
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Dream Dog?
Our Dream Dogs are bred to be the ultimate companion and pet. They are friendly, affectionate, social, intelligent and happy-go-lucky by nature. To achieve this balance, our Dream Dog parents are selected for their exceptional health and easygoing temperament and bred to produce people-oriented puppies who are devoted to their new families.
Our Dogs
How do I adopt a Dream Dog?
If you’re interested in adopting a Dream Dog, please fill out our Adoption Form. Once we approve your application, you will then have the opportunity to place a deposit down.
Are Dream Dogs good with children?
Dream Dogs are bred to be playful yet gentle and highly tolerant of people, making them perfect for first-time dog owners and families with children. As with any new pet, it is important to dedicate time to training, and to teaching your children how to interact appropriately with the animal.
What color are Dream Dogs?
We often see a wide variety of colors in each Dream Dog litter due to the unique combination of genes that we introduce in breeding. We can produce solid colors (black, white, ruby, cream) or multi-colors (black and white, black and tan, Blenheim, ruby and white, or even tri-colored). Please note that we cannot guarantee your family a specific color of Dream Dog; our policy is always to consider temperament first and color preference last.
What type of coat do Dream Dogs have?
Our Dream Dogs are available in both Shedding and Non-Shedding varieties, each of which can produce a range of unique coat types. Shedding Dream Dogs may have short, lab-like coats or feathered coats. Non-Shedding Dream Dogs may have loose, wavy or curly coats.
What does F1, F2 and F1B mean?
F1, F2 and F1B are terms used to help families understand the precise genetic makeup of their Dream Dog.
F1: Purebred mom bred to a purebred dad
F1 Cavador = Labrador Retriever + Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (50% Lab / 50% Cavalier)
F1 Cavapoo = Standard Poodle + Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (50% Poodle / 50% Cavalier)
F2: F1 bred to an F1
F2 Cavador = Cavador + Cavador (50% Lab / 50% Cavalier)
F2 Cavapoo = Cavapoo + Cavapoo (50% Poodle / 50% Cavalier)
F1B: F1 bred to purebred
F1B Cavador = Cavador + Cavalier (25% Lab / 75% Cavalier)
F1B Cavapoo = Cavapoo + Cavalier (25% Poodle / 75% Cavalier)
Multigenerational: Consists of any of these combinations (i.e., F2 + F2, F1 + F1B, etc.)
How are Dream Dogs raised?
Raising a Dream Dog requires an incredible amount of time, energy, hard work and love and we take that job very seriously. Our team of professionals is dedicated to raising every Dream Dog in a proper home environment where they will receive the highest level of care and devotion as they are acclimated to everyday sounds, sights and other activities in order to make the transition into their forever home seamless.
Below is an outline detailing our puppies’ first eight weeks of life to help illustrate their mental, physical and social development:
Weeks 0-2:
During the first two weeks, we focus on the physical and emotional health of our Dream Dog mom, as these factors can significantly influence a puppy’s personality. Visitors are limited and the household is kept quiet to help ensure our dogs are comfortable and relaxed. It is also essential to ensure that mom is receiving appropriate nutrients and supplements so that her puppies are able to grow up strong and healthy. During this period, we also make sure that all puppies are reaching their weight milestones, clipping toenails and handling them daily.
Week 2:
As our puppies’ eyes start to open, we dim the ambient light and engage the litter by hanging novelty stimuli around the whelping box. We also add soft obstacles to navigate around and over in order to help develop our puppies’ coordination, problem-solving skills and strength.
Week 3-4:
We increase the complexity of obstacles and brain games to strengthen key personality traits and build confidence. We also introduce potty boxes to encourage natural potty training. Additionally, we increase the size of their play space to allow for more areas to explore.
Weeks 5-8:
Our puppies are introduced to core foundation training skills including coming when called, crate training, potty training and off-leash skills. Additionally, our puppies participate in personalized enrichment experiences outside of the home to gain comfort and confidence in common situations including car rides and interactions with strangers. We also allow them to interact with our other adult dogs to bolster criticial socialization skills.
During this period, we assess each puppy’s unique traits, including resilience, sociability, forgiveness and more in order to pair them perfectly with your family and lifestyle.
What is the Dream Dog temperament like?
The single most important quality in our dogs is their temperament. While training can help reinforce specific behaviors, temperament comes from careful breeding. All of our Dream Dog parents have passed a vigorous temperament test and have been hand-selected for our breeding program based on the following traits:
- Naturally biddable (easy to train)
- Reliable when walked off leash
- Bubbly, fun and playful personality
- Mild, easygoing energy level
- High tolerance for handling, stress, frustration, fear, etc.
- Appropriate friendliness and sociability with both humans and other dogs
- Stability, forgiveness, resilience
- Quiet; relatively non-vocal
- Low prey drive
- Lack of separation or confinement anxiety
- Low propensity for aggression
Are Dream Dogs good with cats?
Yes, Dream Dogs are bred for high sociability and a low prey drive, which means they generally cohabitate well with cats.
What size are Dream Dogs?
Dream Dogs can range in size from small to large, though the majority fall somewhere in the middle, between 30 and 40 pounds when fully grown. While we cannot guarantee your Dream Dog will grow to a specific size, we can usually tell once the puppies are a few weeks old whether they are going to be under-sized (smaller) or over-sized (larger). As a general note, our non-shedding lines tend to be taller, as we breed from Standard Poodles.
Are Dream Dogs hypoallergenic?
The term hypoallergenic can be misleading as there is no way to truly guarantee that a dog will not produce an allergic reaction. For individuals who are sensitive or allergic to dog dander, a Non-Shedding Dream Dog is the best choice.
What is the difference between male and female Dream Dogs?
There is no major difference between male and female Dream Dogs—both genders make amazing pets. Please note that we cannot guarantee your family a specific gender of Dream Dog; our policy is always to consider temperament first and gender preference second.
How much exercise is required?
While no two Dream Dogs are exactly alike, we breed our puppies to be highly adaptable to any and all levels of physical activity. Dream Dogs generally enjoy hiking, walking and playing in addition to quieter activities such as snuggling on the couch. Some of our puppies have more energy than others, which we determine during temperament assessment. This process enables us to pair you with a dog that perfectly matches your family and lifestyle.
Health
Are the Dream Dog parents health tested?
Absolutely! Comprehensive health testing is the foundation of a responsible and ethical breeding program. We make every effort to ensure that our Dream Dog parents are healthy and that their puppies are born free of disease or genetic health conditions so they can live long and healthy lives. All Dream Dog parents see a Board-Certified Cardiologist, Orthopedist, and Ophthalmologist yearly and are screened for genetic health conditions relevant to the breed.
How frequently do Dream Dogs need to be groomed?
While specific grooming requirements vary by breed, regular grooming is important to help your Dream Dog maintain its overall health as well as its beautiful coat. Additionally, all Dream Dogs should have their nails clipped once per month.
Do you recommend pet insurance?
We recommend that Dream Dog owners purchase pet insurance throughout the duration of the animal’s lifetime. A 30-day policy with Trupanion Pet Insurance is included with your purchase.
Are Dream Dogs puppies vaccinated, microchipped or dewormed?
Yes, all of our puppies are dewormed, microchipped and examined by a licensed veterinarian prior to pickup. Each puppy also will receive their first series of vaccinations as well as a certificate of health and two-year guarantee covering genetic conditions and defects.
Do you require your dogs to be spayed or neutered?
Dream Dogs are not required to be spayed or neutered and we require that the animal remain intact until they are at least 18 months of age. Dream Dogs by Christine does not allow its dogs to be bred or used as studs without written consent.
What is your health guarantee?
Please read our full contract for details pertaining to our health guarantee, which covers any hereditary disease as well as hip and elbow dysplasia. Please note, owners are required to have their Dream Dog examined by a veterinarian within 72 hours of pickup. Owners should also be aware that despite our on-site deworming protocols is not uncommon for new puppies to test positive for parasites such as Giardia, coccidia, roundworm, etc., which are not covered by the guarantee.
Adoption Process
When are puppies ready for their new homes?
Our puppies are available to take home eight weeks after birth.
When are the next litters planned?
For information on upcoming litters, please contact us or follow the Dream Dogs Community page on Facebook.
How much is the deposit?
All puppy deposits are $600.00.
Is the deposit refundable?
All deposits, booking fees and service fees are non-refundable unless we do not have a puppy for you, in which case they may be transferred to the next available litter.
Why are you priced higher than most breeders?
Our prices reflect the tremendous effort, research and development necessary to establish a truly world-class breeding program. Additionally, rearing requires a full-time staff over eight weeks to ensure exceptional quality of care for both the puppies and their parents.
What pickup and delivery options are available?
The following options are available to help you bring your new puppy home:
- In-person pickup
Visit us in person to pick up your Dream Dog. Pickup is available by appointment only Monday through Friday 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. - Pickup at the Philadelphia International Airport
Meet us at PHL airport and fly home with your Dream Dog. Our airport pickup service is priced at $160.00. - Flight nanny
Your Dream Dog will be flown to your local airport with the help of a dedicated chaperone. Please budget approximately $750.00 to $1,000.00 for the flight. - Personal ground transport
Depending on your location, we can deliver the puppy to you for an additional fee.
How do you assess a puppy’s personality?
When our puppies reach a certain age (typically six to seven weeks old), their temperaments and personalities really start to develop. At this age we can then evaluate specific traits, including resilience, sociability, forgiveness and more in order to pair them perfectly with your family and lifestyle.
How do I adopt?
If you’re interested in adopting a Dream Dog, please fill out the Adoption Application.
Do you keep waitlists?
We do keep a waitlist, though space is limited. Once your adoption application has been approved, you may place a non-refundable deposit to be added to the waitlist.
What payment options are available?
We offer several convenient payment options, including cash, credit card (Amex, Discover, Visa, MasterCard) or money order. Your payment can be completed in person using any of the above means, over the phone via debit/credit card or by mail via cashier’s check or money order. Puppies must be paid for in full before they are released to their new homes. Taxes and fees apply. Please note that there is an additional 3.0% surcharge when using a debit or credit card.
What are your prices?
The price of a Dream Dog varies by breed and by litter, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 depending on the pairing. If you are interested in adopting a specific breed of Dream Dog, please contact us for details.
Where are you located?
Our facilities are located in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
How do you pair puppies with families?
As dog behavioral experts, we pride ourselves on our ability to evaluate puppy temperament at an individual level. We spend every day observing our puppies and their interactions with their littermates and mom, as well as with people. This provides valuable insight and allows us to select a dog that perfectly complements your lifestyle.
The puppies’ personalities really start to take shape about five weeks after birth, and over the next two weeks we start to narrow down which puppy will be your Dream Dog!
What training and support resources are available to me after I bring my puppy home?
You will receive a variety of training resources and recommendations prior to pickup so that you are fully prepared for life with your new Dream Dog. We also offer supplemental training sessions and consulting services if you need further help along the way!
Our Dogs
How do I adopt a Dream Dog?
If you’re interested in adopting a Dream Dog, please fill out our Adoption Form. Once we approve your application, you will then have the opportunity to place a deposit down.
Are Dream Dogs good with children?
Dream Dogs are bred to be playful yet gentle and highly tolerant of people, making them perfect for first-time dog owners and families with children. As with any new pet, it is important to dedicate time to training, and to teaching your children how to interact appropriately with the animal.
What color are Dream Dogs?
We often see a wide variety of colors in each Dream Dog litter due to the unique combination of genes that we introduce in breeding. We can produce solid colors (black, white, ruby, cream) or multi-colors (black and white, black and tan, Blenheim, ruby and white, or even tri-colored). Please note that we cannot guarantee your family a specific color of Dream Dog; our policy is always to consider temperament first and color preference last.
What type of coat do Dream Dogs have?
Our Dream Dogs are available in both Shedding and Non-Shedding varieties, each of which can produce a range of unique coat types. Shedding Dream Dogs may have short, lab-like coats or feathered coats. Non-Shedding Dream Dogs may have loose, wavy or curly coats.
What does F1, F2 and F1B mean?
F1, F2 and F1B are terms used to help families understand the precise genetic makeup of their Dream Dog.
F1: Purebred mom bred to a purebred dad
F1 Cavador = Labrador Retriever + Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (50% Lab / 50% Cavalier)
F1 Cavapoo = Standard Poodle + Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (50% Poodle / 50% Cavalier)
F2: F1 bred to an F1
F2 Cavador = Cavador + Cavador (50% Lab / 50% Cavalier)
F2 Cavapoo = Cavapoo + Cavapoo (50% Poodle / 50% Cavalier)
F1B: F1 bred to purebred
F1B Cavador = Cavador + Cavalier (25% Lab / 75% Cavalier)
F1B Cavapoo = Cavapoo + Cavalier (25% Poodle / 75% Cavalier)
Multigenerational: Consists of any of these combinations (i.e., F2 + F2, F1 + F1B, etc.)
How are Dream Dogs raised?
Raising a Dream Dog requires an incredible amount of time, energy, hard work and love and we take that job very seriously. Our team of professionals is dedicated to raising every Dream Dog in a proper home environment where they will receive the highest level of care and devotion as they are acclimated to everyday sounds, sights and other activities in order to make the transition into their forever home seamless.
Below is an outline detailing our puppies’ first eight weeks of life to help illustrate their mental, physical and social development:
Weeks 0-2:
During the first two weeks, we focus on the physical and emotional health of our Dream Dog mom, as these factors can significantly influence a puppy’s personality. Visitors are limited and the household is kept quiet to help ensure our dogs are comfortable and relaxed. It is also essential to ensure that mom is receiving appropriate nutrients and supplements so that her puppies are able to grow up strong and healthy. During this period, we also make sure that all puppies are reaching their weight milestones, clipping toenails and handling them daily.
Week 2:
As our puppies’ eyes start to open, we dim the ambient light and engage the litter by hanging novelty stimuli around the whelping box. We also add soft obstacles to navigate around and over in order to help develop our puppies’ coordination, problem-solving skills and strength.
Week 3-4:
We increase the complexity of obstacles and brain games to strengthen key personality traits and build confidence. We also introduce potty boxes to encourage natural potty training. Additionally, we increase the size of their play space to allow for more areas to explore.
Weeks 5-8:
Our puppies are introduced to core foundation training skills including coming when called, crate training, potty training and off-leash skills. Additionally, our puppies participate in personalized enrichment experiences outside of the home to gain comfort and confidence in common situations including car rides and interactions with strangers. We also allow them to interact with our other adult dogs to bolster criticial socialization skills.
During this period, we assess each puppy’s unique traits, including resilience, sociability, forgiveness and more in order to pair them perfectly with your family and lifestyle.
What is the Dream Dog temperament like?
The single most important quality in our dogs is their temperament. While training can help reinforce specific behaviors, temperament comes from careful breeding. All of our Dream Dog parents have passed a vigorous temperament test and have been hand-selected for our breeding program based on the following traits:
- Naturally biddable (easy to train)
- Reliable when walked off leash
- Bubbly, fun and playful personality
- Mild, easygoing energy level
- High tolerance for handling, stress, frustration, fear, etc.
- Appropriate friendliness and sociability with both humans and other dogs
- Stability, forgiveness, resilience
- Quiet; relatively non-vocal
- Low prey drive
- Lack of separation or confinement anxiety
- Low propensity for aggression
Are Dream Dogs good with cats?
Yes, Dream Dogs are bred for high sociability and a low prey drive, which means they generally cohabitate well with cats.
What size are Dream Dogs?
Dream Dogs can range in size from small to large, though the majority fall somewhere in the middle, between 30 and 40 pounds when fully grown. While we cannot guarantee your Dream Dog will grow to a specific size, we can usually tell once the puppies are a few weeks old whether they are going to be under-sized (smaller) or over-sized (larger). As a general note, our non-shedding lines tend to be taller, as we breed from Standard Poodles.
Are Dream Dogs hypoallergenic?
The term hypoallergenic can be misleading as there is no way to truly guarantee that a dog will not produce an allergic reaction. For individuals who are sensitive or allergic to dog dander, a Non-Shedding Dream Dog is the best choice.
What is the difference between male and female Dream Dogs?
There is no major difference between male and female Dream Dogs—both genders make amazing pets. Please note that we cannot guarantee your family a specific gender of Dream Dog; our policy is always to consider temperament first and gender preference second.
How much exercise is required?
While no two Dream Dogs are exactly alike, we breed our puppies to be highly adaptable to any and all levels of physical activity. Dream Dogs generally enjoy hiking, walking and playing in addition to quieter activities such as snuggling on the couch. Some of our puppies have more energy than others, which we determine during temperament assessment. This process enables us to pair you with a dog that perfectly matches your family and lifestyle.
Health
Are the Dream Dog parents health tested?
Absolutely! Comprehensive health testing is the foundation of a responsible and ethical breeding program. We make every effort to ensure that our Dream Dog parents are healthy and that their puppies are born free of disease or genetic health conditions so they can live long and healthy lives. All Dream Dog parents see a Board-Certified Cardiologist, Orthopedist, and Ophthalmologist yearly and are screened for genetic health conditions relevant to the breed.
How frequently do Dream Dogs need to be groomed?
While specific grooming requirements vary by breed, regular grooming is important to help your Dream Dog maintain its overall health as well as its beautiful coat. Additionally, all Dream Dogs should have their nails clipped once per month.
Do you recommend pet insurance?
We recommend that Dream Dog owners purchase pet insurance throughout the duration of the animal’s lifetime. A 30-day policy with Trupanion Pet Insurance is included with your purchase.
Are Dream Dogs puppies vaccinated, microchipped or dewormed?
Yes, all of our puppies are dewormed, microchipped and examined by a licensed veterinarian prior to pickup. Each puppy also will receive their first series of vaccinations as well as a certificate of health and two-year guarantee covering genetic conditions and defects.
Do you require your dogs to be spayed or neutered?
Dream Dogs are not required to be spayed or neutered and we require that the animal remain intact until they are at least 18 months of age. Dream Dogs by Christine does not allow its dogs to be bred or used as studs without written consent.
What is your health guarantee?
Please read our full contract for details pertaining to our health guarantee, which covers any hereditary disease as well as hip and elbow dysplasia. Please note, owners are required to have their Dream Dog examined by a veterinarian within 72 hours of pickup. Owners should also be aware that despite our on-site deworming protocols is not uncommon for new puppies to test positive for parasites such as Giardia, coccidia, roundworm, etc., which are not covered by the guarantee.
Adoption Process
When are puppies ready for their new homes?
Our puppies are available to take home eight weeks after birth.
When are the next litters planned?
For information on upcoming litters, please contact us or follow the Dream Dogs Community page on Facebook.
How much is the deposit?
All puppy deposits are $600.00.
Is the deposit refundable?
All deposits, booking fees and service fees are non-refundable unless we do not have a puppy for you, in which case they may be transferred to the next available litter.
Why are you priced higher than most breeders?
Our prices reflect the tremendous effort, research and development necessary to establish a truly world-class breeding program. Additionally, rearing requires a full-time staff over eight weeks to ensure exceptional quality of care for both the puppies and their parents.
What pickup and delivery options are available?
The following options are available to help you bring your new puppy home:
- In-person pickup
Visit us in person to pick up your Dream Dog. Pickup is available by appointment only Monday through Friday 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. - Pickup at the Philadelphia International Airport
Meet us at PHL airport and fly home with your Dream Dog. Our airport pickup service is priced at $160.00. - Flight nanny
Your Dream Dog will be flown to your local airport with the help of a dedicated chaperone. Please budget approximately $750.00 to $1,000.00 for the flight. - Personal ground transport
Depending on your location, we can deliver the puppy to you for an additional fee.
How do you assess a puppy’s personality?
When our puppies reach a certain age (typically six to seven weeks old), their temperaments and personalities really start to develop. At this age we can then evaluate specific traits, including resilience, sociability, forgiveness and more in order to pair them perfectly with your family and lifestyle.
How do I adopt?
If you’re interested in adopting a Dream Dog, please fill out the Adoption Application.
Do you keep waitlists?
We do keep a waitlist, though space is limited. Once your adoption application has been approved, you may place a non-refundable deposit to be added to the waitlist.
What payment options are available?
We offer several convenient payment options, including cash, credit card (Amex, Discover, Visa, MasterCard) or money order. Your payment can be completed in person using any of the above means, over the phone via debit/credit card or by mail via cashier’s check or money order. Puppies must be paid for in full before they are released to their new homes. Taxes and fees apply. Please note that there is an additional 3.0% surcharge when using a debit or credit card.
What are your prices?
The price of a Dream Dog varies by breed and by litter, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 depending on the pairing. If you are interested in adopting a specific breed of Dream Dog, please contact us for details.
Where are you located?
Our facilities are located in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
How do you pair puppies with families?
As dog behavioral experts, we pride ourselves on our ability to evaluate puppy temperament at an individual level. We spend every day observing our puppies and their interactions with their littermates and mom, as well as with people. This provides valuable insight and allows us to select a dog that perfectly complements your lifestyle.
The puppies’ personalities really start to take shape about five weeks after birth, and over the next two weeks we start to narrow down which puppy will be your Dream Dog!
What training and support resources are available to me after I bring my puppy home?
You will receive a variety of training resources and recommendations prior to pickup so that you are fully prepared for life with your new Dream Dog. We also offer supplemental training sessions and consulting services if you need further help along the way!