Kilmaren Cavaliers: Our Story

Since establishing Kilmaren Cavaliers in 2001, Teri Miller has dedicated her life to the careful preservation of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel through thoughtful, ethical puppy breeding centered on health, temperament, and adherence to the breed standard. Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, every decision made in her breeding program is focused on the future of the breed, resulting in Cavaliers that are beautiful, healthy, and true to the characteristics that have made them cherished companions for generations.

Teri's passion for dogs goes well beyond just puppy breeding. Her professional journey began in veterinary medicine, where she spent over a decade as a veterinary technician, assisting with anesthesia, surgery, diagnostic imaging, patient care, and client education. Later on, she became Virginia's first Certified Pet Dog Trainer, founded Central Virginia's first training school dedicated exclusively to pet owners, developed and taught more than ten training courses, and has personally helped over 3,800 families strengthen their relationships with their dogs. Furthermore, she has served as a therapy dog handler, was a founding member of the Piedmont Agility Club, and consulted with the Fluvanna Women's Correctional Facility to create its Pen Pals program, which paired rescue dogs with inmates to ensure a hopeful future for both.

Throughout her career, Teri has bred, raised, and trained award-winning Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Golden Retrievers. One of her Golden Retrievers became a certified therapy dog and a select sire for Paws With A Cause, with descendants continuing to assist individuals with physical and emotional disabilities to lead more independent lives. Her innovative spirit also led her to design The Right Spot, one of the original indoor puppy potty systems that was used to nurture Kilmaren puppies for many years and is still utilized by breeders and pet owners today.

As a dedicated preservation breeder, Teri believes that today's breeders are the guardians of tomorrow's Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Each litter is meticulously planned, using health-tested parents and carefully selected pedigrees, all aimed at preserving the gentle temperament, sound structure, and timeless beauty of the breed. While many Kilmaren Cavaliers become beloved family companions, others embark on successful show careers, which illustrates the program's commitment to producing dogs that exemplify the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed standard. All Kilmaren Cavaliers are raised in Teri's home, receiving daily socialization, individualized attention, and a nurturing environment that prepares them to be confident companions.

Kilmaren Cavaliers takes pride in being a member breeder of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, USA (CKCSC-USA) and the James River Kennel Club. All Kilmaren Cavaliers are dual registered, highlighting Teri's commitment to preserving the integrity and heritage of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed.

Outside of her breeding activities, Teri is a retired Hospice Registered Nurse, having earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Virginia School of Nursing, where she was notably the only grandmother in her graduating class. She is married to Donnie, the Minister of Music at their church, is a mother of two, and a grandmother to ten grandchildren. Her lifelong commitment to serving others—both people and animals—continues to influence everything at Kilmaren Cavaliers.

-Teri Miller

Kilmaren Cavaliers 

"Where Beauty Is In The Lap of The Beholder"