I'm Rita S., the breeder behind Aria Borzoi and Arioso Cavalier King Charles Spaniels located in Madrid, NM. I am a longtime breeder/judge of borzoi, with a focus on temperament, health, and longevity, for companion, performance or show. I strive to make sure every owner has the ability to get the very best out of their puppy. In addition, I've owned Cavalier King Charles Spaniels for 15 years, and occasionally have puppies available. Both my borzoi and cavaliers are fully health tested, with hearts checked via echocardiogram and Holter monitor, and critical health testing performed every other year on the dogs in my breeding program.
Q. & A. with Rita
Why did you start breeding?
I started with retired track greyhounds as a young adult. When I decided I wanted to show and breed, I fell in love with Borzoi. Their overall health, longevity, and suitability for companion, sport and show all within the same dog drew me in. I love their sensitivity, their nature that is both regal and clown-like, and their sheer beauty. There is nothing like watching them run and play.
What makes your program special?
I focus on temperament and health. I am the only Borzoi breeder who publishes health information publicly on every Borzoi I’ve ever bred. I’m especially focused on finding and preserving rare bloodlines and genetic diversity for the future.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies include ruby and black and tan. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Boy 3
Went home
Male
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Girl 1
Went home
Female
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Boy 2
Went home
Boy 3
Went home
Male
Girl 1
Went home
Female
Girl 2
Went home
Female
Girl 3
Went home
Female
Girl 4
Went home
Female
Van Helsing
Went home
Male
Vlad
Went home
Male
Getting a puppy from Rita
Rita has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
Puppy prices include a $500 refundable deposit and between $1,000 - $2,500 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“Deposit is fully refundable in case of cancellation after the puppy is sold to a new home. Price is dependent on quality, titles and health testing on the parents. Borzoi range from $1500-$2000, and cavalier puppies are $3000. My deposit is refundable if for some reason I don't have a puppy for you. If you change your mind after we've discussed puppies and you've made a deposit, your deposit will be refundable as soon as I've found a replacement home for that puppy.”
Contract & health guarantee
Rita may provide a written contract or
health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps
protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you
both have a clear understanding of the terms of your
puppy purchase. If Rita offers a contract
or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them.
If you have any questions or want to know more,
don’t hesitate to reach out to Rita directly.
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Rita.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Madrid, NM
1591 miles away
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Other pick-up locations
Meet at Santa Fe Airport
1583 miles away
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More about Rita
Club memberships
Rita is a member of Borzoi Club of America, Scottish Deerhound Club of America, Greyhound Club of America, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, USA.
Certifications & recognitions
AKC Breeder of Merit, AKC Breeder with H.E.A.R.T., DNA for Dog Breeders (Institute of Canine Biology), Certificate in Managing Genetics for the Future (Institute of Canine Biology), Puppy Culture Breeder, Avidog Associate, CHIC Certified, Avidog Transformational Puppy Rearing, AKC Canine Ambassador, AKC Judge, American Kennel Club Canine College.
Rita has been a member of Good Dog for almost 6 years
Rita was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2020.
Aria Borzoi and Arioso Cavalier King Charles Spaniels meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
Responsible breeding practices
Health of breeding dogs and puppies
Puppy environment and enrichment
Buyer education and policies
Parent dogs
All breeds
Borzoi
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Anya, mom
Borzoi
About Anya
Anya is a female Borzoi. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Rita decided to make her part of their program. Rita has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Rikki, dad
Borzoi
About Rikki
Rikki is a male Borzoi. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Rita decided to make him part of their program. Rita has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Happy, mom
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
About Happy
Happy is a female Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Rita decided to make her part of their program. Rita has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Parent health testing
Borzoi
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Aria Borzoi and Arioso Cavalier King Charles Spaniels reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Borzois.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Thyroid (Autoimmune Thyroiditis, registered with OFA)
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A)
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).