Hello and thanks for visiting Gillcrest Cavaliers! I have been breeding Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in Riverside, California since 2002, although my love of dogs begins long before that … back to when I was only four years old, in fact! It began when my parents brought home a little Border Collie mix puppy and I had my own ‘Lassie’ dog. Her name was Penny and she was an amazing little girl … walking me to the bus stop for school and meeting me there when the bus returned. She had endless patience while I dressed her up in doll clothes push her around in a stroller all day if I wanted. She was easy to train and had all the love in her heart to give. Penny was my companion throughout my childhood and into my teens … she is who I credit for giving me with my life long love of dogs.

Early in my career as a dog breeder, I had an interest in Rottweilers. I thought they were beautiful dogs … intelligent, muscular, agile, and stubborn. I worked with this breed in the areas of obedience, tracking, and protection training. I even did some showing with them, eventually becoming President of the Rottweiler Performance Club.

Although I loved these big dogs, I missed having a lap dog and so when my mom bought two beautiful long haired Chihuahuas – they were just what I had been looking for … a little dog that I could keep with me all the time! I purchased my first Chihuahua puppy and began my adventure with this breed, along with my mom … it was so much fun! We searched for beautiful Chihuahuas with nice pedigrees and talked about dogs all day. Our Chihuahuas were all different colors, short hair and long. My Rottweiler friends couldn’t believe it!

I remained a breeder of Chihuahuas until I saw my first Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Those soulful eyes reminded me of Penny, my little Border Collie mix puppy and first love. Of course, I had to have one, although it took me some time because they were still rare here in the United States.

That is how my thirty year journey of breeding dogs has gotten me here to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels here in Riverside, California. I’ve been breeding these exceptional dogs since 2002 and know that I have found the breed for me … it will be mine for the rest of my life.

Throughout my career as a breeder of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies, I have always sought well-established Cavalier lines that are known to be healthy, correct in temperament, type and beautiful. These lines consist of Grantilley, Turretbank, Pascavale, Maibee, Sheeba, Luxxar, and several others.

I am a small hobby/show breeder and all my Cavaliers live with my family as our pets. I am always trying to produce my next show dog and for that reason, I only place my puppies in homes as companion pets (with a spay or neuter contract). A hopeful tip: if you are looking to adopt a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy, beware of breeders who are offering ‘show quality’ puppies … no responsible breeder adopts out a puppy that is truly show quality, unless you are a friend or agree to co-ownership.

By way of professional affiliations, I am a member of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, USA and of Cavaliers of the West, so I strictly follow the breeding code of ethics. I also further my education on breeding by attending seminars as often as I’m able.

A special word of thanks to both my husband and my daughter for their life long support of this journey I have taken with my Cavaliers. Our house is full of our share of happy and healthy dogs … only to be out-measured by the love they bring into it!

Again, thank you for your interest in learning more about Gillcrest Cavaliers.  If there is anything I can do to assist you with information about this exceptional breed, please don’t hesitate to reach to me through the contact form located here.  I’d be happy to hear from you!

~ Debbie