Our story
Beyond the Ivy
A family kennel rooted in love for the breed, a passion for the sport, and a commitment to raising dogs that are as healthy as they are beautiful.
How It All Began
Beyond the Ivy was born from a lifelong love of Portuguese Water Dogs and a deep appreciation for the Chicago Cubs — two things that share a common thread: loyalty, heart, and a little bit of magic. Our kennel name pays homage to the ivy-covered walls of Wrigley Field, a place that has always felt like home.
We are a small, family-run kennel located in the Sacramento area. Every dog in our program lives in our home as a beloved family member. We believe the best dogs come from breeders who know their dogs intimately — their personalities, their quirks, their strengths.
Our journey began over a decade ago when we fell in love with the intelligence, athleticism, and warmth of the Portuguese Water Dog. We got our first water dog in 2010 when our kids were just 9 years old. She was the whole families best friend, she went everywhere with us. Spent many weekends at the lake swimming. Since then, we have never been without a Portuguese water dog or two or three or... I do all my handling and grooming myself. My dogs get us traveling the country going to different state for competitions. I have dogs that love water work, FASTCAT, Rally, and agility. They love to work and love being with their family.
Our Breeding Philosophy
We breed for the whole dog — structure, temperament, health, and working ability. Every pairing is made with intention.
Temperament First
A Portuguese Water Dog should be joyful, trainable, and deeply bonded to its family.
Health Above All
We complete every recommended health test required by the PWDCA-
Breed Standard
Our dogs are bred to the AKC Portuguese Water Dog standard.
Family Raised
Every litter is whelped and raised in our home. Puppies are exposed to household sounds, other animals, and early neurological stimulation from day one.
Health Testing Standards
We comply the PWDCA's recommended health testing protocol.
OFA Hip Evaluation
Radiographs evaluated by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. We breed only dogs rated Good or Excellent.
OFA Elbow Evaluation
Elbows evaluated for dysplasia. All breeding dogs must be rated Normal.
OFA Cardiac Exam
Annual cardiac auscultation by a board-certified cardiologist.
CAER Eye Exam
Annual eye examination by a board-certified ophthalmologist through the Canine Eye Registry Foundation.
GM1 Storage Disease
DNA test for the breed-specific storage disease.
JDCM Cardiac DNA
DNA test for Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy, a fatal heart condition in PWDs. All breeding dogs are tested.
Ready to Meet Our Dogs?
Learn about Wrigley, Ivy, and our upcoming litters — or start your puppy application today.