will do to assist.
[Reply]
kbc108 Replied:
July 18th, 2013 at 7:46 pm
What happened regarding Terry? I’m thinking about buying a dog
from her.
[Reply]
I have a precious 6 month old Cavachon who is the sweetest dog I’ve ever owned. She was purchased from Foxglove Farms and weathered the flight across the country to California very well. With that being said, I’m not able to recommend purchasing a puppy from this breeder. My 6 month old puppy has a congenital defect of her patella that is causing frequent, painful luxating (dislocation) of her knee. She will need surgery to correct the problem that will cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $2500. I’ve contacted Foxglove to see if they can provide some sort of assistance, but have not yet had a response.
[Reply]
They are supposed to be! I have heard from many people who had allergies themselves or a child with allergies that were able to own a Cavachon with no problem. I have heard from only one person that said their grandson was allergic to their Cavachon.
I would suggest that you expose whoever the person that may have a problem to a Cavachon and see what happens. It is best to know beforehand.
[Reply]
are cavachons good for allergies i want a puppy but i cant with allergies i have heard rumors that they are but are the rumors true?????
[Reply]
sophia Replied:
May 18th, 2013 at 10:24 am
sorry didn’t mean to right two, though first one didn’t submit
[Reply]
Has anyone here heard of Riverside Puppies, in Crocker MO?
They seem to pop up everywhere in my searches, but am wondering how legitimate they are. Really cute and healthy cooking puppies on their site though.
[Reply]
Kalie Replied:
April 15th, 2013 at 6:30 pm
Yikes typo! that’s ‘Looking’ not ‘cooking’
[Reply]
Have lovely 7 months old Daisy who is pure joy. Everything a puppy should be and she adores our 2 years old terrier Bonnie. But she does snuffle a lot. First of all I thought it was delightful contented baby snuffles but now I am beginning to wonder. Shall be asking vet soon but just wondered if anyone else had noticed the same characteristic.
From the Cotswolds.
[Reply]
Have lovely 7 months old Daisy who is pure joy. Everything a puppy should be and she adores our
[Reply]
Has anyone heard of a breeder in Iowa called Puppystars? They breed cavachons.
[Reply]
We just got our 2 pups from Briarthorn. I live in Los Angeles and decided to fly to Cleveland to pick them up. I had a 2 hour layover and Mark met me at the airport. Mark and Kim were wonderful with sending us pictures and video of our babies before we got them. They answered our questions quickly and showed an obvious care for their doggies.
We’ve now had them for 2 weeks. They haven’t had an accident in the house for the past 5 days! We have a doggie door that leads to a Porch Potty that they use without any prompting. We give them a Cherio when they potty and this works wonders…and much less expensive than training treats.
They know how to sit, walk well on a leash, are starting to learn “off,” they already know and respond to their names, come when called, and we’re working on “stay” so needless to say, they are super smart! Briarthorn starts potty training them before they are sent to their new home, which helps tremendously.
I’d HIGHLY recommend getting 2 litter mates. They love each other and entertain each other while I’m working. They sleep on top of each other, which melts my heart. They are on the same sleep/awake schedule. When 1 drinks water, they other one does as well. They potty at the same time most of the time. It really makes life easy.
Briarthorn sends a piece of their blanket home with them so they have their litter sent to comfort them. They LOVE their blanket!
From personal experience, I’d highly recommend Briarthorn Designer Puppies!
[Reply]
We live in Florida. Does anyone know of reputable breeders in the South?
[Reply]
Cam Replied:
July 25th, 2013 at 7:14 pm
Hi. Did you ever find a breeder in fla.? We are looking Los. Thanks
[Reply]
Looking for a reputable breeder in or near WI or Ia. Any to stay away from?
Thank you!
[Reply]
is it common for girls to keep shuffling on bottom?shes nearly 3and had her anal glands done but within day still keep shuffling is this normal
[Reply]
We have a male cavachon from Foxglove Farms in Ohio who is 3 years old. Very sweet dog, mostly calm in nature, but by no means a “delicate” little creature. My only complaint that I have is the breeder told me he should get to be “a pinch under 15 pounds” and he is 26 pounds, so quite a difference there. He is not overweight, but he is and always has been a more stocky build.
[Reply]
Anonymous Replied:
March 4th, 2013 at 11:51 am
I am considering Foxglove, but won’t be able to visit the premises since I live too far away. Did you go there personally, or did you have your puppy shipped? Other than the breeder being off on the weight, were you happy with her? Would you recommend them? I like that she starts them on crate training. Did you find your dog easy to crate train? The other breeder I am considering is Briarthorn, but I don’t think they will have puppies available when we’re looking to get one.
[Reply]
kbc108 Replied:
July 18th, 2013 at 4:44 pm
Foxglove is as beautiful as the photo on the website.
Terri had the puppies in her lovely country kitchen.
Haven’t bought a puppy yet. Still looking.
No info. provided by breeder regarding parents of puppy other than saying that mother is a purebred bichon and father is a purebred cavalier.
The professional bichon breeder that I contacted when I was planning to get a bichon said that cavachons can be a good choice IF the breeder provides health information about the parents.
[Reply]
I have just gotten a Cavachon from Gumtree he has just turned 4yrs old and the theory that they are not aggressive is not true because he is. He will not come when I call him even when I am at eye level with him, pees in the house has pooped a couple of times at which point he became exremely aggressive baring his teeth, will not go outside even with a bone dangling in front of him, does not interact with our Cavalier a female ex breeding dog. Apparently his previous owner worked and would appear to have had little time for him. He does love his walk everyday and food and does not mind being groomed but if he does not want to do anything then he does not. His big problem is his growling. I have had him for near 2 weeks so will give him a few more days I will then have to look for another suitable home for him. It is hard to say what has happened to him as the previous owner gave little away with regards to his behaviour and her son told me to put him back on gumtree, not likely.
[Reply]
Lori Replied:
January 29th, 2013 at 7:53 am
It sounds like it is not that dog’s fault that he behaves the way he does, but rather a result of how he was treated by his previous owner. It would take a bit of time to undo the damage that was done by them. However, Cavachons are very smart dogs and really do want to please you. It sounds like this dog is in need of some obedience training and really needs to develop some trust with a loving and caring family. Best wishes.
[Reply]
My first visit here, probably not the last. We are looking at aekennels in Danielsville Ga. They seem to be very good in our conversations, but would welcome any comments or experience. Thanks, Ray
[Reply]
Anonymous Replied:
January 29th, 2013 at 6:07 am
Hi Ray,
Did you ever get with AEKennels? I, too, am looking at this kennel. I just have not had a chance to make the drive from Atlanta. What was your experience like? Were you able to buy a puppy. Thanks Sharon.
[Reply]
Hi,
First saw one of these beautiful little dogs about a week ago and totally fell in love. I’ve read a lot about their characteristics, temperament, coat care/shedding, exercise needs and feel convinced the breed is for me. Hopefully in the not too distant future we might be able to welcome one into our home. We are an older, but very mobile couple, with no children living with us. Just wondered if you have any info on their ability to accept other animals in the household, particularly cats, as we have six house cats of various ages.
[Reply]
Lori Replied:
January 12th, 2013 at 6:53 pm
I do not have any first hand experience with other pets in my home, but any families we visit with other dogs or cats – or babies for that matter – have never been any kind of issue. I frequently have my son’s dog stay with us and the two get along beautifully.
[Reply]
What breeder did you get Kasey from? I just adopted a Cavachon from Iowa. We got Daisy from Rex and Deb of Century Farm. I was nervous at first, but knew we made the right decision from the moment we picked her up at the airport. She is a wonderful puppy and our vet said she is perfect. I recommend Rex and Deb without reservation and am thinking about getting a brother for Daisy in the Spring.
[Reply]
Lori Replied:
November 12th, 2012 at 7:19 am
Hi Elise,
We got Kasey from a place called Iowa Puppies. I do not believe that they breed Cavachons any longer.
I sure know what you mean about knowing you made the right decision from the time you picked her up – I am sure it was “love at first sight” for you, just like it was for us! I still remember that moment 🙂
Have fun with your new puppy! Send us a picture of Daisy to post when you have a chance!
[Reply]
Kari Replied:
March 4th, 2013 at 8:49 am
We recently just got our puppy from Rex and Deb at Century Farm as well and are very pleased. I read online some person calling them a puppy mill but we were able to pick her up in person and nothing there raised “red flag” to me and I was going in potentially looking for problems based on what I had read online. Our puppy is super sweet and they gave us lots of good information and training tips along with invited us to call whenever we wanted with questions. We were able to see her parents onsite as well and they have several of their own dogs roaming the grounds. We did a lot of research on the right dog for our family as our 4 year old was not really interested in getting a dog, but even she loves her!
[Reply]
I have read all the info on cavachon puppies, and know all the right things to ask a breeder. However, I am concerned with the testing of the Cavalier since they have major health issues. When purchasing a Cavachon I have yet to find a breeder that will tell me about the testing of the lineage regarding SM, heart issues, etc. Has anyone found a breeder that gives specific info regarding the Cavalier that has been bred with the Bichon? Does Foxglove give significant health testing of the parents? The puppies are beautiful, but I would want more health information. Thanks,
[Reply]
Lori Replied:
October 30th, 2012 at 10:32 pm
I am not of much help here, sorry. Maybe someone will read this and steer you in the direction you are looking. In the meantime, all you can do is continue calling or writing to breeders trying to get the info you are looking for.
Good luck!
[Reply]
Anonymous Replied:
March 4th, 2013 at 6:35 pm
Try Cavachons from the Monarchy. They are located in Massachusetts. I spoke with
Melanie, and she said that the parents are health tested. They have a waiting list. Did you find any info from Foxglove? The puppies on the website are beautiful but I couldn’t find any info on health testing.
A few breeders I have spoken to that don’t do testing talk about hybrid vigor.
[Reply]
Yorkie/pom is a mutt a mixed breed, not reputable breeedr would breed something like that, so you need to be careful about any who claim to.Go to a yorkie or pom rescue online and see if they have the mix you are looking for.Go to your local shelters and check too. Just don’t believe that this is a breed or designer dog it is a mix a mutt.Nothing wrong with mixes at all, they can be great and cute as can be just don’t pay major money for a mutt.
[Reply]
surely there must be some breeders outside of Ohio but how do you find one?
Where did Lori get her cavachon, she states she did not get it from Briarthorne, but not where! Why is it so difficult to get information on breeders outside Ohio, do they have the monopoly on this breed or what? This is very frustrating.
[Reply]
Lori Replied:
September 11th, 2012 at 7:04 pm
I had Kasey flown to us from a breeder in Iowa – back when we got him I was in the same boat that you are in now! I could not find a breeder anywhere near me. I did not want to buy a puppy at one of the pet stores around – even though they did have Cavachons. That made me nervous because you could not find out anything about the parents.
When I heard about Briarthorne and that they were close enough to me to visit, I contacted them. I ended up spending an entire afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed meeting the family and, of course, the puppies!
Hopefully, others will give us some personal recommendations in other areas. Best wishes on your quest.
[Reply]
Max Replied:
November 24th, 2012 at 9:41 am
We bought our pup-pup from Foxglove Cavachon and have been very pleased!!! I knew I’d either buy from Briarthorn or Foxglove but at the time, Briarthorn didn’t have any available puppies for sale so I went with Foxglove. Both answered all of my questions and I’d feel comfortable buying another cavachon from either one. We don’t reside in OH and like Lori, I was terrified buying one from a petstore. We chose to fly-in our cavachon and he weathered the flight well. My cavachon is now 8 months, is very healthy,social, and is a wonderful with our children. Best wishes and I hope this helps.
[Reply]
Anonymous Replied:
January 3rd, 2013 at 11:49 pm
Hi Max my name is Sandy I ‘m planning to buy Cavachon from either the two breeder that you’ve mention, I just have a concern if the dog is 1st generation to preserve the hypoallergenic. Also is there a big gap of standard and toy please help me my email is sandy.lim888@gmail.com
Thx you
Sandy Lim
Lori Replied:
January 12th, 2013 at 7:03 pm
Hi Sandy – I could assure you that you would be safe with either of those two breeders. They are both very reputable and will answer any questions you have. I am sure either one would provide both full information and pictures of the parents. As far a standard and toy go, toys are probably rarer and are under 15 lb. when full grown, whereas the standard are over 15 lb. Most are not over 20 lb. The breeder can estimate a puppy’s adult size for you (I doubt they would guarantee it, though!)
kbc108 Replied:
July 18th, 2013 at 7:56 pm
Did Foxglove provide info about the parents?
i love the breed , so cute. do you know of any recommended breeders .?
[Reply]
Lori Replied:
August 21st, 2012 at 10:56 am
I do not know where you are at, but the only breeder I have ever visited and therefore the only one I can personally recommend is Briarthorn in Kent, Ohio. We did not get our dog there, but if I had known about them at the time, I definitely would have!
Maybe some of our readers have personal recommendations for you, also.
[Reply]
do cavachons shed alot?
[Reply]
Lori Replied:
August 19th, 2012 at 9:59 pm
Not at all! They are very low shedding. You will get a lot of hair in the comb when you groom them, though!
[Reply]