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.
Orange Collar
Reserved
Male
Yellow Collar
Reserved
Male
Black Collar
Reserved
Male
Brown Collar
Reserved
Male
Green Collar
Reserved
Male
Blue Collar
Reserved
Male
White Collar
Reserved
Female
No Collar
Reserved
Male
Gordito
Went home
Male
Piper
Went home
Female
Red Collar
Went home
Male
Purple Collar
Went home
Female
Orange Collar
Went home
Male
Blue Collar
Went home
Male
Hot Pink Collar
Went home
Female
White Collar
Went home
Female
Ralphie - Red Collar
Went home
Male
Dora
Went home
Female
Green Collar
Went home
Male
Brown Collar
Went home
Male
Light Pink Collar
Went home
Female
Boomer
Went home
Male
Pink Collar
Went home
Female
White Collar
Went home
Female
Light Pink Collar
Went home
Female
Hot Pink Collar
Went home
Female
Green Collar
Went home
Male
Blue Collar
Went home
Male
Light pink
Went home
Female
Cooper
Went home
Male
Bailey - started puppy
Went home
Female
Blue Collar
Went home
Male
Hank
Went home
Male
White Collar
Went home
Female
Purple
Went home
Female
Red Collar
Went home
Female
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 to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
Puppy prices include a $500 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.
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
Initial potty training
Puppy starter kit
Basic obedience & manners
Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
AKC registration
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 over 3 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
Happy, mom
Labrador Retriever
About Happy
Happy lives up to her name! She wake up every day wiggling and ready bring joy to your life. She has a very high drive to retrieve and is always carrying something in her mouth. From dog small to large happy loves everyone and is kind and gentle. Many of Happy's puppies have gone on to be service and therapy dogs.
Great health testing
D Locus (Dilute) DNA test, Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC), +3 more.
Bean, mom
Labrador Retriever
About Bean
Bean is our lovely chocolate girl that we waited YEARS for. She has a lot of the characteristics we look for in service dog work. She learns crazy fast. She will watch me do a training session with another dog and try to mimic what they are doing for rewards. She is both food motivated and really wants to make her person happy. This is a fantastic combo we hope she passes to her puppies. Her hobbies include wrestling with her housemates, bathing in the water buckers, and bringing me anything she can fit in her mouth. Bean and a VERY mellow girl and is one of the easiest puppies I have ever raised.
Excellent health testing
D Locus (Dilute) DNA test, Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM), +6 more.
Squirt, mom
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
About Squirt
Squirt is a fun playful girl. She is always up to wrestle with Zin and loves toys. Squirt is our smallest Cavalier coming in at 15 pounds. Squirt has a zest for life enjoying everyday tasks as if they were the best thing ever!
Excellent health testing
Patellar Luxation, Episodic Falling Syndrome (EFS), +5 more.
Zin, mom
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
About Zin
Zin is a female Cavalier King Charles Spaniel over 2 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Ericka decided to make her part of their program. Ericka has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Excellent health testing
Patellar Luxation, Episodic Falling Syndrome (EFS), +5 more.
Nacho, dad
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
About Nacho
Nacho is a sweet fun happy boy. He is super smart and loves training.
Excellent health testing
Patellar Luxation, Episodic Falling Syndrome (EFS), +5 more.
Sparkles, mom
Labrador Retriever
About Sparkles
Sparkles is a female Labrador Retriever almost 4 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Ericka decided to make her part of their program. Ericka has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Excellent health testing
D Locus (Dilute) DNA test, Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM), +8 more.
Mila, mom
Labrador Retriever
About Mila
Mila is an amazing dog. She is super smart and attentive. She is up for any adventure or sleeping in on a lazy Sunday. She has never met a stranger and she will starting therapy work soon.
Excellent health testing
D Locus (Dilute) DNA test, Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM), +8 more.
Maui, mom
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
About Maui
Maui is hilarious. Her signature move is to run and slide into your lap while flipping over so she lands belly up for tummy rubs. She does with to both dogs and people. Maui is a mellow girl that LOVES food and does her happy dance at breakfast each day. She is mellow boarding on lazy.
Excellent health testing
Patellar Luxation, Episodic Falling Syndrome (EFS), +5 more.
Pretzel, dad
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
About Pretzel
Pretzel is the perfect Cavalier. He LOVE training and learns super fast. He is also a great cuddler. Pretzel has never met a stranger and loves everyone. He can hike all day or just chill on the couch. He will match your energy.
Excellent health testing
Patellar Luxation, Episodic Falling Syndrome (EFS), +5 more.
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.
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.
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!