Frequently Asked Questions

This is a great question! At Little Blue Cottage, we believe in taking a holistic approach to breeding dogs. This means that we pay attention to the physical, mental, and nutritional well-being of our dogs throughout their lives. We believe that breeding healthy, happy dogs is about more than just genetics – it's also about providing a nurturing environment, proper nutrition (including raw), and plenty of socialization and exercise. So we have no kennels, and our dogs live with us and get to run the trails every week.

Although much development has happened in the last 20 years with testing, just like for humans, what determines our health is not just what parents we have. What we do on a daily basis from our nutrition, supplementation, and exercise is a huge predictor of our health. We take great care to ensure that our dogs are not treated as livestock, but as complex and whole beings by engaging their mind, body and insuring genetics are good. So ultimately our puppies will be healthy, well-adjusted, loving family pets. We believe that this approach leads to better outcomes for our dogs and their new families.

Yes, at Little Blue Cottage, we prioritize the health and well-being of our dogs and their puppies. We conduct full panel breed specific DNA testing for genetic disorders. For our labs the panel includes Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC), Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM). For Cavalier King Charles Spaniel the panel includes Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), Episodic Falling (EF) and Dry Eye Curly Coat (CKCSID). This ensure that puppies are healthy and will not be affected by those inherited diseases.

Our dogs are registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and we register each litter with the AKC. When you come to pick up your puppy you will receive the AKC registration form that you, as the dog' owner, can fill out online on the AKC website, or fill the paper form and mail, to get your new puppy registered.

Yes! We would love to meet you! Please send us a text for an appointment - sorry we have busy lives and we can't entertain without prior notice!

Note that contagious diseases can be passed from humans to dogs so if you exhibit symptoms please keep away until you feel better to protect our small and vulnerable puppies.

At Little Blue Cottage, we believe in responsible breeding practices and ensuring the health and safety of our puppies. Because certain viruses are fatal we follow our veterinarian's recommendations and give our puppies the DAP vaccine, which protects against three different diseases: Distemper, Adenovirus, and Parvovirus. Distemper is a viral disease that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems, while Adenovirus is a virus that can cause respiratory and liver disease. Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that attacks the digestive system and is often fatal. The DAP vaccine is given in a series of shots to puppies starting at around 6-7 weeks old, with booster shots given at regular intervals to maintain immunity. As a new owner you will be responsible to continue with the booster to maintain immunity.

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) is a series of exercises performed on puppies during their first few weeks of life. These exercises are designed to stimulate their neurological system, which helps to develop their senses, motor skills, and immune system. The exercises involve different types of touch, temperature changes, and gentle movements.

ENS is important because it has have a positive impact on a puppy's development, health, and behavior.

Studies have shown that puppies who undergo ENS are more resistant to stress, have better immune systems, and are more adaptable to new situations. They also tend to have better problem-solving skills and are more confident and outgoing.

At Little Blue Cottage, we believe in providing the best possible start in life for our puppies. That's why we practice ENS on all of our litters. We want our puppies to be easier to train than the average puppies who did not get ENS. Our goal is not just healthy, happy, and well-adjusted puppies, but giving you an advantage in your training journey.

https://breedingbetterdogs.com/article/early-neurological-stimulation

Puppies are almost always reserved ahead of the litter or shortly after the puppies are born. We require a deposit which will secure your place on the wait list and your choice order. Deposit amount is different for Labs and Cavaliers. If you would like to discuss our upcoming litters and possibly reserving a puppy from our upcoming litter please send us an email at mel@littlebluecottagebreeder.com