Today, we’d like to introduce you to Brody Coates.
Brody, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I always had a deep love and connection to animals ever since I was a young child. Having a single mom navigating through college and moving from place to place, furry friends were my companions and source of joy as I was the continual new kid. It was during one of these moves that my life took a turn and I gained a new stepdad. It was he who taught me the art of breeding starting at the age of 15. This hobby became more than just a skill – it was our special bond, something that brought us together.
With admiration for dogs, I started off my breeding journey with chihuahuas, moving to boxers before eventually finding my heart stolen by the elegant and charming cavaliers. Witnessing how these dogs exuded pure happiness and beauty inspired me deeply; I knew right then that my goal was to breed these gorgeous canines who would bring joy into people’s lives and showcase the incredible bond between humans and our four-legged companions. It was then I learned of all the health issues plaguing the breed and how many of them suffer from it. It became my mission to source only the healthiest of the breed, taking a year or more to find the pups I wanted with the health I required.
My journey has led me to start showcasing my dogs at competitions. Now, I dream of expanding my bloodlines by importing new pedigrees from Europe – combining tradition with innovation to create a legacy rooted in love for these amazing animals. I believe you can have health and conformation together, not sacrificing one for the other. It just takes more work, but the rewards are more than worth it for me. With every litter born under the Windsor Cavalier’s name, I aim to share this immense happiness with others so they, too, can experience the unconditional love and delight these precious pups bring into our lives.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I was heartbroken to discover the difficulty in finding healthy dogs with breeding show rights in the US. The tight-knit community of Cavalier breeders made it nearly impossible for newcomers like me to enter their exclusive circles. I searched high and low, only to come across low-quality or unhealthy Cavaliers that didn’t meet my standards. The few breeders I found who were to my standards and who actually wanted to mentor and help were lifelines for me. I am so thankful for them and consider them friends to this day. Entering the world of dog shows is much harder than running with your dog in a circle while in a suit!
It is very competitive; dog eat dog if you want! Finding mentors is difficult, and my parent club was not helpful, leaving a bad taste in my mouth. I luckily found mentors who specialize in other breeds and have helped me along the way. Currently, Phillip, my first show dog, has earned his AKC Puppy of Achievement, winning in Utah, Idaho, California, and Oregon shows. I am hopeful he will have his championship by the end of this summer. He is also 100% genetically clear of ALL cavalier inherited diseases. I am currently looking for the next pup to join us on the show route.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have worked in management most of my career for various companies but creating Windsor Cavaliers is my passion project. I love dogs. They bring me so much happiness and joy. The darkest days when I struggle to get out of bed, it is them I do it for, they need to go outside. They are always happy to see me when I come home. They love unconditionally. I am so thankful for them, and I want to share that. Each pup I bring into the world is my responsibility. I do everything I can to make sure they are raised with great health, exposure to the world around them, and gain the confidence they need to be a great companion.
I health test my breeding dogs and share the results. I learn more every day and make changes as new information comes to light. I am not afraid of change or hard work. I am also available to each of my puppy families anytime they need it. I will be there to help them along the way with anything I am able to. I choose my puppy’s families as much as they choose my pups. I won’t let just anyone buy a puppy because they can pay for it. These are my pups, and they deserve the best homes I can find them, so I am selective with the families I send them to. I have several repeat families now who love their dogs so much that they keep coming back!
I have a website and am a registered business on Google with reviews. I am as transparent as possible. I want every experience with Windsor Cavaliers to be a good one. You can trust us and come see for yourself!
Who else deserves credit for your story?
My stepdad Bart Buttars for being my first mentor in the world of dogs, and my mom Cheri for letting me keep my dogs! THANK YOU!!!
Laci Hansen of Hyde Park Cavaliers in North Carolina for being the best cavalier breeder I know and being my friend. She is the breeder of my Phillip, and I have used her stud Pongo for some amazing pups! THANK YOU!!!
Pat Jenkins, the president of Mount Ogden Kennel Club, for being my first mentor in the world of dog shows. She gave me the confidence to keep going and the support I needed. THANK YOU!!!
Savvy Stokes – PAL Handling – Savvy is Phillips’s handler for shows I can’t attend, his trainer, and his official Auntie. I have gone to the class she teaches to learn and have gained more practice and experience, but also a friend/sister from another mister! THANK YOU.
My friends, my exes, and future partners for putting up with dog hair, messes, and all my talk about them! I love you, and thank you all for your support back then, now, and in the future!
Pricing:
- Pet Quality Pups start at $3000
- Show Quality/ Breeding Rights start at $5000
- All pups or breeding rights will only be sold to approved homes.
- I have a waiting list available for those interested in a future pup at windsorcavaliers.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://windsorcavaliers.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windsor_cavaliers/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/windsorcavaliers/
- Other: https://marketplace.akc.org/breeder/windsor-cavaliers
Image Credits
Jen Bryner, Bettina Bienefeld, Phillip Win, and Brody Coates
