Why we do what we do.
I am a preservation‑minded Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breeder and Trainer in Pittsburgh, Pa. My breeding program is built on health testing, responsible pairing, and a deep understanding of canine behavior. All based on over two decades of professional dog‑training experience.
I grew up on a farm in northern Florida, from an early age, surrounded by animals. Dogs quickly became a huge part of my life and by the time I was ten, I was actively learning about canine behavior, training with our family’s Rottweilers, Great Danes, and Old English Bulldogs. As a teenager, I received a toy poodle, who was all mine. She taught me how meaningful the bond between a person and a dog can be, especially as a trusted keeper of childhood secrets.
Over the years, I have trained and competed in Obedience, Rally and Conformation with Dobermans, Standard Poodles, and Cavaliers. While living in the UK, I was fortunate to be asked to teach pet obedience at my local dog training club where my teaching philosophy and passion for helping dogs and their owners communicate more effectively was developed. I really saw the gap between what people had hoped for when they got their puppy and the reality of their lives with it and I have been teaching group classes and private lessons ever since.
My competitive background includes showing Standard Poodles in breed classes at Crufts and performing in their televised obedience demonstration team. These experiences continue to inspire my work and reinforce my dedication to thoughtful, relationship-based training.
My journey to Cavaliers.
My Cavalier journey began when I realized I wanted a breed whose temperament and presence matched the kind of life I hoped to build with my dogs. A life grounded in steadiness, companionship, and joy everyday. When I encountered Cavaliers, I realized I had found a breed that could really bring such joy to so many people’s lives, with their calm demeanor, easygoing nature and sturdy yet compact size, they were a perfect versatile breed. They were cheerful without being chaotic, affectionate and sometimes demanding, they carried themselves with a gentle confidence. They are always ready to curl up for quiet time yet equally delighted to join in on the next adventure.
I came to appreciate not only their temperament but also the responsibility that comes with preserving it. Choosing to breed Cavaliers was never simply about producing beautiful dogs. My goal is safeguarding their health, stability, and the qualities that make them such extraordinary companions.
I am committed to health-first breeding. Utilizing the testing guidelines and resources provided by the parent clubs and pairing dogs whose temperaments complement one another.
Families deserve a puppy who brings joy for years to come, not the burden of chronic allergies, sensitive digestive systems, or mismatched personalities that make daily life harder instead of happier.
Buying from Anhinga Cavaliers helps preserve the qualities that make the Cavalier so special in the first place. Their sweetness, their stability, and their joyfulness. Sharing this breed with others is like sharing a little of the warmth and companionship that’s enriched my own life.
Why choose Anhinga Cavaliers?
- Fully health‑tested breeding dogs
- Small number of carefully planned litters
- Early socialization and temperament evaluation
- Lifetime breeder support
- Transparent communication and education
I’ve told you a little about myself, feel free to tell me what you want from your next cavalier.
