I'm Karen M., the breeder behind Spectacular Aussies and Cavaliers located in Howardsville, VA. Our pups are hand raised in our home in Virginia. A lot of time and countless hours go into our passion for raising happy, healthy pups. AKC registered parents. Genetically tested, 1 year health guarantee. And a lifetime of support! Join our page on FB: Spectacular Aussies and Cavaliers.
Q. & A. with Karen
Why did you start breeding?
My passion for animals led me to my first Australian Shepherd over 20 years ago. Stamper was the smartest, most loyal dog I had ever had the privilege of owning. He stole my heart ❤️. I wanted to share the Aussie experience with as many people as I could and that’s how my journey into breeding began. As the years went on I also had a desire to own a lap dog that was also smart, loving , and affectionate. Which led me to Lilly my first Cavalier King Charles in 2014.
What makes your program special?
We believe in breeding not just for looks but also for a healthy dog with a great personality and temperament. We ensure each puppy has the best possible start in life. Each litter is hand raised from the day they are born in a nurturing environment with early socialization.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies include blenheim and tri-color. Australian Shepherd puppies include black, blue merle, and red. 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.
Jingle
Reserved
Female
Aspen
Reserved
Male
Ralphie
Reserved
Male
Holiday
Reserved
Female
Clara
Reserved
Female
Ribbon
Reserved
Female
Cindy Lou
Reserved
Female
Sariah
Reserved
Female
Max
Went home
Male
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Lilly
Went home
Female
TBD
Went home
TBD
Went home
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Cash
Went home
Male
Rosco
Went home
Male
Millie
Went home
Female
Ranger
Went home
Male
Rex
Went home
Male
Hannah
Went home
Female
Romeo
Went home
Male
Rocky
Went home
Male
Daisy
Went home
Female
Rocco
Went home
Male
Piper
Went home
Female
Nicholas AKC
Went home
Male
Frosty AKC
Went home
Male
Zane AKC
Went home
Male
Elsa AKC
Went home
Female
Aspen AKC
Went home
Female
Winter AKC
Went home
Female
Oakley AKC
Went home
Male
Boy 5
Went home
Male
Getting a puppy from Karen
Karen 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 $400 non-refundable deposit and between $1,100 - $3,100 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.
“The price includes AKC registration, 1 year health guarantee, vet exam, age appropriate vaccinations and a lifetime of puppy support. $400 non refundable deposit will hold a puppy of your choice until he/she is ready to join their forever homes.”
Contract & health guarantee
Karen 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 Karen 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 Karen directly.
Spectacular Aussies and Cavaliers 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
Litter and program updates
Karen M.
Litter update on 27 Feb. •
Chance and River's litter
Karen M.
Litter update on 14 Jan. •
Chance and Ally's litter
Karen M.
Litter update on 22 Nov. 2024 •
Great way to start the day. The puppies passed their vet check with flying colors 🐶❤️🐶
Archie and Heidi's litter
Parent dogs
Ripp, dad
Australian Shepherd
About Ripp
Ripp is a sweet boy that’s full of life. He is standard size. He loves to round up all his toys.
Cherokee, mom
Australian Shepherd
About Cherokee
Cherokee is a sweet, loving and very smart girl. She is a fantastic companion. We couldn’t ask for a better mom. She is full standard size, AKC registered and clear on the Animal Genetics Aussie Panel.
Bella, mom
Australian Shepherd
About Bella
Bella is sweet and gentle natured.a Very laid-back Aussie she gets along great with kids and other dogs.
Legend, dad
Australian Shepherd
About Legend
Legend is a sweet boy, AKC registered and clear on the Aussie genetic panel.
Good health testing
Animal Genetics Panel.
Parent health testing
Australian Shepherd
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Breeder-Reported Testing
Good level
Spectacular Aussies and Cavaliers 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 Australian Shepherds.
DNA Disease Panel, Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDR1)
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).
Verified owner stories
Hear what other owners say about working with Karen to bring home their puppies.
Greg D.
Verified owner · Nov. 2025
Karen is top notch. From the start she was in communication with me sharing updates on Autumn’s progress. Karen was flexible in the pick up location and time. Today has been two weeks with Autumn and she completed her first (with me) vet visit. The vet says she had been well taken care of and is in great health. Autumn is adjusting to her new home and the five cats. I would highly recommend Karen if your looking for a dog.
Shelby V.
Verified owner · Aug. 2025
Karen was so kind and knowledgeable. We asked lots of questions and she had no problem answering. She was able to meet us at a convenient place for both of us. We have had our Aussie for a little over a month now and our so happy with our fur baby. You can always tell when a dog comes from a good home and there is no doubt that he did.
Wanda D.
Verified owner · May 2025
Karen and Good dog have answered my prayers! I found the perfect dog and had the perfect experience. Karen was informative about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and helped me in determining that it was the breed for me. Good dog was helpful in handling all of the deposits and payments and made everything easy to understand. Raya has a great personality, and I can tell she was raised with love and good training. I highly recommend the great choice that I made to trust Karen and Good dog!
Wanda Debolt
John V.
Verified owner · Aug. 2025
We received two amazing puppies from Karen this summer, their beauty and personalities are so precious and timeless. So happy! Over the moon! We had the best experience with Karen! She was so gracious and professional before during and after we picked them up! A friend for life.
Kayla R.
Verified owner · May 2025
Karen was incredible to work with from start to finish! You can tell how much she cares for her pups and that she wants them to go to the right home, not just *a* home. Cypher is already an incredible pup and fitting in so well, I’m so happy with my decision and so in love with my boy!
Donald L.
Verified owner · May 2025
Karen was so responsive and knowledgeable about the breed. You can tell they really care about their dogs. They stayed in touch and sent me regular updates about my puppy. Good Dog made the process so easy, from the initial connection with Karen to arranging pick up and paying securely. I'm so glad I found Karen through Good Dog, and I couldn't be happier with my pup
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.