Taika Kennel

Nicole and Andy W.

Breeder of Finnish Lapphunds

  • Galt, CA
  • Responds within a day

Meet the breeder

I'm Nicole and Andy W., the breeder behind Taika Kennel located in Galt, CA. We raise Finnish Lapphunds focused on producing well-adjusted, confident puppies suited for family life. Our dogs are selected for health, temperament, and sound structure. Puppies are raised in a farm environment and exposed to various experiences to help them develop into stable companions.

Q. & A. with Nicole and Andy

  • Why did you start breeding?

    We’ve fallen in love with this remarkable breed and are dedicated to its preservation. The Finnish Lapphund’s friendly nature and adaptable, “go anywhere” personality make them an absolute joy to work with—and to live with. Cricket has been an incredible ambassador for the breed, and we’re passionate about continuing this journey.

  • What makes your program special?

    We prioritize health, temperament, and soundness. Each dog is evaluated through temperament and conformation testing to ensure they meet breed standards in structure and character. Our puppies are raised on a hands-on farm and exposed to animals including rabbits, chickens, goats, and cats, helping them develop confidence and adaptability early.

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

    Our puppies include black and wolf sable. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.

  • Where do your breeding dogs live?

    They live in my home.

Getting a puppy from Nicole and Andy

Nicole and Andy 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.

Nicole and Andy 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.

Price

Connect with Nicole and Andy to learn more details about pricing.

Contract & health guarantee

Nicole and Andy 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 Nicole and Andy 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 Nicole and Andy directly.

All contracts are handled securely through Good Dog.

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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
    • Puppy health practices
      • Vet check
      • First round of shots and deworming

Location & pick-up

You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Nicole and Andy.

Breeder's location

Meet in Galt, CA

Other pick-up locations

Meet at Sacramento Airport

More about Nicole and Andy

  • Club memberships

    Nicole and Andy is a member of Finnish Lapphund Club of America .

  • Certifications & recognitions

    CHIC Certified.

  • Nicole and Andy has been a member of Good Dog for 3 months

    Nicole and Andy was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2026.

  • Nicole and Andy’s links

Nicole and Andy is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Taika 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

Parent dogs

Parent health testing

Breeder-Reported Testing

Great level

Taika 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 Finnish Lapphunds.

  • 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.

  • Vet Wellness Exam

    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.

  • DNA Disease Panel, PRA, Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd)

    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).