Our Program and the Breed
We have dedicated hundreds of hours to ensure our Cavapoo breeding program is the best in Michigan and the country! Learn a little about what we do to ensure you’re bringing the healthiest and most loved puppy into your home.
Healthy, Happy Puppies!
Our breeding program is committed to producing happy, healthy Cavapoo puppies by carefully selecting parents who are free from severe genetic and health conditions. Each puppy is raised in a loving home, ensuring they are well-socialized and ready to become a cherished member of your family.
Go The Extra Mile
We go the extra mile by utilizing comprehensive health and genetic testing to ensure every litter gets the best start in life. Our commitment to the health and well-being of our puppies means that you can bring home a healthy, well-adjusted companion who is ready to thrive in your home.
Raised With Our Family
From the moment our puppies are born, they are raised in our home, an environment designed to prioritize comfort, cleanliness, and safety. This hands-on, family-centered approach ensures that every puppy receives the love, attention, and socialization they need to grow into well-adjusted, confident companions for their forever families.
Early Development
Early Neurological Stimulation, noise desensitization, and socialization are essential components of our process. These key practices help lay a strong foundation for confident, adaptable puppies who are well-prepared to thrive in their forever homes.
Best Nutrition For Healthy Puppies
We feed Royal Canin to our moms and puppies, providing high-quality nutrition at every stage of life. This ensures they receive the essential nutrients needed to support healthy growth, development, and overall well-being.
Temperament Testing
To match each puppy with the perfect family, we use observation and temperament testing, ensuring lifelong compatibility and happiness for both the puppy and their new home.
Coats and Colors
Cavapoos come in various colors, but at SBK, we focus on red, red and white abstract, and Blenheim puppies. Coat types can range from slightly wavy to fully curly, and their coats often change as they mature, with shifts in texture, curl, or color. While we love their stunning appearances, our priority is always health and temperament over specific coat traits.
Cavapoo
History
The Cavapoo originated in Australia as a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle, aiming to combine the Poodle’s hypoallergenic coat with the Cavalier’s sweet and affectionate nature. This breed quickly gained popularity for its charming personality and versatility as a companion.
Temperament
Cavapoos are loving, trainable, and adaptable companions. They inherit their trainability and playfulness from the Poodle side, while their cuddly, laid-back “velcro dog” tendencies come from the Cavalier side. These traits make them ideal for first-time dog owners and families seeking an easygoing and affectionate pet.
Health
Cavapoos benefit from “hybrid vigor,” meaning they may have fewer breed-specific health issues due to genetic diversity. However, they can still be prone to ear infections due to their floppy ears and minor dental issues like base narrow canines. Overall, Cavapoos tend to be healthy and thrive with proper care and regular veterinary checkups.
Parent Breed: Miniature Poodle
History
Miniature Poodles began their journey as water dogs, prized for their athleticism and intelligence. Over time, their trainability and flair for entertainment earned them a role as “circus dogs,” showcasing their agility and charm. Today, they are cherished for their versatility as companions and performers.
Temperament
Miniature Poodles are smart, athletic, and highly trainable, making them adaptable to various lifestyles. They balance a playful and “goofy” demeanor with the ability to settle down, as seen in Macy, our calm and sweet Emotional Support Dog. This mix of energy and composure makes them ideal pets for active families and those seeking a devoted companion.
Health
Our Miniature Poodle parents undergo thorough health testing for seven breed-relevant genetic conditions to ensure the best start for their puppies. Like many narrow-muzzled breeds, they can be prone to dental issues and, in older age, Mitral Valve Disease (MVD). To address this, our parent dogs receive advanced cardiac workups and regular exams from a cardiac specialist during and after their breeding years.
Eye health is another priority, with genetic testing for conditions like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) to identify and mitigate potential risks. This proactive approach ensures our Miniature Poodles are as healthy as possible, both during their breeding years and beyond.
Coats and Colors
Miniature Poodles come in a variety of colors, but at SBK, we specialize in red shades, from apricot to dark red. Their dense, curly coats resemble lamb’s wool and are often considered hypoallergenic. While many allergy sufferers find Poodles more tolerable, we refrain from claiming they are entirely hypoallergenic, as individual reactions to dog allergens can vary. We always encourage consulting an allergist if allergies are a concern.
Coats and Colors
Cavaliers come in four standard colors: Ruby, Blenheim (ruby and white), Tricolor, and Black and Tan. Their silky, wavy coats are low to moderate shedders and add to their elegant appearance. Whether lounging on the couch or playing outdoors, their beauty and charm are always on display.
Parent Breed: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
History
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were bred to warm laps in drafty castles, with roots tracing back to English Toy Spaniels, Papillons, and Cocker Spaniels. Their royal lineage and charm made them beloved companions for English nobility, and they remain a favorite for their affectionate nature.
Temperament
Cavaliers are playful, social, and highly adaptable, making them wonderful family pets. They thrive on human connection and prefer to stay close to their loved ones, embodying the true definition of a companion dog. Gentle and affectionate, they are excellent with children and a great choice for families of all sizes.
Health
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels require careful attention to their health, particularly for eye and heart issues. At SBK, our parent dogs undergo annual eye and cardiac exams by specialists and are genetically tested for conditions like Dry Eye Curly Coat Syndrome, Episodic Falling Syndrome, and Muscular Dystrophy.
We also prioritize genetic diversity to support long-term health. While some breeders focus solely on eliminating specific genetic conditions, we believe a broader approach reduces risks of severe health issues and promotes overall well-being. This commitment helps us raise healthier, happier Cavaliers.
Want to learn more about the program?
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