Matilija

Elizabeth H.

Breeder of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Labrador Retrievers

Meet the breeder

I'm Elizabeth H., the breeder behind Matilija located in Montpelier, VT. I am a dog fancier, in the hobby of purebred dogs. What does that encompass? Constant learning about dogs, developing methods for raising smart, confident wonderful puppies and sharing them with people all over the United States. I have been showing, training and occasionally breeding dogs for 35 years. I am also a retired Veterinary Technician, a former Guide Dog puppy raiser and leader for Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc. Four of my Labradors have been either Guides or breeders for Guide Dog Organizations. Three Labradors have been Advanced FEMA search and rescue dogs working in Southern CA with firefighters. I have bred or owned several Junior Hunters and one of my girls ( Carmen) easily earned her Senior Hunter title. I also show in conformation dog shows as I feel winning at those shows is a bench mark for breeders. This past August my Cavalier earned her AKC championship, a fun and very special win, 40 years since I finished my first Champion in 1978. We need to make sure we are breeding dogs that conform to the breed standard for the breed and showing in conformation or the beauty contests of dog shows is this aspect of the sport of dogs. I love this hobby, it’s a passion for me, the training and teaching of baby puppies is as fun as it was 35 years ago. Downsizing now with the Cavaliers is a blast, these smart little guys act like big dogs in a smaller package. Sporting, athletic and fun- I am excited to share these little Spaniels with new friends. I have been training and learning about dogs since I was a teen. After embracing reinforcement based dog training.

Q. & A. with Elizabeth

  • Why did you start breeding?

    At 16 I worked at an American Cocker Spaniel show kennel. The Preston’s of Olympian Kennels helped me with my first Welsh Springer litter in 1979. Over the years I have bred breed Champions, search and rescue dogs, guide dogs, hunting dogs and great family pets.

  • What makes your program special?

    I like raising puppies that can do it all. A Labrador is a water dog, they need to have a healthy body and mind and also look like a Labrador. Having it all in one dog is a challenge I love to take on with each breeding. Likewise, with the Cavaliers, they can be a great show dog and also excel in dog sports, therapy work and of course are great companions.

  • What are the different breed coat colors in your program?

    Our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies include blenheim and ruby. Labrador Retriever puppies include black and yellow. 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.

Getting a puppy from Elizabeth

Elizabeth 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 $200 refundable deposit and between $3,300 - $4,300 final payment, before taxes & fees.

“All puppies are the same price on a litter, no difference between males or females. All puppies are the same price in a litter, no difference between males or females. All are send home on a limited ( non-breeding) contract.”

Contract & health guarantee

Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth directly.

Always communicate and pay on Good Dog.Learn more

What’s included

    • From Good Dog
      • Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
      • 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
      • Puppy Training Program & private community
    • Puppy health practices
      • Vet check
      • First round of shots and deworming

Location & pick-up

You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Elizabeth.

Breeder’s location

Meet in Montpelier, VT

Other pick-up locations

Meet at Patrick Leahy Burlington Airport

More about Elizabeth

  • Club memberships

    Elizabeth is a member of Burlington Obedience Club and Central California Labrador Retriever Club.

  • Certifications & recognitions

    AKC Breeder of Merit, Licensed Veterinary Technician, CHIC Certified, Avidog Associate, Canine Good Citizen Evaluator.

  • Elizabeth has been a member of Good Dog for almost 6 years

    Elizabeth was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2019.

Elizabeth is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Matilija 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

Parent health testing

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Labrador Retriever

Breeder-Reported Testing

Excellent level

Matilija 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

  • Hip Dysplasia

    Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.

  • Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)

    Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.

  • 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.

  • Patellar Luxation

    Knee testing reduces the chance of passing down Patellar Luxation, which results in the kneecap becoming displaced or dislocated and can cause mild to severe joint pain.

  • Brucellosis, Syringomyelia (MRI)

    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.

  • Animal Genetics Panel, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), Dry Eye Curly Coat Syndrome (CKSID), Episodic Falling Syndrome (EFS)

    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).

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Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.