Cantina Labs and Cavs

Ericka D.

Breeder of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Labrador Retrievers

  • Somerset, CA ·
  • Responds within a day

Upcoming litters

Brew
Sparkles

Planned Labrador Retriever litter

Due Jan. 2027

Ready Mar. 2027

Meet the breeder

I'm Ericka D., the breeder behind Cantina Labs and Cavs located in Somerset, CA. It is our goal to produce not only healthy puppies but ones that excel as family companions and service dogs. The early learning and training make the transition from breeder to family much easier. We have options for advanced training before the pup comes home and offer lifetime breeder support.

Q. & A. with Ericka

  • Why did you start breeding?

    My first training job was at working stock dog ranch. We had around 200 sheep and a team of dogs that helped us every day. Watching the genetic personality and working trails that were passed on over 3 generations set me on a path to explore canine genetics and temperament. Then families coming to me with puppies ill suited to their lifestyle sparked my passion to provide a better option for them.

  • What makes your program special?

    I have spent year of my life researching pedigrees for both temperament traits and health of dogs from all over the world. This allows me to make the best pairing to produced sound healthily puppies. Puppies start early learning at 3 days old that continues to include house training, crate training, and the start of formal obedience and house manners. This sets my puppy families up for success.

  • What are the different breed coat colors in your program?

    Our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies include blenheim, ruby, tri-color, and black and tan. Labrador Retriever puppies include black, chocolate, and yellow. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.

  • Where do your breeding dogs live?

    They live in my home.

Matched dogs

These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.

Getting a puppy from Ericka

Ericka has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready, reach out to ask about the puppies or anything else on your mind. You’ll get to know each other through messaging, phone, or video and pay securely, all on Good Dog.

Ericka partners with buyers to find the best match as the puppies develop and their personalities take shape. Typically, matches are finalized when the puppies reach about 8 weeks old.

Price

Puppy prices include a $500 non-refundable deposit and $3,000 final payment, before taxes & fees.

“Pups receive early neurological stimulation and start formal training between three and four weeks old. They are current on deworming, vaccinations, are micro chipped, and have been seen by the vet. Reservation fees may be moved to a future litter at the buyers request and are good for 1 year. If we don't produce a puppy that we feel matches your household within that time we will refund it.”

Contract & health guarantee

Ericka may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Ericka offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don't hesitate to reach out to Ericka directly.

All contracts are handled securely through Good Dog.

You’re protected
on Good Dog

When you pay and communicate on Good Dog, you’re covered by Payment Protection.

What's included

    • From Good Dog
      • Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
      • 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
      • Puppy Training Program & private community
    • Enrichment & socialization
      • Various sounds
      • Car rides
      • Surface & tactile stimulation
      • Socialized with children
      • Socialized in new places
      • Scent introduction
      • Daily handling
      • Socialized with other dogs
      • Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
      • Socialized with other animals
    • Puppy health practices
      • Vet check
      • First round of shots and deworming
      • Vet records
      • Microchip
    • Extras
      • Puppy starter kit
      • Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
      • AKC registration
      • Initial potty training
      • Basic obedience & manners
      • Toys
      • Food & treats

Location & pick-up

You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Ericka.

Breeder's location

Meet in Somerset, CA

5576 miles away

·

Other pick-up locations

Meet at Sacramento Airport

5598 miles away

·

Meet in South Lake Tahoe, CA

5539 miles away

·

More about Ericka

  • Certifications & recognitions

    Associate Dog Trainer, Professional Handler, Agility Trial Trainer, Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, CHIC Certified.

  • Ericka has been a member of Good Dog for about 4 years

    Ericka was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2022.

Ericka is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Cantina Labs and Cavs meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:

  • Responsible breeding practices
  • Health of breeding dogs and puppies
  • Puppy environment and enrichment
  • Buyer education and policies

Parent dogs

All breeds

Labrador Retriever

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Parent health testing

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Labrador Retriever

Breeder-Reported Testing

Excellent level

Cantina Labs and Cavs reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

  • Hip Dysplasia

    Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.

  • Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)

    Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.

  • Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)

    Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.

  • Patellar Luxation

    Knee testing reduces the chance of passing down Patellar Luxation, which results in the kneecap becoming displaced or dislocated and can cause mild to severe joint pain.

  • Brucellosis

    A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.

  • Retinal Dysplasia/Oculoskeletal Dysplasia 2, PRA, Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd), Dry Eye Curly Coat Syndrome (CKSID), Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), Episodic Falling Syndrome (EFS)

    Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).

Verified owner stories

Hear what other owners say about working with Ericka to bring home their puppies.

  • Kristen B.

    Verified owner · July 2026

      • +5

    Duke is everything we dreamed of and more. He is calm, loving, playful, and incredibly gentle with our children. Watching him become instant best friends with our older dog has been one of the sweetest things. His temperament is truly amazing, and it’s clear that Ericka pours so much love and care into her puppies. We feel so lucky to have found Duke and can’t thank Ericka enough for giving us the perfect addition to our family.

    Chelsey S.

    Verified owner · July 2026

      • +8

    Adding a second dog to your family is always a bit of a gamble. Ericka made this the most seamless process ever and we are wildly grateful to have connected with her. Winston is a very good boy. She made her to really listen to us as far as our desire for a certain temperament, which I will tell you before this, I never expected something like that could really come true. The moment Winston walked in the door. He was a part of the family. He has never met a stranger. He has been doing training since he was first brought home to us and our dog trainers want to have him as their mascot. Everybody he meets they all ask where can I get a perfect pup like this? He’s silly, loves the water, and I have never known a dog, more passionate about kibble in my life. My son really wanted a dog to grow up with and Winston is that perfect addition our resident Chihuahua is still undecided, but I know deep down. He can’t help but love him.

  • Amy C.

    Verified owner · July 2026

      • +6

    Ericka was wonderful to work with, and one year into our puppies life we could not be happier. He is asleep in my lap as I type this! Ericka was transparent with the process, and I loved that she matches dogs to individual families based on their needs. Our dog was particularly good with children, so he ended up with us! I vetted a *lot* of different breeders - it's such a tiring process and I am SO GLAD we ended up with Ericka who gave us our sweet Snickerdoodle. As I've told her - Snickerdoodle has made our family whole. He is sweet tempered, mild mannered, gentle, and soooo snuggly. Cavies are an amazing breed and Ericka takes special care to breed only the best of the breed. If you work with her, you'll be glad you did!

    Denise S.

    Verified owner · Nov. 2025

      • +5

    I felt like Ericka had her puppies and our best interest at heart. She health certifies and DNA tests her breeders. She also does temperment testing to ensure you receive the right puppy for you. We love our little Buckley!

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Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.