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!

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