A long time KCC lover, I (my husband and I) looked into three breeders in San Diego before speaking, meeting with Merle at Castle Creek Cavaliers in Vista. I appreciated the thoroughness and advice she provided me a first-time puppy purchaser, to advise what to look for in breeder in whether her, or another one. It's evident she really cares about her dogs. They are on a good routine and takes visitors around the time they eat and nap, putting them first. To a purchaser, it may seem that she is very involved or has lots of suggestions, but the truth is, she got us ready to immerse a dog into our home and family. Her tips were from a good place, to make our routine similar to what he (Palmer) was used to. He slept through the night on the 2nd night from then on, ever since, and she lets us know about night one, he may be a bit scared in a new place. He's beautiful and healthy, our vet was so impressed! Her dogs are groomed at home, she has cleaners to add care at their home and cleanliness, they eat well, enjoy goats milk, and love. The owner/ breeder She has a big heart, and understands Cavs are good for people in need. There is an option to have your puppy be a dog certified to visit assisted living care and elderly people in homes who do not have visitors. We are going to enroll Palmer in it because it's good for the dog and we feel good about helping lonely older people in our area too. She makes sure your lifestyle fits well for what the breed needs, being home, etc. If we had questions or concerns, wanted tips, she was happy to make suggestions that did work, from his sleep to bathrooms to routines. As long as he is alive, she is available as a resource - a very caring, knowledgable, breeder. We could not be happier with Palmer and the transition she has made going forward comes from a place of love - and as a buyer, if you can remember this, it will help you too. Having one of her KCC is so rewarding. Thank you, Castel Creek. read more

Castle Creek Cavaliers - Palmer, one week home, 12 weeks old. - Pet Breeders Near Me

Look at the May 1 2026 Murrieta PD arrest. We actually bought our little boy from her and she scammed us on the paperwork. He's a perfect pup but we paid for papers. She said she was a champion trainer/breeder with all the awards to make it legit. In reality it appears she was a puppy mill. I know before comments shame on us. All I can say is thank god we brought our boy out of that mess. read more

You know - I never read Merle's response to my review until today and I am stunned at the lies. Merle shared all her foundation nonsense on the call to tell me it was my turn select. I didn't make a second trip to Merle's house. I was never presented with a bill of sale or additional paperwork. My experience was nearly 10 years ago. She may have changed her ways - but it's not my job to follow up on that. I'm not going to be lied on by a professional. That's what my re-up is about. I'm still overwhelmingly greatful that quick refund was her protocol. CAVEAT EMPTOR!! read more

I went to Merle after I have lost my cavalier of 13 years. We went to the home for a visit and it was squalor and she had at least easily 30 dogs on property of a rental home in Temecula. When I asked to see the mothers of the puppies it was a clutch your pearls situation and she said in all my 15 years nobody has asked to see the mothers. We go into a bedroom or 3 pin and dogs are everywhere and it smells like squalor. You cannot trust she know what dogs she has puppies, old dogs and or who is the lineage as she doesn't know herself. Legit puppy mil and I lost my earnest money for a deposit. She knows how to talk the talk on the phone and by then she's taken your money by Zelle and no recourse. We couldn't even attempt to get an older dog to save from her mill but it was tainted. I don't know how the SPCA hasn't busted her. This is exactly what you shouldn't do if you love this breed. Listen to me please! This is from 2025. She looks as these puppies as dollar signs and was more focusing on telling us her legal problems with housing and house each litter gets her 50$K. She's An absolute nightmare and a serious ethical wrong breeder. read more

Business owner is not ethical and violates her own contract. Says puppies are registered with the AKC but deliberately misleads her customers and is abusive to her clients. read more

I just got my 3rd Cavalier from Merle and each one was absolutely perfect She is completely knowledgeable about this breed and goes to great lengths to share her information with new owners! read more

We purchased a very cute 8 month old cavalier from Merle. We were promised papers documenting her lineage and in spite of several requests, Merle never came through as promised. Additionally Merle was VERY dogmatic about all aspects of the dogs care, only to find out that her suggestions were outdated, very expensive and very annoying. We would NOT recommend this breeder to anyone looking for a Cavalier. There are many choices and we would never use Castle Creek again. read more

We couldn't be happier with our experience with Castle Creek Cavaliers. Merle is caring and knowledgeable and her puppies are healthy and happy. Our boy Walter is settled in and happier than ever and Merle is always there if we have any questions or need coaching. She is an AKC breeder of merit (less than 10 in the USA for cavaliers) and is the most knowledgeable person about the breed that I have ever met. If you are looking to have a perfect pet this is the place. read more

Castle Creek Cavaliers - Our boy Walter! - Pet Breeders Near Me

My husband and I could not be happier with the service Merle provided when we introduced to our PERFECT little cavalier puppy. Not only were the markings perfect but we were so impressed with the care she provided, the environment for the dogs, and the support she gave us during the first couple of months as we figured out how to be good puppy parents. Two and a half years later, I called Merle to get some advice about a diet as Ripley started to get a bit overweight. She had me send some pictures and was so helpful in identifying a nutrition plan that helped him get the weight down. She is an excellent breeder and I would recommend her to anyone that wants a cavalier!!! read more

We bought a puppy from Merle last year. previously we owned rescue dogs but decided we wanted a Cavalier. our dog Charlie is a dream - super friendly, supportive and happy. Merle did a great job preparing us and Charlie for life after adoption. There are several Cavaliers in our downtown neighborhood, but Charlie is the best looking and most social. I am an author and have been so taken with Charlie, I wrote a picture book titled My Friend Charlie. If you look at the book, you will appreciate our wonderful Cavalier, Charlie. read more

I bought a beautiful Cavalier puppy from Merle Tucker of Castle Creek Cavaliers at the end of September 2023. I love my puppy and she is as healthy as she is beautiful. Top ratings there for Merle's care of her dogs. However, I have been trying for almost a year now to get my puppy's papers but can't do that until Merle registers the litter. Merle had one excuse after another, which I believed at first. But I've finally given up believing that she'll ever register the litter, and I can only assume it's because my puppy may not be a purebred dog after all. I honestly can't think of any other reason she wouldn't register them (I have sent her proof that my puppy was spayed, so a fear of me breeding her is not a reason). I've even contacted AKC, who reached out to Merle and also got no response. My only recourse is to take her to small claims to either refund me the excess I paid for a purebred dog over what a non-purebred would cost, or to finally register the litter so I can get my dog's papers. It's been very frustrating. read more

So lucky to have found a breeder dedicated to healthy and vibrant cavaliers. Benson is going to be 10, and he's as sprite as ever!

Merle really cares about making sure her puppies are healthy. I found her to be very knowledgeable and appreciated her prompt responses to my questions. read more

I couldn't be happier with our two new Cavaliers Zebel (Our boy a Tri-Color) and Ziba (Our girl-A Blenheim). After loosing my Shih-Tzu Poof of 12 years I was heartbroken and depressed, my dad knowing I always adored Cavaliers decided to take me and my brother down to Vista just to "play with some puppies" and get our spirits up. Little did we know that after that one visit we'd meet and fall in love with the sweetest brother and sister puppies and bring them home the following week. The past 9 months have passed by so quickly, and all of us always talk about how it seems like we've had Zeb and Ziba forever. They bring so much joy, laughs, and love to our lives every day. Whether it be how they chase each other around the house, how they snuggle next to my mom (their favorite person) as soon as she sits down, or how they always aim to please, these two became family members faster than I could have ever imagined. After loosing Poof I thought I could never warm up to other dogs the same way, but Zebel and Ziba are classic examples of how the unconditional love of a dogs is truly a gift that can not only change your life forever but teach you how capable of loving you really are. "Whoever said diamonds are a girls best friend....never owned a dog" Additionally not only have our two been perfect personality wise, but in terms of their coat, facial features, and structure they are beautiful examples of the breed. Whenever we take them out for their walks, or when we go to the dog park we get compliments on their expressive eyes, their funny personalities, their soft shiny gorgeous coat, and their beautiful feathering that is just barely starting to come through. We love our dogs to pieces and as I sit typing this review with both of them curled up on the couch beside me I couldn't be happier that my dad took us down to Castle Creek that one sad morning that ended the melancholy chapter I was stuck in and helped me begin a new one. Thanks for everything Merle! :) read more

See all

I purchased Tito ( originally named manny) from merle back in 2014. I have no complaints as to the purchasing process or Tito himself. A clean bill of health so far. Well behaved and such a cute face! read more

Castle Creek Cavaliers - Pet Breeders Near Me

Fantastic Breeder! I normally do not write reviews, but in the case of Castle Creek Cavaliers I am going to make an exception. I purchased the most incredible puppy from Merle and CCC 7 months ago and the experience was first rate. My puppy Puddin is not only the most beautiful dog, but extremely healthy. The vet says that he has not seen a more healthy pup. Along with the puppy I received knowledge about the breed and how to care for her. Being this was my first purchase, the folks at CCC not only provided knowledge up front, but offer a continuing education program for pet owners. I am not the easiest of clients. In fact I am extremely picky and hard to please and CCC not only met my expectations, but exceeded them by miles. Trust me, if you need a life long four legged friend and a breeder to stand by her product, Merle and CCC are the only breeders you will need to see. read more

Castle Creek Cavaliers - Pet Breeders Near Me

I recently purchased a Cavalier from Merle Tucker at Castle Creek Cavaliers and I couldn't be happier with our baby girl, Sandi! I chose Castle Creek because of how dedicated Merle is to breeding healthy dogs and making sure her dogs are placed in good homes. Our puppy is very confident and adjusted easily to our home! I've already recommended Castle Creek to several people and will continue to do so!! Thank you Merle!! read more

I just bought Hannah from Castle Creek Cavaliers from Merle. I just want to say how happy I am with the whole experience . Merle really cares so much about the breed and has so much experience with helping you begin an exciting journey with your new dog. Hannah is everything and more of what we expected !!! My husband and I couldn't be happier. I think she has the most beautiful Cavaliers hands down. She has followed up with me several times to make sure Hannah is doing well and gives the best advice. I would recommend her to anyone. Thanks again read more

Castle Creek Cavaliers - Hannah - Pet Breeders Near Me

See all

Our experience with Castle Creek Cavaliers has been incredible. We got a puppy from Merle one year ago this month. She has been so helpful and informative throughout this entire process. Merle had continued to answer all of our questions to this day. She truly cares about all of her puppies and wants to make sure they are all happy and healthy their entire lives. We are SO happy with our sweet and beautiful puppy. Couldn't have asked for more! read more

Castle Creek Cavaliers - Pet Breeders Near Me

We could not be happier with our Cavalier from Castle Creek. We lost our Cavalier of 12 years a year ago this last February. I called Merle and immediately felt she took her dogs very seriously. She made it clear that her way works and those that choose to listen have a pleasant transition from Castle to the new home. Our "Bendel" cried for about 10 min. his 1st night and not a peep since. Our advise is to listen and follow directions. Merle is available and willing to help after the sale is closed. She calls to inquire about Bendel's progress often. Those with extensive dog experience may find her presentation a tad rough. Chalk it up to she really does know and the way i have done it in the past may not be the best way. This is the route to a great relationship with your new family member. Thank you so much Merle Kevin, Michaela, and Cara read more

I can't say enough good things about Merle and Castle Creek Cavaliers. My youngest son's therapist and special education teacher suggested that a therapy dog would be helpful to him and a friend recommended Merle. It was a bit of a process as she is devoted to her dogs and thoroughly vets all perspective owners to be sure that her puppies only go to homes where they will be loved and properly cared for. We had several conversations by phone and email and then scheduled an appointment for me to bring my son so that she could meet us and we could meet the puppies. She matched us with our precious Charlie and I could not be more grateful. As first time dog owners we had a lot of questions and Merle was incredibly helpful. She gave detailed instructions on Charlie's care including feeding, grooming, supplies he would need, continuing the potty training she had started, his schedule, and helping him to get acclimated to our home and his new family. She called to check on him and us the first night and has always been available to answer the many questions I have had since bringing him home. Charlie is the sweetest, most gentle, intelligent, and loving dog. My son and I are taking him through the Sharing Puppy Love therapy dog training program Merle runs. The puppies in his class have all come from Merle and even after being in their new homes for several months still run up and mob her every time she stops by the class to visit. It is clear how knowledgeable Merle is about raising Cavaliers and how much she loves and cares for each of her pups. The parents are all carefully screen to be sure there are no health defects and my Charlie is a happy healthy little boy. He has made such an incredible difference in my son's life and I could never find the words to express my gratitude to Merle for bringing him into our family. If you are looking for a healthy puppy with a beautiful temperament raised in a loving home by someone who who is highly knowledgeable about breeding and raising Cavaliers you could not find a better breeder. Thank you so very very much Merle! read more

See all

We knew we wanted a Cavalier King Charles after falling in love with our friend's cavi. I spoke to a few of the local CKC (Cavalier King Charles) breeders and chose to set a time to meet with Merle of Castle Creek. After submitting our adoption application, Merle had us up to the house. We were warmly greeted by all of the dams at the front gate. We spent some time talking with Merle and playing with the pups before meeting the available puppies. It gave us a chance to observe the surroundings, the behavior of the dogs and Merle's interaction with them. It also allowed Merle to feel comfortable with us. Merle guided us into the house to meet the litter and we sat there getting all sorts of love from the sweetest puppies I have ever seen. We pretty much knew right away who our little guy would be. I was hooked! While there, we had another opportunity to observe the house and the dogs. All of the CKCs at the house were well mannered, friendly, responsive, clean and seemingly very happy. It was very obvious that Merle truly puts her heart into these pups which was pretty evident given their interaction with her. After we left, I did more research on Castle Creek and found a few very negative reviews on YELP. The red flags went up and I started to question all of the positive things that I experienced while at Castle Creek. I was torn and started to research as much information as I could including inquiring with The Cavalier Club. We also set another meeting with Merle to see our pup and talk through the negative online reviews. After speaking with Merle and doing my own research, I have a clearer understanding of the situation for myself and decided to adopt "Benson" from Castle Creek Cavaliers. The reality is that every story has 2 sides and unfortunately, only one side has been represented on YELP. My first hand experience has been quite different and had I read these reviews prior to visiting Castle Creek, I may not have even met with Merle. Benson is now 13 weeks old and we have had him for four weeks. He is a sweet, loving, outgoing, playful, HAPPY, handsome, HEALTHY and well mannered little guy. We received all of the health clearances, pedigree bloodlines, AKC certification and a health warranty from Merle along with thorough organic feeding guidelines (another obvious element of care). She has checked in each week and has been available to answer any questions that I have. If nothing else, I had her on speaker phone the week after we brought Benson home and he was SO excited to hear her voice. That speaks far more to me than any negative online review. Merle has more of a holistic approach and care for her dogs and I greatly appreciate that but it may not be for everyone. I recommend taking the time to actually meet the breeder in person and make the decision for yourself. As for me, I am giving my experience 5 stars. read more

Castle Creek Cavaliers - Pet Breeders Near Me

See all

BUYERS BEWARE, if I could give 0 stars I would, this is one of those reviews. Let me start from the very beginning, there were so so so many red flags but of course I chose to ignore them all and give Merle the benefit of doubt. If you're reading this. DON'T. Timeline of review. Pup was born on 10/24/16, inquiring with Merle starting August 2016. Pup came home 1/2/17 is healthy and happy with us today at almost 8 months and a total love of our lives. backstory, my husband and I have never owned a dog when we were kids growing up so needless to say we had zero idea about anything regarding dog ownership. This fact is very important to note regarding our experience. I first reached out to Merle because on her website, it says that her dogs are tested for their heart condition. Because we knew so little we did extensive research about how to pick a breeder and for CKCS we learned that responsible breeders are ones who test for heart issues and because Merle did we had a huge bias towards her in the beginning (in wanting to buy from her) Merle also listed that her dogs must all become therapy dogs and that was so right up our alley too because that's one of the biggest reasons we wanted a CKCS so we can train him to become a therapy dog and we can volunteer with him. (he is still in training btw with our private trainders with Karma Dog Training) Red flags: Merle is so unpleasant to work with from the beginning. I always felt intimidated and like I was a bother even though I thought asking a lot of questions having no experience is a sign that we are trying to be responsible dog owners down the line. The first time we went to visit her to see a previous litter that was already spoken for, she yelled at my husband twice once for picking up a puppy too quickly (even though he was sitting down) about how doing so would scare the dog and another time when he was rubbing a puppy's belly but apparently he can only do so if the puppy was lying on his bad on the blanket and not on the floor. first of all. how is my husband suppose to know that? As a breeder, definitely correct us so we learn but do you need to yell? We came home and joked to everyone that our meanie breeder actually yelled at us this time even though we are dropping over 2K for this dog and we still were since she does test her dogs. Other red flags include all the other negative reviews out there, on BBB and yellp, we even spoke about it on the phone because I was concerned but Merle told her side of the story to me and completely blamed the other party. I didn't know better and TBH wished that it was all due to crazy clients. Last red flag was me calling another breeder in her area who said that she knew Merle and sees her at dog shows. She said that "yea her dogs are beautiful but have you talked to her? Do you want to work with a breeder like that?" but of course I figured why do I care, not like I have to answer to a breeder my whole life and it's more important to get a healthy/tested puppy. BOY WAS I WRONG. if you're still reading this, run NOW! so we committed, put down the deposit and waited for the birth of our litter which we are first in line for a boy (1st to pay a deposit going towards that litter) between that time and when we actually got him, i had to chase merle around asking for a supply list that she promised she'd email me but ended up telling me over the phone. When the litter was here, we asked to see the photos and was told that one puppy would be sold slightly less than the other since he had a smudged lip ($200 less) because we wanted to try to save some money and didn't really care what they looked like. again our number 1 concern was that they were healthy and the only reason we picked merle, we put more deposit down for him. (NEVER ONCE WERE WE TOLD THAT HE WAS ALSO BORN WITH AN UMBILICAL HERNAI WHICH WOULD REQUIRE SURGERY). come the day we pick him up, he was bathed at which point i noticed the bump on his belly but was too afraid to say something and since i never had dogs anyway assumed that it was nothing since merle said nothing. i had my husband and 2 younger siblings with me (14 year olds) and she didnt mention the hernia to any of us. During our pick up i was yelled at 2 more times, once about not having gotten him a car carrier that was the exact model she got. she insisted that we get it and continued to yell and berate me for not having gotten him a xpen. the car carrier I understand for safety reason but tbh, I figured I'd wanna carry him home to not shock him so much in the car (we live in LA and it's about a 2 hour drive) but the xpen really? What if I don't want to pen him? I was yelled at in front of my husband and 2 younger siblings for a good 5 minutes. she said things like "if you don't listen to me, you will suffer" and "I'm telling you how to do it so you can do it right, why are you not listening to me?" she also insisted that we pick one up before we get home and yelled repeated that we do it. read more

What a great experience we had with Merle and Castle Creek Cavaliers. From the first contact of inquiry to bringing home Beau, it was clear that Merle truly wants to educate you about your Cavalier and the care of your puppy. She answers every question and is attentive to your questions even after you bring your pup home! She is a breeder that truly knows her dogs and the puppies are bred to the highest standard of health and temperament. read more

Got into contact with Merle via phone and she said to email her so we can talk more and so I can be put on her waitlist. Well it's been 33 days since my first email sent to her and she still has NOT replied. Will go to another breeder who actually cares about their buyers. read more

My fiancé and I are from Los Angeles and we purchased a puppy through Merle. We couldn't be happier!!! Merle was Fantastic and it is so clear that she loves her dogs so much. In addition, as new dog owners, Merle was so helpful in providing us with all the necessary tips and suggestions. Thanks to her sage advice (much of which comes from her extensive experience with the breed as well as her reading of veterinary research as well), the transition with our most gorgeous puppy has been seamless!!! The puppy already came to us with a familiarity of routines and has been thriving--all thanks to Merle's help! We will be forever grateful to Merle! read more

Castle Creek Cavaliers - Our beautiful puppy from Merle. - Pet Breeders Near Me

I went here with my boyfriend despite the reviews because its important to see for yourself. First, she kept us outside while she tended to her dogs and left us feeling unwelcome and awkward. Then, we went to see the puppies, which was of course great, but oh wait- she is not even sure which ones she's keeping! We went through this with several dogs- she told us there was a 20% percent chance she was keeping one, a 50% chance on another... We were there to see the dogs that she was planning on selling, not the ones she was unsure about or keeping, but unfortunately that was most of them. As our time progressed, I found her to be increasingly rude and disrespectful. She looked beyond annoyed at almost all of our questions, and was personally offended that we weren't interested in the couple of dogs she offered. Bottom Line: If you are asking us to shell out anywhere between $1800-2500, then get ready for some questions. Also, be prepared that we are going to have an idea of the puppy we want, and don't take it so personally if we don't fall in love immediately. A breeder that respects you would never make you feel like she did, and would certainly keep the eye rolling and pointed comments to a minimum. I've met with several breeders and done extensive research on this breed. I own a two year ruby cavalier from another breeder in NH, and she would have been shocked at the way this whole interaction went down. Just feel the situation out with her, if it feels wrong it probably is. read more

I found this woman to be dishonest about her dogs . She gossiped about other breeders that I planned to check for the possibility of purchasing a Cavalier puppy. read more

I would rate this business as a MINUS five stars if possible. Run - don't walk - away from doing business with this "backyard breeder". This customer, a 25 year educator with two master degrees in education & currently a fifth-grade elementary school teacher, decided to adopt an AKC Cavalier King Charles Spaniel because she wanted to own and train a classroom "reading therapy dog" to help her under-resourced students with their English reading skills. So a Foster Family Agreement was signed with this breeder to help offset the high price on a teacher's salary. After three years of raising, training, feeding and caring for the "foster" dog, the ownership was contractually stipulated to be transferred to us upon successful completion of at least two litters for the breeder. Ultimately, the breeder kept two healthy litters of pups ($15,000 value), took the dog back ($2200 value), kept our refundable deposit ($1400), refused to respond to our requests for our animal and our money, threatened us with legal action if we sued her. Did I mention a distraught, broken-hearted 14 year old daughter who loved the dog and who slept every night with her? Ultimately, Ms. Tucker - only when threatened in writing with our lawsuit - verbally claimed (without any documentation or verifiable evidence whatsoever) we were not taking proper care of the dog (it only had a routine, very minor ear infection which we were already treating under the supervision of a vet) so she arbitrarily decided to keep physical possession of the dog(!) A May 2015 comprehensive physical examination by a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Surfside Animal Hospital (highly recommended) fully and completely documented the dog was, in fact, perfectly healthy and well cared for. My family is out THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS and have had to file a claim with the San Diego Better Business Bureau. A complaint has also been filed with the American Kennel Club (AKC). If the matter is not resolved to our complete satisfaction, we will have no choice but to sue this breeder in San Diego court - as have other past customers. Additionally, we are contemplating filing formal complaints with other consumer protection organizations including the CA Department of Consumer Affairs, CA Attorney General's Office and others. My advice, based upon my personal witnessing of the interactions with this breeder is simple. 1. Read ALL the negative reviews on Yelp below (including those below labeled as "not currently recommended") as they are accurate customer reviews consistent with our experiences. 2. Do a search for "be aware castle creek cavaliers" for more consumer review sites and public court links. 3. DO NOT SIGN ANY FOSTER FAMILY AGREEMENT as it is filled with vague requirements, loopholes and caveats that only benefits the breeder. In retrospect, I wish I had done just thirty minutes of public domain research before choosing this breeder. It is important for anyone considering a breeder to remember that this profession (unlike a veterinarian) requires NO specialized education, NO trade school, No professional experience, NO college degrees, NO professional certification, NO state or federal licensing and NO on-site inspections. Any high-school drop-out can become a full-time self-proclaimed breeder, groomer or trainer. Did I mention that we just discovered she listed our dog "Shasta" back up for sale on her web site to resell it to someone else? I truly believe this is documented evidence that the breeder is knowingly and intentionally operating a type of SCAM and CONSUMER FRAUD which needs to be exposed. Free to contact me with questions! read more

We were able to work everything out with Merle and Castle Creek Cavaliers. We appreciate Merle working with us to resolve this. We are happy with our dog, Cole. read more

We had placed a deposit on a puppy with this breeder before we saw some very negative reviews of this breeder on your site. I'm glad we didn't see these reviews sooner, or we may have been frightened away. We ended up having a very positive experience We picked up the puppy yesterday, and everything went well. Very nice 16 week old puppy with a sweet disposition. All the AKC and health care papers in order for the puppy and his parents; has had all the appropriate shots and screenings. The kennel owner has a very strong personality and wants everything done exactly her way. The kennel is her home -- a reasonable but not extravagant house with a large yard in a suburban/semi-rural area. They had one 8-week-old litter, some older puppies, and a few adult dogs. No doubt higher volume than "gentleman breeders" who do this as a hobby. This seems to be her business; no other family around that we saw. But no "puppy mill". Her puppies all looked very happy. She obviously knows and cares for each dog and found it a little difficult to say goodbye to the puppy. She went over everything in exhaustive detail about exactly how she thinks we should care for the puppy and has already called to follow up and ask how things are going. So far, no regrets. We are giving her a much better review than some others apparently have. Maybe she might not be your breeder of choice to enter the dog-breeding aristocracy. But she gave us a very good, happy pet dog for our family. read more

I don't agree with the negative posts, the breeder is extremely passionate about the health and well being of her puppies and I can only speak of my experience which was very positive. My boyfriend and I spent quite a bit of time playing in her backyard where her dogs are given free reign to come and go - the dogs are some of the most loving well behaved of the breed that we have seen and this can only attest to how they are treated. I was impressed with how emphatic the she was about how the puppies are to be cared for after they leave which is why I really cannot imagine some of things that are being said in other reviews. I will admit the breeder is a bit quirky but what do you expect from someone that devotes their lives to raising and caring for dogs. The puppies are adorable and their markings are gorgeous. I can't recall the names, but I think she has had some dogs place very well in recent competitions. All things said and done, we had a excellent experience and would absolutely recommend this breeder. read more

Castle Creek Cavaliers and this Breeder, Merle really cares about the breed and each and every dog she places. She has exquisite ethics for the breeding she does and has a lovely home environment. She is very passionate about the top quality of her dogs. Thank you Merle for what you are all about, the breed and making it the best it can be. read more

When I first reached out to Merle she was helpful and seemed genuinely interested in helping me with brining home a new puppy. That soon disappeared. After I gave Merle my deposit to be on her waiting list things basically fell apart. I then noticed that the dam that was supposedly having my puppy was listed as a different color than what I was told. I double checked the Offa website and the dam was listed incorrectly there too. I then checked the health certification dates on a couple of other dogs and they did not match what was listed on the Castle Creek website. I reached out to Merle multiple times for clarification and she provided an explanation, but her words didn't hold much weight. In addition, she never contacted me to let me know when the dams where pregnant, or when the puppies were born. So, you're basically paying Merle upfront for nothing. Even four months later Merle has still not told me which puppies are left available for me to choose from. After I started to lose trust in Merle, I reached out to five other breeders, and not a single one asked for a deposit to be on the waiting list. Don't waste your time or money here. read more

I lost my Mom three years ago after a long stay in a sad little nursing home. I would visit daily and just sit with her, Mom after several strokes was not responding to much. One day a lady walked by, said she was visiting a friend down the hall, and asked if she come into the room and say hello with her dog. The dog put his head on Mom's arm, Mom opened her eyes, turned her hand, petted the day, smiled and said good doggie. I swore some day I would pay that lady back for the kindness to Mom. Enter Castle Creek Cavaliers, Merle, and Sharing Puppy Love, thank you, for sweet little Louise. She's the perfect therapy dog. Gentle, Calm, beautiful, and loves people. She's healthy, smart, and so much fun. Louise and I are in our fourth week of training classes, when we graduate, we intend to visit nursing homes, senior residences, and maybe help children read, Louise is a great listener. Merle Tucker, her cavaliers, and the Non profit therapy organization is the real deal. She is what she claims, no puppy mill here, her dogs sleep on her bed, and spend their days inside or in the sunshine of an acre plus. Her AKC cavaliers are healthy, well adjusted, and beautiful. The training is AKC Canine good Citizen Program. We've been attending the training classes at her home for several weeks and she always greets all her "puppies" by name, calling them "her babies". Once Louise and I graduate, you might see us "visiting" in your neighborhood, please stop and say hello. Michou R read more

We welcomed our new King Charles Cavalier puppy, Molly, into our home at the end of May. We had done a lot of research to find the right breeder, and felt Castle Creek Cavaliers was our best choice. We truly could not be happier to have found them! We have had 2 Cavaliers over the last nearly 10 years, and sadly one of them, April, passed away earlier this year. Molly is the most delightful, happy, loving puppy ever! In the nearly 2 months she has been part of our family, Molly has made many friends, and everyone who meets her falls in love with her. She has a very outgoing and curious personality. She has grown very close to my other Cavalier, Annabelle, who will turn 9 later this year. The two are inseparable already. We would highly recommend Merle and Castle Creek Cavaliers to anyone longing to bring a Cavalier into their family as Merle will do everything to make sure her puppies end up being welcomed into the right homes. She left us with the best tools to make the transition for Molly easy, but more than that, we know Molly has done so well from the very start she came to us only because of the best beginning she was given by Merle. We truly could not be happier. Debbie read more

Agree with the previous reviewer. We spend a ton of money on a puppy there primarily because we were assured that there was no history of heart problems in this breeders dogs. However, our dog was diagnosed with a heart murmur at less that one year old - cavaliers often have this problem and it generally leads to a shortened life. I wrote and let her know about this and she did not even have the courtesy (if you ever met her you would laugh at the use of the word "courtesy" in the same sentence as her) to respond to my email. If you want a dog with heart problems and to be treated like crap, Castle Creek Cavaliers is your "breeder" (puppy mill). read more

I wouldn't advise anyone to get a puppy from this breeder. I purchased a puppy from her in July and she has had a cough the entire time we have had her and is still sick to this day! She has not taken responsibility for selling me a sick puppy nor has she reimbursed for any of the $8,000 we have incurred in medical bills. This is not including the $2,400 we paid for the puppy itself. She is very unprofessional and is not truthful or honest that she is a "puppy mill". She has way too many liters, way too many dogs and she is the only one who lives there and cares for these dogs. One of the three times that I went to visit, she had two liters of 7 or 8 puppies in each liter that were born all around 10 days old! read more

Without reiterating all the points that others have made here and on other website reviews that are similar to what we experienced, I can say that we are very lucky that obtaining a puppy from this place fell through. We put down a deposit on a puppy, and after months of strange interactions and finally having absolutely no idea where these puppies were really coming from, we opted to forego buying a puppy from her. She refused to return our deposit, but at least we have moved on to reputable breeders and will not have to deal with the continued heartache of a sick puppy from a breeder who is equivalent to a backyard breeder and is WAY out of her depth here. I recommend checking the AKC website directly- it lists breeders who are notable breeders of merit with the AKC, and also those that have AKC-registerable puppies. This breeder is NOT on any of those lists. Good luck finding your puppy, but MOVE ON and find a different breeder! read more

My family and I are working with Merle at Castle Creek Cavaliers to find the right puppy for our home. So far I can say without a doubt that she cares very much about the dogs that she breeds. The fact that she loves these dogs really comes through and I think that is really important when finding a breeder. I also think her Nonprofit Puppy Love program is one I would get involved in and I really love the idea. I will write back more once we adopt a puppy and I have more feedback! read more