RIVER CITY PUPPIES
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 Breeding Toy Cavoodles without anxiety to complement a family's lifestyle.
About the Breeder
Hi there!
My name is Tiana Karamihas
and I’m a Toy Cavoodle Breeder & Cavoodle Coach.
I've been raising this beautiful breed for over sixteen years and working within the health, grooming, training & breeding sectors of the Small Animal Industry for almost a decade. Throughout my years working within the industry, I have developed a framework for Cavoodles that focuses on training, socialising and desensitising my puppies to complement a family's lifestyle rather than complicate it.
The curriculum program that I have created for River City Puppies is one that I hold very close to my heart. Through the information below, you will learn how your puppy will be raised, the benefits to this program and what training they will be receiving. I look forward to embarking on this exciting journey with you with ongoing Breeder support for the duration of your puppy's life!
Our Program
About River City Puppies
River City Puppies (RCP) is a small, boutique breeder of Toy Cavoodles located in Brisbane, Australia. RCP breeds Toy Cavoodles from pedigree and purebred bloodlines. Our puppies are predicted to weigh between 3kg-7kg fully grown and are typically ruby to apricot in colour. Please be aware that it is normal for Cavoodles to lighten in colour as they mature.
All of our breeding dogs are DNA tested to ensure our puppies are not affected by any tested, heritable diseases and have all been cleared with no patella luxation or heart issues.
Our Curriculum Program →The CurriculumÂ
Our Cavoodles are raised within our home and follow an intensive, daily Puppy Curriculum created by Breeder & Coach, Tiana Karamihas. This program incorporates the world-renowned Puppy Culture and Badass Breeders Training Programs, as well as Tiana's fifteen years of combined experience raising Cavoodles and working within the health, training, grooming & breeding sectors of the small animal industry.
RCP's program uses Positive Reinforcement training and consists of a variety of Early Neurological Stimulation Exercises (ENI), Early Scent Introduction (ESI), and proper socialisation. For the first few months of a puppy's life, they reach different behavioral and developmental milestones almost weekly. River City Puppies works with the puppies each week to help them reach their full potential by positively introducing new objects, sounds and experiences that they may encounter as an adult dog. As part of the program, Tiana also teaches a variety of training exercises to the puppies from her Cavoodle-Specific, Puppy School, Oodleway: Puppy Train.
WHAT'S THE BENEFIT?
Why Do We Follow Puppy Curriculum?
Up until 12 weeks of age, a puppy's brain is like a sponge. They absorb and process new information, situations and experiences at a much faster rate than an older dog. In circumstances where older dogs will require multiple, ongoing training sessions to learn a new behaviour, a puppy under 12 weeks of age only needs to be exposed to a training exercise or situation once, for 1 - 3 minutes, to have the same, lifetime effect.
With Tiana’s 15 years of experience studying the behaviour of Cavoodles, this means, as a Breeder, she can intentionally expose her puppies to certain sounds, places, people, objects & experiences to ensure they have a positive association with it all. This successfully limits the chances of the puppies forming behavioural issues that are common to the breed and means their transition into their new homes is one without separation anxiety, social anxiety, noise & sight reactivity, toileting accidents & sleepless nights. The resources she then provides to her litter families steps them through how to continue their puppy’s training so that they can skip the dreaded “puppy stage” and continue raising their puppy to complement their lifestyle.
Families who apply to the General Waitlist will receive a copy of our week-by-week curriculum program going into specific details on what we do with the puppies.
Join the Waitlist →IMPORTANT INFORMATION
When a family joins the River City Puppies General Waitlist, they understand that individual puppy selections do not occur until the puppies are six weeks old and have had their puppy evaluations. We do not guarantee gender or colour when joining the Waitlist as River City Puppies is built on the foundation that a puppy should COMPLEMENT your lifestyle, not COMPLICATE it. This means, we encourage families to choose their puppy based on their personalities and predicted training requirements rather than just looks alone. The order in which the puppy selections take place for the litter families is based on the order in which they placed their litter deposits. See the Procedure of Purchase below.
The Evaluation Process:
At six-seven weeks of age, their individual temperaments of the puppies have begun to emerge and Tiana takes notes on what traits she sees. She then performs a series of specifically designed tests to evaluate how each puppy reacts to certain stimuli and circumstances.
These tests allow Tiana to see which areas each puppy needs more individualized training in over the next few weeks and also allow Tiana to give recommendations to the litter families on what type of home each puppy would suit.
For example, puppies with a high human motivation will suit families who can dedicate a lot of time to their puppy and involve them in all aspects of their lifestyle, whereas a puppy with low human motivation would suit a quieter family who may work out of home each day.
Desire to follow
Reaction to the unexpected
(toy starts to sing)
Startle recovery
(open umbrella)
Reaction to restraint
(being held on their backs)
We communicate our findings with the puppies' new owners and each puppy is assigned with a family based on what qualities they are looking for out of a puppy. It is important to note that Puppy Evaluations do not predict personalities and should be viewed as a diagnostic test. It allows us to see which areas each puppy needs more work in and gives us an insight on how the puppies react outside the comfort of their home and siblings.
Please note that puppy selections from families will be made in order of deposits. An example of River City Puppies' past Puppy Evaluations can be found below. These documents were shared with the litter families who then made educated decisions on which puppy would suit their family best. Each family ended up getting their first pick, further proving how important it is to pick your puppy based on their evaluation results and not just gender or coat colour alone.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Communication between River City Puppies and prospective owners is always open.
As a breeder, Tiana aims to help educate new families on Cavoodles and is always happy to answer any questions you might have. Here at RCP, we also send weekly update photos and videos of the litter so that you can watch your future furbaby grow.
Ongoing Support
River City Puppies offers ongoing, lifetime, educational support in regards to raising a Cavoodle. Health warranty for the puppies is outlined in the contract provided at the time of placing a Master List reservation fee.
Go Home Day
When the puppies leave for their new homes between 8 - 9 weeks of age (depending on when they reach their biological behavioural markers), their new families will have a few weeks left in their critical Socialisation Period to ensure their puppies are accustomed to the experiences they want them to enjoy as an adult (e.g boating, swimming, working in an office etc). The puppies will be vaccinated, wormed and training will well and truly be underway.
River City Puppies DNA tests all our breeding dogs using the Full Breed Profiles at Orivet Genetic Pet Care prior to their first litters. Our puppies will not be affected by any heritable, tested diseases.
Health Tests Conducted
Descriptions & images are from RightPaw
Patellar Luxation
Physical Test
Dogs affected by patellar luxation have loose kneecaps that may pop in and out of the knee joint, which can be painful and even require surgery. Having a vet examine breeding dogs for patellar luxation can confirm the dog is not affected, and that their puppies are less likely to develop the condition. Patellar luxation is more common in smaller breeds.
Canine Elliptocytosis
Genetic Test
Canine Elliptocytosis is a rare genetic disease causing the red blood cells to be abnormally elliptical in shape, rather than round. It generally does not cause a clinical problem to affected dogs, but puppies may be mildly anaemic and smaller than others. There is a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this disease.
Congenital Macrothrombocytopenia (CM)
Genetic Test
Congenital Macrothrombocytopenia (CM) is a mild disease which normally does not have any impact on an affected dog’s health or lifespan but can cause concern if noticed on routine bloodwork without knowing the cause. It is a blood disease resulting in low numbers of very large platelets. There is a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition.
Curly Coat
Genetic Test
Curly Coat This is a genetic condition affecting Cavalier King Charles Spaniels that causes severe skin, nail and eye issues, as well as making the usually long smooth coat tight and curly. Curly Coat is linked to Congenital Dry Eye disease. There is a DNA test available to identify if breeding Cavaliers are carrying Congenital Dry Eye or Curly Coat.
Curly Coat Dry Eye Syndrome
Genetic Test
Curly Coat Dry Eye Syndrome is a genetic cause of eye and skin problems in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies. The disease also caused an unsually tight curly coat texture. There is a DNA test available to identify if breeding Cavaliers are carrying the gene for Curly Coat Dry Eye Syndrome.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
Genetic Test
This is a disease affecting the spinal cord of older dogs, initially causing wobbliness and eventually hindlimb paralysis. It can affect a wide range of breeds. There is now a DNA test that can indicated if a breeding dog is carrying this disease.
Episodic Falling Syndrome
Genetic Test
This is a genetic neurological condition affecting Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. It causes sudden stiffening of the legs, often causing the dog to fall over and be unable to move. There is a DNA test available to indicate if a breeding dog is carrying this disease. The test is also recommended in Cavoodles.
GM2
Genetic Test
GM2 gangliosidosis is a lysosomal storage disorder that causes neurological problems. There are a few different types of this disease affecting different breeds. There is a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition.
MPS
Genetic Test
Mucopolysaccharidosis is a genetic lysosomal storage disease that can cause various problems including stunted growth and bone deformities. There are a few different variants of this disease that have been identified in different breeds. For many breeds there are DNA tests available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying the condition.
Neonatal Encephalopathy
Genetic Test
Neonatal Encephalopathy (NE) is a brain disease that can occur in Standard Poodle puppies. There is a DNA test available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition.Â
PK Deficiency
Genetic Test
Prekallikrein (PK) deficiency is a rare inherited clotting disorder mainly affecting Shih Tzus and similar breeds. There is a DNA test available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition.
PRA
Genetic Test
PRA Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in dogs is a type of genetic eye disease causing deterioration of the retina and eventually, blindness. There are a variety of sub-types of PRA, which can occur in various breeds. There are various DNA tests available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition .
VWD
Genetic Test
Von Willebrand’s Disease (VWD/vWD) is a genetic bleeding disorder caused by a lack of a specific clotting factor. There are three forms of the disease, types 1, 2 & 3. A DNA test is available for each type of VWD to identify whether a breeding dog is a carrier or might be affected. The severity of VWD varies widely between breeds and individuals, ranging from life-threatening, through to having no impact on clotting ability.
As a rule, we also only breed from dogs that are a minimum of 12 months of age, have had their health cleared by our Veterinarian & Reproduction Specialist, and are mature (they will not be bred until their second heat at a minimum). Our Stud receives an annual vaccination and visits the clinic for a health check before and after all matings. Our Dams also receive an annual vaccination, as well as pre-whelp checks by our Reproduction Specialist before each mating to ensure they are fit to carry puppies.
In addition to this, our girls also have a very thorough and comprehensive checkup once their puppies are 6 weeks of age. Certificates for patellar luxation, hip mobility, heart exams & ocular exams have also been obtained for all breeding dogs and they have all passed with no issues found.
Step One
Thank you for choosing to become part of the River City Puppies family! In order to start your journey of acquiring a River City Puppies' Toy Cavoodle, a puppy application will need to be submitted via the form below or via River City Puppies' RightPaw Page. This will place your name on our GENERAL WAITLIST, which is simply an expression of interest.
Once your application is submitted, River City Puppies will be in contact if they have any further questions.
Apply via RightPaw →
Step Two
Once your application has been approved, Tiana may contact you to arrange a phone consultation interview if more details are required. Your next step will be to place a $1,000.00 reservation fee as well as a signed Puppy Purchase Agreement Contract. Your reservation fee is deducted from the purchase price of your puppy. All puppies are sold on a strict spay/neuter contract and the reservation fee is non-refundable for Buyer change of mind or circumstance.
After submitting your reservation fee and contract, you will then be added to the Master Waitlist. The Master Waitlist is in order of reservation fee submission dates and once a litter has been born, you will be contacted if a puppy in the litter is available for you. River City Puppies aims to keep the Master Waitlist at a reasonable number to ensure everyone will receive a puppy within a timely manner.
Step Three
Once a litter has been born, contacted families have the choice to either secure a puppy from the litter with a non-refundable, $1,000.00 fee (deducted from the total cost of your puppy) or PASS, and wait for the next litter. Factors that might influence this decision may include gender ratios, colour/markings, litter sizes and coat type availability. Each family has the flexibility to remain on the Master Waitlist for as long as they need in order to find the right fit.
Please be aware that final puppy selections are made by families when the litter is 6 weeks old and are made in order of each family's position on the Master Waitlist. River City Puppies conducts individual puppy evaluations at 6 weeks of age and highly recommends families take into consideration the predicted personality and training requirements of each puppy rather than choosing based on gender alone. River City Puppies always holds the first position in a litter in the event that we want to keep a puppy back for our breeding program.
The remaining balance for your Cavoodle is due at the time of your final puppy selection.
PRICING
Regardless of coat colour & gender, a River City Puppies' Toy Cavoodle, bred & trained by Cavoodle Coach & Breeder, Tiana Karamihas, is $7,495 + GST
Litter two
Chelsea x Teddi
The next litter of 2024 will be a litter from Chelsea & Teddi (last 2 images).
Teddi is a handsome, 30cm tall, F2b Cavoodle, weighing 4.5kg. Chelsea is a gorgeous, F1 Cavoodle weighing 5.3kg and standing at 35cm tall.
Below, you will also find some pictures of Chelsea's previous litter.
Litter three
Ruby x Waldo
The FINAL litter of 2024 will be a litter from Ruby & Waldo (last two images).
Waldo is a small, F2 Cavoodle weighing 3.4kg and Ruby is a beautiful, F1 Cavoodle (Chelsea's sister) weighing 6.5kg and standing at 35cm tall.
Below, you will also see pictures of Ruby's previous litter.
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Oscar
The dog who started it all.
Oscar is one of those dogs that you know will never be replaced. Born in 2008, he was Tiana’s family's first Cavoodle. Taking Oscar home was the best decision they ever made and he was the biggest blessing in their lives! He brought a calmness to their household that they hadn't experienced before and is the heart of their family.
Gentle, affectionate, loyal, patient, and understanding are a few of the words they would use to describe him. River City Puppies was founded in Oscar's honour, with the goal of providing other families with a Cavoodle just like him. He is featured in the logo and embodies everything we strive to achieve in our Cavoodles.
DOB: 14TH APRIL, 2008
Chelsea
Chelsea is Tiana’s F1 Toy Cavoodle weighing 5kg and measuring 35cm tall.
She has a wavy, fleece, ruby red coat that is incredibly velvety soft.
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Chelsea is the funniest little Cavoodle with such as fun personality! Her favourite item on earth is her tennis ball and she LOVES running back and forth on the tennis court chasing it...buuuut she is also equally happy snuggling on the couch with us (and by snuggle, we mean forcing herself under our arms and into our laps any time she gets the chance).
She is very intelligent, eager to train and lives to please us. Chelsea is a wonderful mother with very strong maternal instincts. She keeps her puppies impeccably clean and very happy.
Chelsea is clear for all genetic diseases common to the Cavoodle Breed other than being a carrier for Dry Eye Curly Coat Syndrome and Degenerative Myelopathy, DM (SOD1A). She has been cleared for Patellar Luxation, hip mobility & has certificates for heart exams and ocular exams with no issues found.
DOB: 11th MARCH, 2022
Ruby
Ruby is Chelsea’s full sister from the same litter!
She lives up the road with Tiana’s cousins and is absolutely gorgeous. She is a first generation Toy Cavoodle weighing 6kg and measuring 35cm tall. She has a wavy, fleece, red coat with a white chest and chin that is very soft. Ruby & Chelsea are very similar as they both love to play! Ruby is very gentle around young children and loves to cuddle. Ruby produces the most gorgeous puppies that are service & therapy quality and have beautiful white markings.
Ruby is clear for all genetic diseases common to the Cavoodle Breed other than being a carrier for Dry Eye Curly Coat Syndrome. She has been cleared for Patellar Luxation, hip mobility & has certificates for heart exams and ocular exams with no issues found.
DOB: 11th MARCH, 2022
Nessie
Retired Mum
Nessie is the love of Tiana’s life and her best little friend.
She is perfect in every way and the most incredible Mum. When Nessie is with the puppies, Tiana knows everything is covered and she doesn't have to worry. Nessie is gentle-hearted, endlessly sweet, and gives the snuggliest cuddles. She listens intently and understands everything said to her.
Nessie has had 3 litters and has now retired from her duty as a Mum. But she takes the role of Auntie very seriously as she shows Chelsea & Ruby what to do. We often find her in their Whelping box cleaning up after their puppies and trying to nurse them. Nessie is everything Tiana aims to achieve with River City Puppies by raising puppies to complement a family’s lifestyle.
DOB: 31ST JULY, 2020
Max
Max is River City Puppies' Stud Toy Poodle.
Father to all of Nessie’s litters, I guess the saying that #curlsgetthegirls is true! His sweet personality wins over all hearts over and he might just be the happiest dog you'll ever meet. Max is extremely intelligent, adores human company, and loves to be involved in every task you do.
Max is a purebred, apricot/cream Toy Poodle, weighing 5kg and sitting at 30cm (shoulders to paws). He has been DNA tested CLEAR of all heritable diseases common to Toy Poodles and is available for external Stud use.