Merlin’s Kennel

Tara M.

Breeder of Poodles and Assorted Doodle Crosses

  • Hollywood, FL

Meet the breeder

I'm Tara M., the breeder behind Merlin’s Kennel located in Hollywood, FL. Our dogs are bred for sweet temperament. Our small dogs are ideal family dogs and are excellent with young children. I fell in love with these small dogs and decided to share their wonderful qualities by becoming a breeder. Toy Poodles and Doodles with Registration papers. Parents are health tested.

Q. & A. with Tara

  • Why did you start breeding?

    I fell in love with my Coton de Tulear’s sweet disposition and how wonderfully she interacted with my special needs son. And I said to myself other people need such a loving companion in their life! Then I fell in love with my toy poodles… loving, and active.

  • What makes your program special?

    I breed my dogs for temperament and health. I want a long living healthy Furever companion for others.

  • What are the different breed sizes in your program?

    Our Poodle puppies are toy size. Sizes will vary depending on the parent dogs.

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

    Our Poodle puppies are red. Assorted Doodle Crosses puppies include cream and apricot. 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 Tara

Tara 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 $200 non-refundable deposit and between $300 - $1,800 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.

"The price includes Veterinarian visit with 6 weeks vaccine and deworming. Puppy will be microchipped. One year health guarantee. All puppies are registered. The deposit holds the particular puppy the person is interested in."

Contract & health guarantee

Tara 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 Tara 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 Tara 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
      • Socialized with children
      • 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
      • Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
      • Basic obedience & manners
      • Initial potty training
      • Toys
      • Food & treats
      • Registration

Location & pick-up

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

Breeder's location

Meet in Hollywood, FL

4812 miles away

·

Other pick-up locations

Meet at Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood Airport

4806 miles away

·

Meet in Orlando, FL

4734 miles away

·

More about Tara

  • Tara has been a member of Good Dog for over 3 years

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

  • Tara’s links

Tara is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Merlin’s Kennel 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

Litter and program updates

Parent dogs

All breeds

Coton de Tulear

Poodle

Parent health testing

Assorted Doodle Crosses

Toy Poodle

Breeder-Reported Testing

Good level

Merlin’s Kennel 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 Assorted Doodle Crosses.

  • DNA Disease Panel, Osteochondrodysplasia, Miniature Poodle Type, Neonatal Encephalopathy with Seizures (NEwS), GM2 Gangliosidosis, Poodle Type, Canine Multifocal Retinopathy (cmr3; BEST1 Exon 10 SNP), von Willebrand Disease I (vWD I), Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Generalized, Primary Hyperoxaluria

    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 Tara to bring home their puppies.

  • Amy B.

    Verified owner · Oct. 2025

    Our experience with purchasing our puppy from Tara was seam less. Tara is great at responding to questions and is very knowledgeable in all aspects of raising a healthy, happy and smart puppy. Our puppy Beans is just that and more. I would definitely recommend Tara and her pups to anyone who is interested in a new addition to their family.🩷🐶

Photos

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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.