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: 
Looking for a cavachon near pa…willing to travel to NJ, MD, NY, DE (we live close to philiadephia Any recommendations?
Any experience with Royal Puppy Palace? They are in Odesaa, FL, but would consider a vacation with a puppy pick up on the way.
Thanks!
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Just want to add our pup WAS even cuter than pictured! FoxGlove breeds gorgeous pups…I guess you just cant count on “lifetime support!”
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Hello all!! We recently purchased our cavachon from FoxGlove Cavachons in Ohio. Pup was safely shipped. Terry was a doll to deal with however once I received my pup and contacted her with a few questions (my pup is having lots of difficulty with housetraining and she had told me she was well on her way) she never got back to me. I am very upset as she promises lifetime support yet would not get back to me a few weeks later?!? I have made 3 attempts to reach her with no success. Thankfully it was not a more serious issue! I am not here to bash her and I truly thought she was great to deal with so I am quite shocked!
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Pk Replied:
March 1st, 2014 at 1:12 pm
We also have 2 cavachons from Terry. Wonderful dogs. Although the one does shed quite a bit and favors the cavalier. But we also had issues with our female and training. She kept getting uti’s. But didn’t exhibit the usual wanting to go out every 5 minutes. So you may want to keep an eye on that. Also, bc of her body type, it is somewhat folded down there. So we keep her groomed and trimmed close, not as nice of a breeding ground for bacteria to start. Stick with it.
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Did u ever find a cavachon in fl? M looking for one
Thank u.
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Smooch my pups in Lapeer Mi is a wonderful place. The website is very nice and informative with pics of their home. I think someone has their info wrong. I saw where they lived…was in their place. I will buy from them for sure. The pups are beautiful and so are the parents. A+++ breeder in my book!
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I was just reading through these posts and noticed this one about a Cavachon “snuffling” a lot. My 4 1/2 month old Cavachon is sniffly in the morning when she first wakes up and a little if she’s been napping for a time. I was worried that she had a cold, or worse a heart defect, but she is in perfect health otherwise. Does anyone else have a sniffly pup? I, too, am going to ask my vet about it, but my pup is the first Cavachon she’s had in her practice.
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Hi Sue
Do you have any information about Briarthorn? Did you wind up getting a dog from
them? I would appreciate any feedback you could give me.
Thanks so much!
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I purchased a puppy from that breeder and am in love with her !!! She is beautiful and was well socialized!!! I am very surprised to learn that she is being referred to as a puppy mill??? Also, her home was immaculate!!!
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Sue–have you had success in finding a Cavachon? Your post caught my eye because I got my Cavachon with the hope of training her as a therapy dog as well. We had to pick her out when she was only 2 weeks old because there is such a high demand for them, so we had no idea what her personality would be like. At 4 months old now we are thrilled with her. She started scratching at the door to go outside to potty after less than a week, and except for a couple random accidents is doing really well with house-training. She has her feisty moments (likes to occasionally run around like crazy and growls at her toys) but she loves people and is very sweet. Going along to Home Depot, where she sees people and might get a treat, is a favorite thing to do. She also enjoys visiting at the retirement village where my parents live. She loves to be outside, even when it’s cold–surprising for a little dainty dog. If you have any information about how to get a dog certified to be a therapy dog, I would appreciate it. We live in the Denver area. You can see Gidget in the picture gallery on this website.
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Does anyone know of a reputable Cavachon breeder in Florida or Southern Ga area? My cavachon will be 4 in Feb and I am looking for another. I got Jinger from Foxglove when we lived in Ohio and she is the most wonderful little girl. I am not comfortable with having a puppy shipped on an airplane so I want to find a breeder that is close enough to travel to. We live in the Sarasota Fl area and the only breeder I have found here is Royal Puppy Palace….
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carolinatwin Replied:
February 5th, 2014 at 8:47 am
Does anyone know anything about Century Farms in Iowa?
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Anonymous Replied:
February 8th, 2014 at 12:09 pm
Do a search on that location and USDA reports. I was considering them as well but it looks like they are a puppy mill and have been reprimanded by the USDA for the conditions of their locations. I’m very hesitant now of them.
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Anyone ever get a reply on good breeders in Florida? We are new to the Clearwater / St. Petersburg / Tampa Bay area. Thanks.
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Kalie,
Did you ever learn anything more about this breeder? We are very interested in a cavapoo from Riverside.
Chris
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Hi all!
I’ve been going crazy doing research on breeders. I’m so uncertain about a lot of them. I’ve personally always gotten my dogs from an animal shelter but now I’m looking for a cavachon for my daughter who is about to turn 3. I really like their general temperaments for her. Being a military family we can’t afford the higher priced dogs. I’ve seen some very nice websites that look like their dogs are very well taken care of but we can only afford to spend in the $500 area. If anyone could please give me any info or tips on breeders that they have used it would be greatly appreciated!! My email is gluetv@aol.com.
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Marc Replied:
December 18th, 2013 at 2:21 pm
Are you sure your 3 yr old daughter is ready for a puppy? Dog is not a toy. You have to make sure you have the time, money and commitment to take care of the dog, because your daughter is not going to. Cavachons need a lot of care and attention. You also have to keep in mind regular vet and grooming costs. Not discouraging you, maybe you have already worked these things out and are going to be a wonderful pet parent. I see so many people get puppies for their kids for christmas, and a few months or a year later the poor dog is neglected.
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I purchased a beautiful cavachon boy from Century Farms in Iowa in May 2013. Had a very good experience with the breeder and our little Buddy is perfect in every way. He’s the most happy little guy and cuddly dog I have ever had. He is now 8 months old and is in perfect health. He came with all his immunization papers and vet comments. They ship their puppies at 10 weeks old and I felt comfortable speaking with the owners, the Meyers.
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Anonymous Replied:
January 11th, 2014 at 11:05 pm
We bought our cavachon from Century Farms as well. He is almost 2 and we’ve had no problems. He was sent to us 10 wks old, neutered, and had current vaccines. My vet was really impressed on our first visit.
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Stay away from Century Farms in Grundy Center, Iowa…do your research, a search will turn up their deplorable conditions.
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This breeder is a puppy mill with deplorable conditions. DO YOUR RESEARCH!!
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I purchased a Cavachon baby girl from Terry @ Foxglove Farms and couldn’t be happier. I have owned dogs as long as I can remember and thought my Cinnamon was the best dog anyone could ever hope to have. She set the bar pretty high.
Without question Terry’s Cavachon Babies are precious, loving bundles of fur that are beautiful and will bring joy to everyone they meet.
Our little girl flew to California in a direct flight. The moment she was out of the crate we got puppy kisses to warm our hearts. From day one, she slept through the night.
Potty training was a snap because she was trained before we got her. We just reinforced what she had already been taught. The accidents she has had in the house (maybe 4) is a direct result of my better half not taking her out…just saying.
My husband thought I was crazy to buy such an expensive dog over the internet. Well, he has said many times over our little one was worth every cent we paid for her. We have saved to buy her a sister, and are now we are waiting for the right little girl for our family.
Our vet says she is a healthy little girl with an amazing sweet personality.
My experiences with Terry have been positive. Email and phone calls are answered promptly. I do not expect return calls on weekends but have gotten them.
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Anonymous Replied:
November 8th, 2013 at 7:33 pm
Check your email…
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Anonymous Replied:
December 25th, 2013 at 3:19 pm
I am considering a dog there as well. I just find it hard to spending $4500 o a dog!
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I am looking for a breeder in or around Sacramento. Any suggestions?
Thank you
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tcoxen Replied:
October 5th, 2013 at 10:05 pm
I am as well. I’m in sac. If you have any luck let me know. T c o x e n at y a h o o dot c o m
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Jill Replied:
October 18th, 2013 at 1:17 am
Although Foxglove Farms is in Ohio, this breeder KNOWS how to screen for health problems breeds happy healthy beautiful dogs.
It was my experience Breeders in CA didn’t have comparable experience.
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Hi, I was just wondering if anyone has had any experience with Rosegate breeders?? Are they reputable?? Thanks
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Has anyone purchased a puppy from Silver Paw Cavachons in Washington State?
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Anyone have experience with either Gleneden Cavachon or DCDogFinders in the DC/MD/VA area?
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Anonymous Replied:
October 18th, 2013 at 11:22 am
I’m also interested in info on these two breeders.
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Anonymous Replied:
January 20th, 2014 at 5:18 pm
We are interested in DCDog Finders as well. Any info or experience with them.
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watch out for Lapeer Mi individuals selling cavachons or multiple breeds out of their house in a subdivision. Been in the papers the past month as running a puppy mill. DO NOT BUY!!! These people will be going to jail very soon.
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anonymous Replied:
December 26th, 2013 at 12:47 pm
I bought 2 puppies from Smooch My Pups and they are a very reputable breeder. I would highly recommend her. She has healthy happy puppies and owns the parents. I also heard of the puppy mill allegations but I went there and they weren’t true. I love my dogs!
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Anonymous Replied:
February 1st, 2014 at 11:54 pm
oh and btw… The breeder is not in jail LOL !!!
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anonymous Replied:
February 7th, 2014 at 9:28 am
What a great blog to chat on! The only problem is I love Smoochmypups in Lapeer, Mi. She is a really great person, very honest and is continuing to be connected even after 6 months of adopting a puppy from her. Those allegations about being a puppy mill are ridiculous. I was there and have gotten to know her. She has a lovely home where the dogs are raised. The pups are born in her kitchen! There isn’t a barn with dogs in cages. I love my dog and I am going back to get another one especially after doing more research on the breeders out there. So people don’t believe that the information you read is TRUTH. Be smart and do the research and get references from people that have been to the place if you can’t go. I highly recommend Smoochmypups & miss Kaiser and I also like that you can talk to her vet if you want who knows all the dogs & puppies too!
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Has anyone bought from 4ever puppies? Are they reputable?
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Jeancoco Replied:
September 13th, 2013 at 11:00 am
I’d like to know as well if anyone has any information on 4ever puppies?
Thank you
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Anonymous Replied:
September 21st, 2013 at 6:37 am
I have tried to contact 4 ever puppies on numerous occasions by email and phone with no response to either in weeks. So not the place i want to buy a puppy from.
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Angie Replied:
October 24th, 2013 at 4:15 pm
I’ve tried contacting them on their website and CL ad, no response?
Anonymous Replied:
September 14th, 2013 at 10:08 pm
I would like to know this as well!! Has anyone bought from 4everpuppies?? Thanks
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Angie Replied:
October 24th, 2013 at 4:17 pm
Did you ever hear back from them? I’ve left a few messages on email & CL and haven’t gotten any response?
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Anonymous Replied:
February 6th, 2014 at 11:04 pm
I contacted 4ever puppies via email and she was very prompt in her response and we have exchanged numerous emails. We have reserved pick of the litter for puppies due Feb 10th. Will update after we get our puppy in April for a better review.
Brandi Replied:
February 24th, 2014 at 6:48 pm
Where are 4ever puppies located? Did you use the email prompt on their website?
Thanks,
I am interested in a cavachon. I would like to go through a breeder. The only breeder I could find nearby (in MA), has a long waiting list. Has anyone heard of Gleneden Cavachon?
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Anonymous Replied:
September 15th, 2013 at 1:57 pm
We bought from Glendale> My Kami is almost 9 years old and I love her to death. You won’t be disappointed at all.
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I’ve been looking at Briarthorn and have been impressed with what I’ve seen online. There was a reference in another post to a farm where the puppies are before being brought to their home. Does someone have information about this farm? The puppies aren’t born at the breeder’s home? I’m also interested in an address for Briarthorn?
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Wendy Replied:
February 2nd, 2014 at 4:36 pm
Hi Kay
Did you ever hear more about Briarthorn? I am thinking of getting a puppy from there and
want to make sure it is not a puppy mill. Any information you could give me would be
appreciated..
Thank you..
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We have 2 Bichons and a Cavachon from Rosegate Kennel in Arkansas. Wonderful breeder. Great website..
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Hi — My question is in regards to your F1 Cavachon statement. What is an F1 Cavachon and why is that important in decision making?
Thanks!
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