I’m Mirkka Ilveskoski, a breeder of Coton de Tuléar dogs. I also share my life with Lhasa Apsos and a Maltese. One of my heartfelt dreams is to start a small-scale breeding program for Lhasa Apsos in the future.
I’ve been dedicated to breeding Coton de Tuléar dogs since 2007, and my kennel name ‘Ilveskosken’ was officially registered in early 2008. As a committed breeder, I’ve signed the Finnish Kennel Club’s agreement and adhere to their values in raising and caring for dogs.
I am a member of the Finnish Kennel Club, the Finnish Coton de Tuléar Club, Finnish Toy Dog Club and the Finnish Dog Breeders’ Association.
I’ve been deeply involved in the Finnish Coton de Tuléar Club, serving on the breeding committee both as a chairperson and member. I’ve also contributed to rescue work for Bichon-type breeds. Today, I continue my passion for breed development as a committee member for both the Finnish Coton de Tuléar Club and the Lhasa Apso Club.
Our home
We live with our dogs in a detached house in Toijala (Akaa). We’re conveniently located – just 20 minutes from Tampere, 30 minutes from Hämeenlinna, and about 1.5 hours from Helsinki. There’s a spacious, safe yard for our dogs to run, play, and enjoy themselves to the fullest. Our home has been inspected by a veterinarian at my personal request.
When we have puppies, our guest room is reserved for the mother and her litter, giving them peace and privacy. Around the age of three weeks, we begin gently introducing the puppies to everyday household sounds, and their socialization period starts. Once they are old enough to safely explore outside the enclosure, the puppies get to play in the yard with our other dogs. We make sure they enjoy a truly wonderful and carefree puppyhood.
About dogs
My dogs are officially health-checked and in good condition. In addition, I carry out extra genetic tests to help eliminate possible health risks.
In my breeding work, I aim to focus on the whole dog—striving to raise healthy, well-tempered, and breed-typical companions that bring joy to people and can take part in all kinds of activities together with their families.
Our puppies
I expect future puppy owners to be deeply committed to their dogs’ wellbeing, to shower them with love, and to take responsibility for raising them into well-mannered canine citizens. I hope our puppies find homes where there’s interest in attending dog shows—it’s a fun hobby when taken with the right spirit, and I’m happy to offer my support. Even I once swore I would never step foot in a dog show… but things took a different turn!
Above all, my biggest wish is that every puppy from my kennel receives excellent care and lives a happy, healthy life.
I accept preliminary reservations for upcoming litters, but I truly appreciate an active approach from future puppy owners during the waiting period.
I also highly value the buyer’s commitment to coat care, as the coat is the pride of the Coton de Tuléar breed and an essential part of regular, proper dog grooming. Both Coton de Tuléar and Lhasa Apso are long-haired breeds, and for a long time, I kept all my dogs in full coats—even if they didn’t attend dog shows. Recently, however, I’ve chosen shorter styles for a few of them.
I announce puppies on my own website and on the breed club’s pages.
Puppies are ready to move to their new homes at around eight weeks of age, healthy, veterinary-checked, microchipped, registered, covered with hidden defect insurance, and dewormed multiple times. Each puppy receives a lovely, comprehensive puppy package and a minimum of 2–3 hours of guidance before leaving. I continue to offer my support even after the puppy has joined its new home. We also have a dedicated Facebook group for our Ilveskosken families where we share updates, photos, and I provide tips and reminders.”
You’re always welcome to come meet us if you’re considering getting your dog from our kennel. I’m happy to introduce you to my dogs – and they absolutely love meeting new people. Just a fair warning: escaping their affectionate kisses is nearly impossible. We live in a perfectly ordinary home, where the dogs are part of our everyday lives.
Every one of my own dogs – and every puppy that has left our home for the wider world—is incredibly important to me. When you purchase a puppy from my kennel, you also commit to staying in touch. I genuinely want to hear how things are going with your dog – the highs and the lows. There’s no need for daily updates, but occasional messages and especially photos truly brighten my day.
Feel free to send a message if you’d like to know more!
Contact information
Mirkka Ilveskoski
Telephone number: +358 40 774 0302
Email: kennel.ilveskosken@gmail.com