Who We Are

The Millers

We are Chad and Melissa Miller. We both grew up in Florida--Chad in Tallahassee, and Melissa in Panama City. We met in college and married shortly after graduation. In addition to our three biological children and a wonderful daughter-in-law, we have been blessed through adoption with a son from Ethiopia and a daughter from China.

We have lived in Georgia, South Carolina, and Illinois. Several years ago, we moved back to Florida and have settled into the "Lake Life" of Winter Haven. We are a Puppy Culture breeder.

What Our Customers Are Saying

The Askins Family, Florida

The Ives Family, California

While it may seem we came across Southern Cove Labradoodles by chance, I believe everything happens for a reason. And that reason was to find our Sweet Dabo! It was important to us to have a reputable, honest, hands-on breeder. The Millers at Southern Cove Labradoodles are just that. They were, and continue to be, nothing short of amazing. During the puppy phase prior to puppy pick up we received frequent updates and pics on puppy growth and development as well as things we needed to get to make sure our puppy was off to a great start once home. Dabo had a very smooth and easy transition into our home thanks to the nurturing foundation and environment at Southern Cove Labradoodles. Our Sweet Dabo is an awesome dog child. So loving, playful, chill, well behaved, and comical. We love her so much and are looking forward to hopefully giving her a sister later this year. We are and will forever be grateful for the Millers at Southern Cove Labradoodles for bringing Sweet Dabo into our lives.

The Ives Family, California

I learned about Southern Cove Labradoodles several years ago hoping someday we'd be able to adopt one of their puppies. I love that they're a smaller breeder and that Melissa and her family have a very hands-on approach to raising their puppies with love and affection. When the time was finally right, Melissa walked me through every step of the process, sending weekly updates and photos and videos. What a delight to see the litter grow! She even accommodated us when I had to wait an additional week to fly across the country to pick up our sweet Buzz. I can't believe how long we went without one of these precious little lambs. Knowing what a great start these puppies have the first few weeks of their lives is so reassuring in knowing your family will get a happy, healthy, well-adjusted addition to your family.

The Merrick Family, Nebraska

Southern Cove Labradoodles provided us with the perfect addition to our family! Our puppy is sweet tempered, playful, and loving. We have owned several other quality dog breeds, but they have not compared to our Australian Labradoodle in temperament and beauty (we love their fluffy coats!). The owners of Southern Cove went above and beyond in helping us choose the right puppy for our family. We cannot say enough good things about their integrity in breeding, puppy care, and business ethics.

The Murray Family, Florida

The Merrick Family, Nebraska

We cannot thank Southern Cove Labradoodles enough for our little Willis. From the moment we arrived at the Millers' house we knew we would not find a better temperament in a dog. We were looking for a companion for our son who is an only child. The second we met Willis he laid right on top of Ryan’s feet, and to this day they do everything together. At just ten months old

Willis will sit either in the chair with Ryan or under his chair while Ryan does his virtual learning. He plays with him like a brother would. I have always been a black Labrador girl, but I cannot imagine any other breed after having Willis. I cannot say enough about the Miller family, and the love that shines through the nurturing of their dogs. If I had to use one word that Willis has brought our family, I would say Joy. Willis brings us a new Joy every day, and we are thankful God brought us this wonderful puppy.

More about being a Guardian

At Southern Cove Labradoodles, we are committed to the well-being of our dogs and puppies. Therefore, we do not believe in kenneling dogs, and instead, manage our breeding program through partnering with guardians. This approach ensures that our future breeding dogs will be raised as a well-loved family member in a nurturing home environment. Your puppy will be a puppy chosen by us to be a breeding dog as the first priority selection from a litter. We will retain breeding rights for the life of the Guardian Contract.

We have opportunities to guardian male and female puppies. Please contact us to discuss, if this interests you.

GUARDIAN HOME REQUIREMENTS

The guardian must live within 1 hour of Southern Cove Labradoodles (Winter Haven, Florida).

The guardian must have a fenced-in yard.

For females, there can be no unneutered males residing in the guardian home or present during onset of the heat cycle. For males, there can be no intact females residing in the guardian home.

For females, the guardian must notify us when she starts her heat cycle. Identifying Day One of the heat cycle is critically important for a successful breeding.

The guardian must feed the dog TLC food purchased through our website and other high protein products (recommended by us) during the pregnancy (approximately two months prior to the whelping of her puppies).

The guardian must provide normal veterinary care during the contract period. This includes annual vaccinations, flea and tick prevention (we will specify the types used that are safe for breeding dogs), teeth cleaning, etc.

The guardian will provide comprehensive obedience training and ensure that the dog is well- and appropriately-socialized.

The guardian must maintain open lines of communication with us on any matters relating to the dog.

The primary caregiver cannot work full-time outside the home causing the dog to left alone for long periods of time.