Welcome to Lizmere Cavaliers !
We are a small breeding and show kennel located between Charlotte and Asheville, North Carolina. For 25 years we have been owned by this special breed! In 2003 we started showing our dogs in the AKC conformation ring, making up 21 Champions to date!
Our Cavaliers have earned Championship status as well as Grand Championships, Best of Breed, Best Opposite Sex, Awards of Merit and Toy Group placements.
They have competed at AKC sanctioned shows coast to coast and at Westminster Kennel Club, Eukanuba and Royal Canin shows. We are proud of our accomplishments over two decades with Cavaliers !
At Lizmere our goal is good health, type and temperament. With a focus on quality over quantity, we prioritize the health and well-being of our Cavaliers, ensuring that each puppy receives the love and care they deserve. From our beginning in 2000 we have curated the best pedigrees from long established breeders around the world, focusing on health and long lived bloodlines, as well as breed type. Learn more about the breed.
Available
See our currently available puppies & adults.
Our Home
We are nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains on more than 50 acres of wilderness. Our dogs run, play, chase butterflies and bugs daily in our yard and garden. Exercise is key!
Meet the Breeder
I’m Victoria Gardner, the breeder behind Lizmere Cavalier King Charles Spaniels located in Casar, NC. We are lifelong dog enthusiasts, and we’re excited to share our passion and purpose with others through our breeding program. We are dedicated to always providing our buyers and our puppies with a positive experience, which includes remaining committed to responsible practices when it comes to breeding, training, and rehoming our puppies.
Before I met my first Cavalier I held jobs in the insurance industry and was a real estate & litigation paralegal for many years. During this time I began my own freelance court reporting business. I’m a graduate of Oglethorpe University in Atlanta with a degree in political science, summa cum laude.
Also, I restored & decorated the 1852 home “Historic Webbley” and later offered it as a luxury Bed & Breakfast Inn where I met many friends from around the world. It earned the AAA 4-Diamond Award for both lodging and food service, as well as the Gertrude S. Carraway Award of Merit for historic preservation. This endeavor allowed me to enjoy history, art, antiques, gardening and practice my culinary skills on guests!
Breeding Philosophy
Breeding is a responsibility that goes beyond producing puppies; it involves preserving the health, temperament, and future of the breed while ensuring each dog’s quality of life.
Focus on Health
A responsible breeder prioritizes health by addressing the genetic challenges specific to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, such as:
• Mitral Valve Disease (MVD): A common heart issue.
• Syringomyelia (SM): A painful neurological condition.
• Hip Dysplasia: Less common but still a concern.
• Eye Problems: Cataracts and other hereditary issues.
• Patellar Luxation: Kneecap dislocation requiring care.
Health testing is essential, including heart screening, joint evaluations, eye exams, and DNA tests for breed-specific conditions like Episodic Falling Syndrome and Dry Eye & Curly Coat.
Temperament and Well-Being
In addition to physical health, a well-bred Cavalier should embody the breed’s loving, intelligent, and gentle nature, making them ideal companions for families and children.
Ethical Breeding Practices
Breeding is carefully planned to prioritize genetic diversity and health rather than demand. Litters are limited, and puppies are raised in a nurturing home environment to promote confidence and social skills.
Lifelong Commitment
A responsible breeder provides ongoing support to puppy families and is willing to take back any dog, at any age, if needed. Educating owners about the breed’s health needs and maintaining a focus on genetic diversity are key to ensuring long, healthy lives for Cavaliers.
Statement of Dedication
Breeding Cavaliers is a lifelong commitment to their health, happiness, and betterment. Every decision is made with the breed’s future in mind, honoring their beauty and gentle affectionate nature. I am dedicated to producing Cavaliers who are not only beautiful but also resilient, healthy, and well-loved.
