DBF Russell Terriers

Candace L.

Breeder of Russell Terriers

  • Middletown, VA · 43 miles away
  • Responds within a few days

Available puppies and older dogs

Tabby Boy 2

Ready Dec. 22

8 weeks old · Male

Tabby Girl 2

Ready Dec. 22

8 weeks old · Female

Tabby Girl 1

Ready Dec. 22

8 weeks old · Female

Tabby Boy 1

Ready Dec. 22

8 weeks old · Male

Oopsie Girl 1

Ready Dec. 18

9 weeks old · Female

Pia Girl 1

Ready now

11 weeks old · Female

Pia Boy 4

Ready now

11 weeks old · Male

Tabby Too

Ready now

10 months old · Female

Meet the breeder

I'm Candace L., the breeder behind DBF Russell Terriers located in Middletown, VA. A preservation breeder who prioritizes raising healthy dogs with good temperaments suitable for family pets. My Russells compete in conformation and AKC performance events They have also starred in commercials and movies, but mostly, they prefer snuggling with their owners on the family sofa. I am proud to have bred the first male and female Russell Terriers to have earned a Championship from the American Kennel Club and I have now bred over 100 AKC champions. I bred the only American dog to have earned a World Championship and have bred 2 Junior World Champions. I am the President of the Blue Ridge Russell Terrier Club and occasionally give seminars to breeders and judges of the Russell Terrier. I am also licensed to judge the Russell Terrier for the American Kennel Club.

Q. & A. with Candace

  • Why did you start breeding?

    When I was searching shelters for a new companion, I was unable to find a young, small but sturdy dog suitable for our horse farm. So, I ended up buying from a breeder and soon I had many requests for a pup from her in the future should I decide to breed her. Friends had also had trouble in either finding the right pup in a shelter or in qualifying for a rescue.
  • What makes your program special?

    Even though we have a small kennel building, most dogs live in our home and those in the kennel rotate through the house. We have 7 acres of land for play. They get to be dogs even though we also show. We have good genetic diversity and try to develop the best overall dog as opposed to a specific "look" or a line. We are Preservation Breeders.
  • Where do your breeding dogs live?

    They live in my home and guardian homes.

Matched dogs

These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.

Getting a puppy from Candace

Candace 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 $300 refundable deposit and between $1,700 - $3,700 final payment, before taxes & fees.

“Pet pups are each $2000. One to 2 pups per litter may be selected to hold back as show potential pups and be grown up to 5 to 6 months of age before selling. The price on Show potential pups is negotiated separately. Deposits may be switched to any available puppy or a future litter. Deposits are also refundable if "life happens" and it ends up not being a good time to take a pup.”

Contract & health guarantee

Candace 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 Candace 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 Candace directly.

Always communicate and pay on Good Dog.Learn more

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
      • Surface & tactile stimulation
      • Scent introduction
      • Daily handling
      • Socialized with other dogs
      • Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
    • Puppy health practices
      • Vet check
      • First round of shots and deworming
      • Vet records
      • Microchip
    • Extras
      • Food & treats
      • Puppy starter kit
      • Initial potty training
      • Registration

Location & pick-up

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

Breeder’s location

Meet in Middletown, VA

43 miles away

·

Other pick-up locations

Meet at Washington Dulles Airport

6 miles away

·

More about Candace

  • Club memberships

    Candace is a member of Morris & Essex Kennel Club and Blue Ridge Russell Terrier Club.

  • Certifications & recognitions

    Licensed Veterinarian.

  • Candace has been a member of Good Dog for about 6 years

    Candace was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2019.

  • Candace’s links

Candace is a trusted Good Dog breeder

DBF Russell Terriers 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

Parent health testing

Breeder-Reported Testing

Excellent level

DBF Russell Terriers 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 Russell Terriers.

  • 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.

  • 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, Dentition, Congenital Deafness (BAER, registered with OFA)

    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.

  • Hyperuricosuria (HUU), Genetic Diversity Test, DNA Profile, Optimal Selection Canine Genetic Breeding Analysis, GenSol Diagnostics DNA Testing, Late Onset Ataxia, Spinocerebellar Ataxia (LOA, SCA), Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA), Optimal Selection Genetic Disease Analysis (180+ Diseases), Primary Lens Luxation (PLL)

    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 Candace to bring home their puppies.

  • CW

    Carmen W.

    Verified owner · Feb. 2025

    Candace was wonderful to work with in bringing home our new best friend, Angus Young, aka “Gus”. It is clear how knowledgeable and passionate Candace is about the Russell Terrier breed, and we could not be happier with our decision to work with DBF. After we took him home, she reached out to us to make sure he was settling in alright, too, which just goes to show how much she loves her puppies. Our little guy is sweet, smart, bouncy, curious, affectionate, and is such a happy dog. He is great with our other dog, a 60lb lab mix, and he loves meeting new people and other pups. It is so nice to have a companion that is just excited to explore the world with you and at the end of the day is just as happy to snuggle up on the couch. Thank you, DBF for bringing us our lion-hearted little guy!

    Virginia G.

    Verified owner · Oct. 2024

    We had a great learning experience and she is so knowledgeable about the Russell Terrier. We had a smooth trip home with him. He is settling in very well. Logan barked at our cat this morning. She hissed at him last night. So they are even. He is enjoying learning his new home. He learned how to go down the deck steps. And did very well. He is very cuddlynWe are so thankful to have him

    Jenny K.

    Verified owner · Oct. 2023

    Alice is beautiful, funny, and amazingly intelligent! She has joined our family (already containing 2 additional DBF Terriers!) and is adored by all. Gypsy & Gus are 11 & 12 years old. They are the Village helping to raise Alice. We can never thank DBF Russell Terriers enough for filling our lives with these amazing pups!

  • Richard T.

    Verified owner · Oct. 2024

    An incredible dog ! Sadie is happy and smart. So sweet and also a fierce girl. Everyone is in love with her….. I highly recommend Candace. So happy with my purchase.

    SH

    Susan H.

    Verified owner · June 2024

    Love this puppy!! She is currently exploring the farm and usually comes when we call her unless in true Jack Russell fashion she has discovered something new and fascinating. She and our older dog hang out and play together. The cats - not so much! Isla is growing into a handsome, healthy, athletic little bitch. We couldn’t ask for a better pup.

    Desiree Q.

    Verified owner · Apr. 2023

    Teddy has been with us for two weeks now and is adjusting well. He has been wonderful with my 11 y.o. Jackapoo and is getting along nicely with my 2 young children. He is so much fun, very smart and sweet. He also hasn’t had an accidents in over a week! Thank you so much for raising such a wonderful pup!

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