Sleeping Bear Kennels

Birdie F.

Breeder of Cavapoos and Poodles

  • Kalamazoo, MI ·

Meet the breeder

I'm Birdie F., the breeder behind Sleeping Bear Kennels located in Kalamazoo, MI. We raise our puppies with intention and care, nurturing confidence, curiosity and social skills. Every decision from selecting parents to early handling and enrichment is guided by ethical breeding. Our goal is to raise puppies ready to become loving, dependable companions in their forever homes.

Q. & A. with Birdie

  • Why did you start breeding?

    I started in the dog world as a trainer and noticed too many dogs were bred for looks, not temperament. I saw the struggles poor breeding caused and knew I wanted to make a difference. Breeding became my way to give puppies the foundation, confidence, and stability they need to thrive in loving homes.

  • What makes your program special?

    Our breeding program focuses on temperament first, raising puppies with the foundation to grow into confident, stable companions. Some go on to become service dogs, therapy dogs or emotional support animals. A testament to the care, socialization and intentional breeding behind every puppy.

  • What are the different breed sizes in your program?

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

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

    Our Cavapoo puppies include blenheim, apricot, and red. Poodle puppies include apricot, red, and parti. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.

  • 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 Birdie

Birdie 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.

Birdie 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 7 weeks old.

“Our matching process blends formal temperament evaluations, careful observation, and comprehensive family profiles to ensure each puppy is placed in a home that aligns with their natural traits and long term potential.”

Price

Puppy prices include a $1,000 non-refundable deposit and $3,278 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.

“When you choose a Sleeping Bear Kennels puppy you’re investing in a lifetime of love and companionship. Our price reflects the 24/7 supervision, socialization, and ethical breeding practices. The deposit secures your spot on the waitlist and is nonrefundable. It confirms your commitment and helps us plan and ensure every puppy has a family before being born.”

Contract & health guarantee

Birdie 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 Birdie 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 Birdie 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
      • Initial potty training
      • Puppy starter kit
      • Toys
      • Food & treats
      • Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent

Location & pick-up

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

Breeder's location

Meet in Kalamazoo, MI

4229 miles away

·

Other pick-up locations

Meet at Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport

4151 miles away

·

Meet in Detroit, MI

4134 miles away

·

More about Birdie

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

    Birdie was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2020.

  • Birdie’s links

Birdie is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Sleeping Bear Kennels 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

Poodle

Cavapoo

Parent health testing

Cavapoo

Miniature Poodle

Breeder-Reported Testing

Excellent level

Sleeping Bear Kennels 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 Cavapoos.

  • Hip Dysplasia (Preliminary)

    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.

  • PRA, Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd), Animal Genetics Panel

    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 Birdie to bring home their puppies.

  • Elizabeth L.

    Verified owner · Sept. 2026

      • +8

    Our whole family is absolutely OBSESSED with our pup, Midge Maisel (formerly Ariel). Birdie’s thorough matching process ensured that the puppy we brought home was the perfect fit for our family. Before we brought a dog into our home, we did extensive research on breeds that would fit our lifestyle and then to identify a knowledgeable and responsible breeder, which is how we found Sleeping Bear Kennels. The first step in the process was to have a video meeting/interview with Birdie. We liked her immediately. She was very knowledgeable, answered all of our questions, and was so patient and kind with all of our young children’s questions. We loved that puppies are raised in Birdie’s home along with her children who are the same ages as my kids, so we knew that they would be comfortable being around kids and the noise and excitement children bring to a home. When it was around the time our little would be delivered, the kids and I excitedly followed Birdie’s Facebook group for news. When the pups were born, we absolutely loved following the puppies’ growth and development through near daily updates and photos in the Facebook group. When it was finally time to meet the puppies, our family went to Birdie’s home and were in puppy heaven. We got to love on and play with all the puppies. Later we filled out a questionnaire describing how we envisioned the puppy fitting into lives. For example, we were interested in a puppy that could handle the craziness of 4 children, could be a calming emotional support animal, would do well with training, and would basically be a lazy love bug. After working with the puppies over about an 8-week period, Birdie took the information from our survey and interactions with the puppies, and worked with an additional trainer to identify any puppies that might be a good match for us. The process works, because I cannot imagine a better dog for our family. She brings so much love and joy and cuddles to our lives.

    SC

    Samantha C.

    Verified owner · Feb. 2026

    It took me months to research a breeder that I felt was ethical and treated the mom dogs and puppies to a high standard. Once I found SBK I knew they were the one. She is incredibly knowledgeable and is the reason why our baby is so healthy, well rounded and has advanced temperament for his age. He’s 7 months old on the 25th. Socialization for the puppies were so important to her and it showed almost immediately once we got home. He isn’t afraid of anything. She helped me through puppyhood I couldn’t have done it without her guidance. I was a first time dog mom. She went above and beyond to make us feel supported. Louis is incredibly smart and adaptable. Thanks to birdies early socialization and our continued socialization with her check list provided. Louis is now breezing through adolescence like a gentleman. He is a very relaxed, in-tune emotionally intelligent dog. When SBK says they breed for health and temperament she means it. He will eventually be a service dog. Our trainers are in awe with at 7 months he is so emotionally advanced. He’s non reactive, he rarely ever barks. No resource guarding issues. He has a kind heart. He is incredibly well rounded, travels everywhere with us with ease. He loves children people and other dogs. His babysitters say he is charismatic and charming. I would literally never get a puppy from anywhere else. Birdie has been so kind to us throughout the process. There is literally not another breeder out there that could be a better fit for someone who truly cares about the mom dogs and puppies and health of the dogs. I appreciate how seriously she takes the process with making sure each dog has a home and that she’s placing each family with the right fit dog. Louis is my soulmate and the center of our family. Thanks to birdie matching us with him. Trust the process you will be so happy.

  • Kelly E.

    Verified owner · Feb. 2026

    Birdie was so responsive and kept us in the loop about the puppies. She takes great care of them and helps prepare you to bring your new puppy home. (Lots of tips, advice, items that are helpful). She provides family visits where you get to play with ALL the puppies which was so fun. Her matching technique was something that we were unfamiliar with, but it proved to be perfect. We matched with Riddle from the July 2025 litter. We have named him Bear. He has been the best family dog. So sweet, quick to learn and wants to please. Even after you bring your puppy home, Birdie is there to support with any questions and is proactive in checking in and giving any litter updates. All his vet visits post pickup and through now (7 months) have gone well and he is a healthy, happy, friendly dog. We definitely recommend Sleeping Bear Kennels. If we decide to get Bear a sibling one day we will go back to Sleeping Bear Kennels to add to the 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.