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.
Nutmeg Boy 4
Went home
Male
Nutmeg Boy 5
Went home
Male
Nutmeg Boy 1
Went home
Male
Nutmeg Boy 2
Went home
Male
Nutmeg Boy 3
Went home
Male
Nutmeg Girl 2
Went home
Female
Nutmeg Girl 1
Went home
Female
Twist Boy 2
Went home
Male
Twist Boy 1
Went home
Male
Twist Girl 1
Went home
Female
Pia Boy 1
Went home
Male
Pia Boy 3
Went home
Male
Oopsie Girl 3
Reserved
Female
Oopsie Girl 2
Reserved
Female
Oopsie Boy 1
Reserved
Male
Twist Girl 1
Went home
Female
Twist Girl 3
Went home
Female
Twist Girl 2
Went home
Female
Twist Boy 3
Went home
Male
Twist Boy 2
Went home
Male
Twist Boy 1
Went home
Male
Snap Girl 3
Went home
Female
Snap Boy 1
Went home
Male
Snap Girl 2
Went home
Female
Snap Girl 1
Went home
Female
Margo Boy 2
Went home
Male
Margo Boy 4
Went home
Male
Margo Boy 1
Went home
Male
Margo Girl 2
Went home
Female
Margo Girl 1
Went home
Female
Margo Boy 3
Went home
Male
Cleo Girl 3
Went home
Female
Cleo Girl 1
Went home
Female
Cleo Girl 2
Went home
Female
Cleo Boy 1
Went home
Male
Cleo Boy 2
Went home
Male
Lizzie Girl 1
Went home
Female
Lizzie Girl 3
Went home
Female
Lizzie Boy 1
Went home
Male
Lizzie Boy 2
Went home
Male
Lizzie Girl 2
Went home
Female
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.
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
Oopsie, mom
Russell Terrier
About Oopsie
Oopsie is a female Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Candace decided to make her part of their program. Candace 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.
Pia, mom
Russell Terrier
About Pia
Pia is a female Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Candace decided to make her part of their program. Candace 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.
Lizzie, mom
Russell Terrier
About Lizzie
Lizzie is a female Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Candace decided to make her part of their program. Candace 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.
Merlot, dad
Russell Terrier
About Merlot
Merlot is a male Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Candace decided to make him part of their program. Candace 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.
Sneak, mom
Russell Terrier
About Sneak
Sneak is a female Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Candace decided to make her part of their program. Candace 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.
Tux, dad
Russell Terrier
About Tux
Tux is a male Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Candace decided to make him part of their program. Candace 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.
Wizard, dad
Russell Terrier
About Wizard
Wizard is a male Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Candace decided to make him part of their program. Candace 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.
Tessa, mom
Russell Terrier
About Tessa
Tessa is a female Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Candace decided to make her part of their program. Candace 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.
Paige, mom
Russell Terrier
About Paige
Paige is a female Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Candace decided to make her part of their program. Candace 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.
Emmy, mom
Russell Terrier
About Emmy
Emmy is a female Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Candace decided to make her part of their program. Candace 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.
Cola, dad
Russell Terrier
About Cola
Cola is a male Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Candace decided to make him part of their program. Candace 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.
Savvy, mom
Russell Terrier
About Savvy
Savvy is a female Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Candace decided to make her part of their program. Candace 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.
Stellar, dad
Russell Terrier
About Stellar
Stellar is a male Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Candace decided to make him part of their program. Candace 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.
Nutmeg, mom
Russell Terrier
About Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a female Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Candace decided to make her part of their program. Candace 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.
BJ, dad
Russell Terrier
About BJ
BJ is a male Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Candace decided to make him part of their program. Candace 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.
Heisman, dad
Russell Terrier
About Heisman
Heisman is a male Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Candace decided to make him part of their program. Candace 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.
Edy, mom
Russell Terrier
About Edy
Edy is a female Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Candace decided to make her part of their program. Candace 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.
Joy, mom
Russell Terrier
About Joy
Joy is a female Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Candace decided to make her part of their program. Candace 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.
Ruby, mom
Russell Terrier
About Ruby
Ruby is a female Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Candace decided to make her part of their program. Candace 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.
Evie, mom
Russell Terrier
About Evie
Evie is a female Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Candace decided to make her part of their program. Candace 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.
Juliet, mom
Russell Terrier
About Juliet
Juliet is a female Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Candace decided to make her part of their program. Candace 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.
Gus, dad
Russell Terrier
About Gus
Gus is a male Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Candace decided to make him part of their program. Candace 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.
Twist, mom
Russell Terrier
About Twist
Twist is a female Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Candace decided to make her part of their program. Candace 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.
Twix, mom
Russell Terrier
About Twix
Twix is a female Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Candace decided to make her part of their program. Candace 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.
Hank, dad
Russell Terrier
About Hank
Hank is a male Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Candace decided to make him part of their program. Candace 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.
Nod, dad
Russell Terrier
About Nod
Nod is a male Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Candace decided to make him part of their program. Candace 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.
Tabby, mom
Russell Terrier
About Tabby
Tabby is a female Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Candace decided to make her part of their program. Candace 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.
Tiana, mom
Russell Terrier
About Tiana
Tiana is a female Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Candace decided to make her part of their program. Candace 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.
Maverick, dad
Russell Terrier
About Maverick
Maverick is a male Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Candace decided to make him part of their program. Candace 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.
Wish, mom
Russell Terrier
About Wish
Wish is a female Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Candace decided to make her part of their program. Candace 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.
Pucci, dad
Russell Terrier
About Pucci
Pucci is a male Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Candace decided to make him part of their program. Candace 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.
Chance, dad
Russell Terrier
About Chance
Chance is a male Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Candace decided to make him part of their program. Candace 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.
Sake, dad
Russell Terrier
About Sake
Sake is a male Russell Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Candace decided to make him part of their program. Candace 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.
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.
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
+5
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!