FAQs

When a family emails with an inquiry about our upcoming puppies we reply with when we expect to have puppies next.
This is a prediction, since our females are actual beings, living their best lives as family pets – not factories.

There are a lot of circumstances at play when planning a litter such as:
  • Does our potential mom become pregnant?
  • Are there any complications in her pregnancy?
  • How many puppies will she have in her litter?
  • What the color and coat type may be of the puppies?
  • What is the sex of the puppies?

There are so many variables and we try to navigate all the questions that come at us. 

When puppies are born we give them the first 2-4 weeks just to be with mom and us before we start reservation processes. Please don’t ask for pictures at this time. This is an important bonding time for the mother and her pups. We usually take pictures week 4 or 5 after the puppies eyes are open and they move around. 
 
When we do offer our puppies for reservation we send out a mass email to everyone on our waitlist stating we have available puppies upcoming and the date and time they will be posted to our reservation page. At this time we do not hold an order of priority. If you are someone who has passed on litters previously or someone who has inquired within the past few months, you will have equal opportunity to reserve one of our puppies.
We have people on the list that have found puppies from other breeders and that is fine.
 
* We do operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. The person who places a deposit after their application is approved will get the dog of their choice. We have had some very sad people who thought they could pick a specific puppy but did not send in a deposit.
 
Here are the steps we take when it comes to reserving a puppy:
  1. A completed puppy application and get approved
  2. Place a $300 nonrefundable deposit to reserve a puppy
  3. We updated you with pictures as often as we can. We will also allow visitors once the puppy is 7 weeks old and they have had all the necessary vaccinations.
  4. We will send you a list of items to get for your new puppy
  5. When the puppy is 8 weeks old, it’ll be ready to go to its new home! (per Ohio law)
  6. You can come pick it up, or we can arrange transportation. (see FAQ on transporting your puppy.)
  7. Full payment is due before the puppy leaves our place. See Payment info!
 
We believe that our puppies will go home with families whose timing and preferences align with our own. We do not accept a retainer fee to be on our waitlist and deposits aren’t accepted until a specific puppy is chosen by the family and we have had a chance to follow up to ensure all is a good fit with the application.
 
We can hold a puppy for 9 weeks. After that, there will be a boarding fee of $50 per week
 
Our puppies vary in price depending on color, sex and breed and can change due to the demand. See Pricing FAQ!
Columbus: 2 hrs
Cleveland 1.5 hrs
Detroit: 3.5 hrs
Pittsburgh: 2 hrs
Chicago: 6 hrs
Indianapolis: 4.5 hrs

Cavapoos: $1800-$2500
Cockapoos: $1000-$1500
Shih-poos: $1000-$1200

The price varies according to demand, coloring, markings, and gender. Pricing may change at anytime, without notice. 

What is included in the price? 
  • Full comprehensive vet check
  • Health guarantee
  • First round of vaccines and deworming
  • Starter puppy food
  • Gift bag
  • Complete shot record
  • Lifetime Micro-chip registration
  • Personal 24/7 access to any questions you might have
  • A happy, healthy, well-socialized puppy 
 
Sure you can find puppies cheaper on the internet, but you won’t find one that has been loved, played with, and taken care of like ours. We do the best job we can to make sure the puppy you take home is the best fit for your family. People spend large sums of money on TV’s, Sporting events, Vacations and the list goes on and on. You are investing in a new family member who will be with you for 15 plus years. There is a difference. 

Putting a deposit down on a dog is the only way we have found that makes it fair for everyone. It keeps things orderly and helps ensure that people are committed to the puppy.

 

We have had a number of people “say” they want a dog, we hold the puppy for them and then change their mind. Meanwhile we have a potential puppy owners that we turn away thinking the puppy is spoken for.

Deposits are non-refundable! 

We have several payment options
  • Venmo* – (preferred for deposit, Friends/Family)
  • Cashapp – (preferred for deposit)
  • Apple Pay – (preferred for deposit)
  • Zelle* – (preferred for final payment if you are having the puppy delivered)
  • Cash – (preferred for final payment if you are picking up your puppy)
  • Paypal** – Okay for deposit – (Not recommended for final payment)
 
If you are paying with Zelle or Venmo, make sure you financial institution does not have a limit on the amount of money that can be sent per day. If it does, make sure that it will allow the amount required to pay for the puppy on the day you pick up.
 
**If you pay the full amount with Paypal, we will add an additional 4% service fee. You can use Paypal credit to finance the puppy as well.
If you live far away, we can arrange a way to have your puppy delivered.
 
On rare occasions, we deliver puppies personally. This depends on our schedule. For pricing and to see if this is possible, contact us.
 
We can also arrange all the delivery details for you. The price of delivery varies depending on distance and mode of transportation. Usually between $300-$700. Typically, we work with the following trusted carriers to get your puppy to your home:
 
Christy’s Canine Carriage
    • She personally delivers the puppy right to your door. (White glove delivery service.)
    • 614-206-1104
62 Pet Transport 
    • Delivered in a transit van to a public spot close to your house like Lowe’s, Walmart etc…
    • (330) 691-5280
Furry Trails (recommended)
    • Delivered in a transit van to your home address
    • (330) 407-6587 
Fly My Pup
    • Great option for flying your puppy
    • www.flymypup.com 
Jess Troyer (Puppy Nanny)
    • She will fly your puppy anywhere in the USA. Personal delivery service to the airport of your choice
    • (330) 763-0820 
 
Note: Due to their small size, Shih-poo puppies cannot be flown.
 
In addition to flight fees, we charge an extra $75 for all pups that have to be flown. This covers the additional Vet exam, flight paperwork, and transportation costs to and from the airport.  
 
Info that you will need for delivery: 
  • Pick-up location
  • Puppy Breed: Cockapoo, Shihpoo or Cavapoo
What you need to let them know:
  • Destination
  • Full Name
  • Address
  • Date and Time of Delivery
Mt. Hope Kennels Health Agreement
We guarantee each puppy to have immunizations and worming medication as is age-appropriate. We will provide a schedule of immunizations completed, and those still to
be given in the future. If a puppy dies within the first year, of congenital defects, we will
replace that puppy with another of equal value when we have a litter available.
A veterinarian must determine that the death is a result of congenital defects, and we
reserve the right to have our own veterinarian confirm the diagnosis.
Should this puppy be determined to be suffering from a fatal defect deemed to be hereditary, Mt. Hope Cavalier Kennels will replace the puppy with one of the same value when one is available after notification and written verification has been furnished to the Breed by TWO independent veterinarians. The breeder will not be responsible for any veterinary costs at any time.
We cannot guarantee that your puppy will never develop any health problems, just as a pediatrician cannot guarantee that a child will never develop any health problems in the future. Some things are just not able to be predicted. Size, weight, and color are variables we cannot control and do change with each dog. Our parents are free of diseases, disorders, and health problems; otherwise, we would not breed them. That means our puppies are less likely to develop problems. If anything does occur, you are required to inform us so we can evaluate the parents and the other puppies from that litter in an attempt to determine the cause of the ailment and to eliminate the issue from our breeding program.
This puppy is in good health at the time of sale. The buyer will have 72hrs in which to have the puppy examined by their own veterinarian. If the puppy is found to be ill by a licensed veterinarian and is to be returned due to illness, a letter from the veterinarian is required. This includes death or illness from any health condition deemed to be present prior to leaving the seller’s premises (Mt. Hope Kennels). The buyer shall assume any expenses associated with returning the puppy to the seller. The seller will, at the seller’s discretion, refund the purchase price, return the dog to the buyer in healthy condition, OR exchange the dog for another dog of equal value. At no time and under no circumstances will the Breeder be responsible for any veterinary expenses incurred by the buyer.
 
Mt. Hope Cavaliers does NOT GUARANTEE against COCCIDIA or GHIRDIA (typically dormant single-celled parasites common in puppies) or for final adult weight, color, breeding ability, show potential or against overbites, underbites, patella issues, hernias, trachea issues, or for undescended testicles. Seller agrees to notify the buyer if they or the vet discover any of the above problems prior to sale. 
 
The Buyer Agrees:
 
That this puppy will be given adequate and proper shelter and housed securely indoors. This dog shall not be neglected, allowed to roam free or be mistreated in any manner. The puppy shall receive proper veterinary care throughout its life, receiving annual inoculations and placed on a heartworm preventative. The puppy shall receive proper nutrition and care shall be taken to maintain its proper weight. The buyer agrees to give the dog proper training and socialization. The buyer agrees to never sell or surrender this dog into a dogfighting institution, testing center, or shelter.
The Buyer agrees to finish all puppy vaccines before taking their puppy out in public, letting their puppy on public sidewalks and grasses, or letting their puppy be touched by people outside of the family. This reduces the chance of your puppy picking up a communicable disease such as Parvo.
We recommend: Loyall Life or Taste of the Wild – both are excellent dog foods. We will give you 4 lbs of Loyall Life Puppy food from Nutrena.
Many people believe that female dogs make better pets. Well folks, this is not true. Most don’t know that females display the alpha behaviors like “marking” and or “humping”. They believe that they are more docile and attentive and do not participate in fighting. In reality, most fights will usually break out between 2 females. This is where the term “bitch” referring to a female dog, originated.
In the dog pack, females usually rule the roost and determine the pecking order. The females as a result are more independent, stubborn, and territorial than their male counterparts. Males on the other hand are usually more affectionate, attentive, and more demanding of attention. They are very attached to their people. They also tend to be more steadfast, reliable, and less moody and are quicker to take to children. Most boys are easily motivated by food and praise and so eager to please that they are housetrained easily. However males can be more easily distracted during training because they like to play so often. No matter what age he is more likely to act silly and be more puppy like than the female. Boys are fun loving until the day they die. Girls tend to be more reserved or dignified as they age.
Boys do tend to get a little bigger than girls. Neutered males rarely exhibit the behavior of marking or humping. Once the testosterone level recedes after neutering, most of these behaviors will disappear. Most people do not know that male dogs who are neutered early (by 5 months of age) usually don’t ever raise their leg to pee!
Before deciding on male or female give careful thought to other animals and people in your home. A female usually only bonds with one person (usually the main caregiver) and a male tends to bond with the whole family.
However, if you spay a female before her first heat she will tend not to have the behavior hormones of humping present. If you do not intend to breed your dog the best thing to do is have them fixed at around 5 months of age.
First-generation Cavapoos are bred from a pure Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Miniature Poodle. 
 
Our second-generation Cavapoos are bred from both parents being first-generation Cavapoos. Temperament-wise – the first and second generations are much the same. In terms of coat – the second-generation Cavapoos tends to have a curly Poodle-type coat and will be non-shedding. First-generation Cavapoos can vary from a fleece coat to a wool coat and there is no guarantee that the fleece coat won’t shed. That said, to my knowledge, we have only had 2 or 3 puppies that MILDLY shed. Much like a human sheds hair.
Our puppies have the starter 5-Way Puppy shot from Canine Spectra and are wormed every two weeks.
We send detailed health records with the description of the shot for your vet and your personal records.
The next set of shots will be the 10-12, 14-16, and then the annual shots.  
  • Leash & Collar – 6″-10″ nylon collar should work fine or a small harness
  • Food – we use puppy food. I recommend Taste of the Wild or Loyall Life. I have also bought food from Costco. We will give you some starter puppy food too.
  • Treats – Once again I shop on Amazon for those and find healthy treats at a good price. Milk Bone or Greenies. 
  • Mid Size Crate.
  • Puppy Pads. Helps with potty training and they are easy to clean up.
  • Dog bed or a soft fluffy blanket will do.
  • Food and Water bowl. I recommend stainless steel. They are easier to clean.
  • Hair brush and shampoo.
  • Chew toys… I recommend a tennis ball, they tend to roll around and they love playing with them.  
 
Websites:
As a puppy you have to have patience, but they are fast learners and love to please.
There are a ton of resources online with everyone trying to give you their opinion on how to raise a puppy.
 
Wade thru them and do what feels natural for you and your puppy. I pick and choose what makes sense and what seems a bit over the top.
Hope this helps you out.
Most Cavapoos don’t suffer from separation anxiety but when they do (like most dogs) whine for couple minutes when we step out. They will stop very soon and busy themselves with a treat or puzzle toy that you can leave when you are out.  Thankfully they don’t bark a lot or have destructive behavior. 
 
With proper training, you can teach dogs that being alone is perfectly fine. Dogs left alone should always have enough water, food, and toys to keep them occupied. Regardless of the breed/age, dogs should not be left alone for more than 6hrs, and if so you should consider options like pet-sitting (e.g. Rover.com), dog walking service (e.g. Rover.com), or dog daycare. There are also many great resources online for this as well.
We have found that the best training comes from a youtube guy named Zak George. Here is his channel. You can also follow him on IG. Great advice and tips.
History: The Cavapoo, also known as a Cavoodle, is a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle. Poodle crossbreeds are meant to produce a dog with mixed traits and the Poodle’s signature nonshedding coat. As a crossbreed, the Cavapoo is not eligible for registration with purebred registries such as the American Kennel Club, but it can be registered with the American Canine Hybrid Club. The Cavapoo is not considered a purebred because it doesn’t ”’breed true,” meaning that it doesn’t display a consistent set of characteristics. Like other “designer breeds,” the Cavapoo has seen a recent surge in popularity. Some breeders produce Cavapoos by crossing a purebred Poodle with a purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (called a “first generation” cross), but others allow crossing Cavapoos with Poodles or Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (called a backcross) or with other Cavapoos (called a multi-generation cross). Different crosses can result in different characteristics.

Size: The Cavapoo has a shoulder height of 9-14 in (23-35 cm) and can weigh anywhere between 7-18 lbs. Cavapoos can vary in appearance depending on the genetic influence of the parents. Most have a compact face with long, floppy ears and large brows.

Coat: The Cavapoo is known for its soft, Poodle-like coat, though a few have the Cav’s longer, silkier, wavy coat. The Cavapoo can be a wide variety of colors including gold, black, white, Blenheim (brown and white), or tricolor (black, white, and tan). The Cavalier coat sheds, but the Poodle coat sheds little or not at all. They would shed like a human. 

Character: The Cavapoo is friendly and energetic, thriving on human companionship. It is intelligent and can be somewhat hyper. Cavapoos tend to follow their owner from room to room, eager to play or just cuddle up. They may get into mischief or snoop around where you want to keep them out. Some Cavapoos are so attached to their owners that they suffer separation anxiety, barking, and whining when their owner leaves without them.

Temperament: Cavapoos make great companions for anyone, from small children to older people. They are friendly to everyone, including strangers, dogs, and other pets. Young children should be supervised around the Cavapoo to ensure they treat it with respect.

Life Span: The Cavapoo has a lifespan of 10-14 years, though some live up to 20 years. Cavapoos are susceptible to health problems affecting the parent breeds, such as mitral valve disease (a heart condition), syringomyelia (a spinal condition), cataracts, or other eye problems, though generally crossbreeds are less likely than purebreds to suffer health conditions (known as ‘hybrid vigor’).

Care: The Cavapoo requires weekly brushing as its hair tends to knot frequently. Those with a Poodle coat require more frequent brushing. The toenails should be regularly inspected for snags in the fur, which must be gently uncaught. Cavapoos require clipping several times a year. 

Training: The Cavapoo is intelligent and easily trained. A gentle and well varied approach is recommended. Most Cavapoos can learn a wide variety of tricks and are eager to please their owner. The Cavapoo can be housetrained fairly quickly.

Activity: The Cavapoo requires daily exercise. Most of its needs can be met by indoor play, but it also enjoys walks, games, fetch, and outdoor exercise or a visit to the dog park. The Cavapoo is well suited to apartment life.
Dog Group:  (Designer/Hybrid)
Size: 8-18 inches tall, 8-18 lbs
Lifespan: 13-17 years
Energy Level: Medium
Coat: Wavy and soft
Shedding: Light to none.
Hypoallergenic: Yes

History: The Shih-Poo was developed by crossing a Shih Tzu with either a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Like most designer dogs, the Shih-Poo doesn’t have a very clear history. That said, there isn’t any one person or breeder that can be credited with being the “creator” of the Shih-Poo. However, it is assumed that the Shih-Poo originated around the same time as most other designer dogs: the 1980s or 90s. This is when breeders began to intentionally crossbreed purebred dogs in an attempt to combine the best traits of both breeds. Most of the hybrids that we know today were developed in this manner, and the Shih-Poo was likely one of them. The Shih-Poo is registered by several clubs for hybrid and designer dogs.

Temperament: Shih-Poos are active dogs that love to play. They make good playmates for older kids, but younger children may be too rough or boisterous for the Shih-Poo. In terms of friendliness, the Shih-Poo is sort of a mixed bag. Some are social and love everyone they meet, while other Shih-Poos are timid and take a while to warm up to someone. Regardless, Shih-Poos love their owners and have a tendency to follow them around the house. 
Dog Group: Designer/Hybrid
Size: 10-15 inches tall, 10-30 lbs
Lifespan: 13-16 years
Energy Level: Medium
Coat: Varies between long, soft hair and soft, curly hair
Shedding: Light
Hypoallergenic: Semi

History: In terms of designer dog breeds, the Cockapoo was one of the earliest to develop, and it first appeared during the 1960s. While the first hybrid of a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle may have been accidental, it was certainly a fortunate mistake. The breed was well-received, and people began to intentionally breed Cockapoos. Over the years, breeders made efforts to establish a breed standard and make the Cockapoo a purebred dog, but the Cockapoo remains a hybrid breed today.

Temperament: Cockapoos are sweet, loving, and people-oriented dogs that make wonderful companions. The Cockapoo is a friendly pup who loves meeting and being around people and other animals. Given their sociable nature, these dogs are prone to separation anxiety if left by themselves too often or for too long, so they’re not a good fit for someone who is away from home frequently. Given the intelligence of the Poodle and the eagerness to please of the Cocker Spaniel, Cockapoos are obedient and easy to train. They respond best to positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise.
In terms of activity level, Cockapoos require a moderate amount of daily exercise. They’re smart, so it’s important to stimulate Cockapoos mentally, too, to keep them from getting bored. When given the attention and training they need, Cockapoos make excellent family companions and love to be around kids.
Yes, we are a fully inspected USDA-registered kennel. We just received our certification in 2022 after applying in 2021. We passed all our inspections and we are happy to be Ohio USDA certified.