Castletop Cockers Zoe Tice Be aware of this breeder. She will make it sound like she screens her clients so her puppies will go to good homes. This breeder will not give you recent pictures of her litters. Internet, New York

 I’m trying to get in touch with Zoe, does anyone know if she is still around? Both email and phone number do not work.

 Christine, we also bought a cocker spaniel from this same breeder and just put our beloved "Bear” from a rare aggressive form of cancer at the age of 3.5. We are processing all of this and I google searched "castletop cancer” and saw your comment. I would love to be able to talk with you!

 I have purchased two dogs from Castletop Cockers and great dogs plus temperament but way to many stomach issues & allergies. They both died from cancer at 12.5 years of age. Rare cancers in top of it. They were fed organically from age of 3 years. We went above and beyond for our babies. I would never ever recommend Zoe Tice of Castletop Cockers because of health issues & inbreeding that was done. We loved our dogs but had their pedigree looked at by several breeders and said she was doing to much inbreeding within her line. We have spent thousands upon thousands of dollars on our babies because of the way she bred her dogs. I am sorely disappointed in her breeding program. They were my babies but they died from horrible cancers and one had seizure most of his life. All flames cheerfully ignored!

We were at castletop last month to discuss cocker spaniel.

She clearly is raising puppies as pets not show dogs. 

She discussed the health and behaviour of her line and never suggested that we were getting a show dog. 

The vast majority of cocker spaniels in this country are pets not show dogs, and as a pet owner we are interested in healthy and loving dogs. 

By the way she asked us a ton of questions and was very strict about her standards for new families, we were very impressed with her and her dogs

 I am quite honestly shocked and disgusted this negative report remains active on Zoe Tice/Castletop Cocker Spaniels despite the numerous rebuttals stating that she is wonderful, particularly when the author of the complaint has not, in either of their two comments, stated the specific reasons why they are unhappy with Zoe or that they have any experience whatsoever with any of Zoe's dogs. Zoe breeds these dogs as companion dogs. What difference does color make if the dog is right for you and your family, personality and temperment-wise? I think it is ridiculous to say Zoe "almost made you drive 8 hours for a dog that was the wrong color." Because I know she wouldn't do that...in fact, she most likely would have turned you down as a prospective adopter BECAUSE you were insisting on a specific color. Zoe and I had a conversation about color, so I know how she feels about that. Zoe absolutely DOES take photos of her current puppies. She may not post them to her website, but if she is considering you as an adopter she will send you pictures if you ask...she sent me photos of the dogs she thought would be a good fit for my family, one of them ended up being the dog we adopted.

And she is very organized. When we arrived to pick up our puppy, she had a beautiful packet all prepared for us...a folder with our contract and AKC reg papers, info about his parents, lots of info about the breed and specifics about training the puppy and feeding, etc. health guarantee, list of resources locally and online, books, some food to start him with and where to buy the brand he eats, his favorite ball (which even today he loves) and even a little square of soft flannel material she rubbed all over his sister whom he had been sharing a crate with and was deeply bonded (the first night he slept with that little cloth all snuggled up to his nose in his kennel).

Unorganized.? Hardly. She may have forgotten what she told you, but noone is perfect and she speaks with a lot of prospective adopters, and she is in her late seventies! I have owned Cocker Spaniels for over 22 years (mostly American, but also one English). After losing 2 of my Cocker boys under the age of 8 to health issues, I wanted to adopt a Cocker from a lineage known to have excellent health and that led me to Zoe and Castletop. We purchased our boy, Sullivan, from Zoe 2 years ago. He is a solid black American Cocker and is absolutely stunning. I have a young daughter who was raised with my dogs, she was 8 at the time when we adopted Sully and Zoe had concerns about her handling the puppy so she wanted to meet her. Our entire family went out to Zoes home where she talked to my daughter about handling the puppy very carefully and then brought Sully and his sister in to meet us.

She brought them into a family area in her home separate from the kennel area which was good, because people should never be allowed into a breeding facility as they can track in bacteria and disease very serious to young puppies. She had many questions for us and checked my references before approving us to adopt Sully. He is such an amazing dog. He was the runt of his litter and had to be bottle fed by Zoe because his siblings took up all the available nipples and would not let him in to feed! So he got extra attention and cuddling from day one and was very special to Zoe. We felt honored she chose us to adopt him. He is extremely smart and learns things in a snap. He was housebroken in no time, learned sit, stay, come, lay down, wait...eat, fetch and no! all very easily and early. If you ask him to go get his red ball, he gets his red ball. If you ask him to get the purple ball, he gets the purple one.

Or the jingle ball, or his squeeker snake (which he squeeks all by himself using his nose if he wants to play...) he also throws his balls down the stairs and then fetches them and does it again...he is a riot! And he watches tv...especially anything with dogs or animals, he actually sits there and watches it. He loves Animal Planet and Beverly Hills Chihuahua (which my daughter owns and likes to watch with him). We will soon be SARS training, which I always planned to do with him but got postponed when both of my other Cockers (both 8'yrs old became ill....the second pair of cockers I have lost under 9 yrs old). He has the sweetest, funniest, smartest personality and temperment of any of my Cockers. He did have an issue with one of his eyes, he developed cherry eye in his left eye (with cherry eye being the only issue excluded from the 10 year health guarantee)....he does have very loose jowels and eyelids (much more so than my other black cocker, Riley, who was also a pure bred AKC registered American Cocker, Riley never had an ear infection in his whole life or any eye issues but he had cancer and died 3 weeks ago despite receiving the best care from The Veterinary Cancer Center in Norwalk CT).

We had the cherry eye surgically tucked back in when he was neutered, but unfortunately the vet we used at the time had a high failure rate with that surgery (we didn't know at the time) and his eye popped back out while he was still wearing the e-collar post surgery. He then developed scar tissue and it was quite expensive to repair. We ended up needing to have the gland removed instead of tucked back in, which is no longer recommended because it can cause dry eye syndrome, a chronic condition, expensive to treat (I know from experience bc my rescue Cocker, Buster Brown, had dry eye among his many other ailments...his eye ointment, just the main one (not including other drops and antibiotic ointments he needed sometimes) Optimune, was $45 per tube and lasted abt 2 weeks. So far, Sully does not have dry eye, but he does have Lyme disease, which is my only other issue with Zoe...she advised me not to vaccinate him with "all those extra things" the vet will try to say he needs...

.she said her dogs are very healthy and have strong immune systems and that none had ever had a tick born illness, including her Chocolate stud dog who had gotten loose somehow and was gone for 2 weeks before he was found in the woods covered with so many ticks she had to have the vet remove them, and he never came down with anything! Sully ONLY goes outside with me, on leash or in our yard with me with him, he is treated monthly with Frontline Plus and Heartguard. I have pulled 2 ticks from his face in his life, that's it...2. And they were TINY and not there for very long because I check him. So I was shocked he was positive for Lyme and upset because I could have had him vaccinated for it. He did a round of Doxycycline and has never shown any symptoms, but next time I would vaccinate. Still, the cherry eye and the Lyme are not enough for me to say Zoe is a bad breeder. I think she does an amazing job and I hope she has some puppies...Sully is very lonely since losing both of his brothers and we will be looking to adopt another dog very soon, possibly even more than one. Zoe will be the first call I make.

I purchased a female buff cocker from this breeder last June and could not disagree more with the unfair and inaccurate representations libeling Ms. Tice. She thoroughly vetted both me and my wife and my cocker is the most beautiful, loving, intelligent and healthy dog I have ever owned. I am very critical with regards to most consumer transactions, but I must say I have not one criticism of Ms. Tice and certainly none with regards to her dogs...they are truley exceptional specimens. In fact, I will soon be contacting her in the hopes of bringing yet another one of her wonderful pups into my family.

Today I wanted to look up Zoe Tice's website to tell her how beautiful, healthy and happy our Castletop cocker spaniel, Rosie, is doing at nearly 13 years old.  So I was completely shocked and gobsmacked when the very first heading under "Zoe Tice" on my google search was this damning and unsupportable "Ripoff Report."

In July 2002, we found Zoe Tice and Castletop after our beloved rescue cocker died from extensive and heartbreaking health issues.   We were determined to find a breeder who specialized in producing the most healthy and strong cocker spaniels, and through friends, we found Zoe.  Almost 13 years later, Rosie is far healthier, spryer, stronger and spunkier than other cockers her age.  She looks about 8 years old and acts like she is 6!

Since then, I have recommended her many times - and once, the family I recommended was turned away by Zoe.  Why?  Because Zoe felt the children in the family - a boy who was 6 and a girl who was 5 - were too young to properly raise a puppy.  Zoe was concerned that the young children might be rough with the puppy, and she would not allow that to happen - at any price.

How can ONE bad report, already rebuffed by the many positive rebuttals listed, earn such prominence?

I have to question the purpose of publicizing this one negative review, particularily in light of the preponderance of rebuttals.  Why is this damning report still running strong? Is it publicity for this sketchy website with a catchy name? And what purpose does this mud-slinging site serve?  If condemning this fine dog breeder by ruining her reputation - BASED ON ONE QUESTIONABLE REVIEW - is considered "free speech," then where is the search for truth and justice?

Great, you excuse yourself and continue to advise others to "be wary". My god, please, where is your sense of responsability? I'm sure Zoe sniffed you out as inappropriate for owning one of her dogs. You STILL have not submitted evidence that she derserves your crit!!!

Should you perhaps advise consumers to avoid bleach because it can stain your clothing? Your "story" isn't a story. It is simply a petty complaint and has no value other than that YOU should take a hard look at yourself. If you disagree, I'm waiting for the "story" you want others to hear. OK?

I totally agree with you. Please see my rebutal to an earlier critic.I have a lovely dog, now 13 and still going. I can't believe the callousness and idiotic commentary faulting Casteltop. Zoe is 74 and loves her dogs. I could give a d**n that my dog's linage might contain a flaw in his genes. Might have to gas him if he's a Jew, no?

Obviously, you are mearly a person who is solely interested in the "value" of a dog in show. OK. But I wouldn't sell you an animal that I bred and cared for. You express nothing but dollar value. I expect you identify with slave owners during the civil war?  I understand that you can regard an animal as a commodity, but it takes true guts to dismiss a caring breeder as irresponsible, simply because they lack your "impeccable taste" in showdogs.

I utterly disagree with your eval regarding Zoey Tice. My wife and I purchased a Cocker from her over 13 years ago. She checked our qualifications re: experience as dog and cat owners (what else could she do? Request criminal records and credit reports?) We were invited
to tour her home and met the parents of our new pup. There were Cockers all over the place which we found very amusing, since they were so curious, "merry", and friendly. On a number of occasions, we spent time with "Odie", (his future name) and found him charming. His color was much less important than his personality. Did you even evaluate the dog she offered even though he was the wrong color? Our dog is now just over 13 years old. Our lives wouldn't have been the same without his companionship and love. I'm sorry to hear of your bad experience. Perhaps she was having a bad day or (no offence) she didn't want to sell you a dog because of your attitude. Not too long ago, her website featured her recent litters of Cockers and Mastiffs. She currently has none available, but at least she isn't cranking them out like "puppy mills" do. I would advise anyone not to hesitate to check out her dogs. Can you honestly say purchasing a pup from a store or mill is better than finding one raised in a caring place? Also, your story lacks any telling details (you state you wanted to "get your story out there"). You warn potential buyers to stay away. Why? What's your story other than that you had a unsatisfactory phone conversation? If you really wanted a terrific dog, you should have taken the chance and the journey.

I have owned and bred cocker spaniels for more than thirty five years and have owned one of Zoe Tice's Castletop Cockers for just over four years.  I have also not met any breeder ever who does not screen potential owners or reserve the right to decline a sale.  Zoe has been in the dog breeding business for over forty years and certainly knows what she is doing.  When an interested customer makes an appointment and decides to drive however far it is, do not expect a longer drive will negate a negative impression like suspicion of potential abuse or neglect.  Reputable breeders act just like Zoe Tice.  If all she cared about was making a sale, she would have spared you trip and just shipped you the dog.  Instead, Zoe breeds for the best in temperment and breed standards.  Cocker Spaniels love people and they crave company.  If you tell her the dog is going to be alone most of the time because of your work/travel schedule, for example, this could pose a problem for completing a sale.  Our black male Castletop Cocker is the smartest and best mannered dog we have ever had, including the ones we bred ourselves.  As Zoe has gotten older, she may well have become forgetful.  But I certainly hope she's still in business when then time comes to purchase again. 

Zoe Tice, of Castletop Cockers is NOT a reputable breeder.  As you can see by the photo of Emily, Zoe is not breeding to the standard for what a cocker should look like.  Liver-nosed buffs are undesireable and are the result of breeding browns to buffs.  ASCOBs (Any Solid Color Other than Black) who have liver-noses are lacking pigment.  It is considered a severe fault in this breed.  For her to claim she has champion breeding stock is ridiculous.  She has not shown any dogs in over 15 years.  Her web site is out of date, the dogs she has photos of are all dead.  She has no recent champions so she keeps the old pictures on her site to mislead the public.  YES, she was an AKC judge at one time, BUT she was asked by the AKC to resign and forfeit her judging license because she was making mistakes with her ring procedure (handing out ribbons to dogs BEFORE she had examined the entire class).  Thankfully an AKC representative was standing ringside and saw her poor judging.  I know a woman who went to her house and said the place was so dirty she did not even want her children sitting on the couch.  Needless to say, she did not purchase a puppy from her. 

Sadly, John Q. Public remains uneducated on how to buy a quality, healthy dog.  Read the standard for what a cocker (or any breed that you want to buy) should look like.  Anyone who is breeding dogs that don't conform to the standard is not doing the breed they supposedly love, justice.  If people continue to buy puppies from Zoe Tice  it allows her to stay in the business of breeding poor quality dogs.  I would hardly take a testimonial from her SISTER as validity that this woman is a good breeder.  My suggestion for anyone looking to get a cocker puppy is to look for breeders that do health testing on their breeding dogs.  Annual eye exams for cataracts (CERF-Canine Eye Registry Foundation), OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) testing for hip displasia and a Thyroid Panel (also filed with OFA) are just a few of the most common problems for this breed.  If your breeder is not testing their breeding stock for these ailments then they are NOT reputable.  Also, purchasing a puppy from a breeder that shows their dogs (even though you have no plans or desire to show your dog) is a great way to make sure you have a cocker that is not only "cute" but conforms to the standard for how a cocker should look.  Look for 4 and 5 generation pedigrees that contain ALL champions...THAT'S champion breeding stock.

I wrote a long review of my dealings with Castletop Cockers and Zoe Tice, which seems to have disappeared.

I know many people who got their Cockers from Zoe and they are all delighted.

We got our cocker Emily from Zoe last February--Zoe sent pictures of Emily and her siblings nursing with their mom and we were able to meet Emily at five weeks old. She kept us updated on her progress.

We took her home at 8 weeks and she is a fabulous, beautiful well bred cocker--great temperament. Obviously Zoe put a lot of work into Emily.

Although I had a falling out with Zoe regarding food, training and boots and coats for dogs in NYC, and an eye issue which has since cleared up, I would highly recommend Castletop Cockers and Zoe to anyone looking for a well bred cocker with a fabulous temperament.

I am shocked at the "beware of this breeder post." Has he ever met Zoe or been at her home?

Zoe puts her heart and soul into these puppies and is very selective in the homes she chooses.

Before I met Zoe I thought a "good cocker breeder" was an oxymoron.

I wrote a long review of my dealings with Castletop Cockers and Zoe Tice, which seems to have disappeared.

I know many people who got their Cockers from Zoe and they are all delighted.

We got our cocker Emily from Zoe last February--Zoe sent pictures of Emily and her siblings and we were able to meet Emily at five weeks old.

We took her home at 8 weeks and she is a fabulous well bred cocker--great temperament. Obviously Zoe put a lot of work into Emily.

Although I had a falling out with Zoe re food, training and boots and coats for dogs in NYC, I would highly recommend Castletop Cockers and Zoe to anyone looking for a well bred cocker with a fabulous temperament.

I ran into this site by accident and was shocked that someone said to watch out for this breeder. Did they actually purchase a dog from Zoe?

I know of six individual families that obtained their cocker puppies from Zoe and are delighted with their dealings with Zoe and their Cockers. That is why we chose Castletop when our beloved Betsy died of cancer last December.

We obtained our latest cocker, Emily, from Zoe last February at 8 weeks. We went to meet Zoe and Emily when she was five weeks old. Prior to this meeting Zoe sent pictures of Emily and her litter mates nursing on their mother.

She kept us updated, with pictures until we took Emily home at eight weeks.

Zoe did some job on our little Emily--she was well socialized, including with children, fabulously sweet temperament. We just adore her and thank Zoe for entrusting this puppy to us.

Zoe is what I referred to as a "character" since is so picky about the homes her puppies go to that it was almost annoying that she spent so much time with me and my husband regarding Emily's care. I am not a novice to the breed and ran a cocker spaniel rescue for many years.

While I had a falling out with Zoe regarding dog food (Emily had too much gas on the food Zoe used and recommended) whether Cockers should wear coats and boots in NYC to protect their paws, and a droopy eyelid Emily had that the vet said needed surgery (second opinion vet said wait until she is a year old and she will probably grow out of it, which she did) and she probably would not sell another cocker to me, I would highly recommend Castletop Cockers and Zoe to anyone looking for a healthy, happy, well bred cocker puppy.

P.S. When I ran the cocker spaniel rescue and refused to place a dog with a family because I did not think it was a good fit these people just could not say enough bad things about our rescue.

Maybe that is what happened with the complaining party here?

I have just selected my 4 th Cocker Spaniel puppy from Zoe Tice. My 1st puppy was purchased in 1991 and was a perfect dog. My 2nd 2 were purchased in 2004 and Zoe sent me updated with photos etc.
 Next week I'm picking up another, which I have seen photos of, and I'm sure will be of the same quality as the 1st 3. She is a honest, trustworthy and truly dedicated person to the raising and placement of her dogs.

Charles E. Davis

I am just defending my story. My experience with Castle Top cockers was horrible. Please make sure you get your facts straight when dealing with this breeder.

Zoe Tice is my sister. I have known her to be only extremely caring for each and every puppy she places. First and foremost, she goes through the process of becoming informed as to the particular situation of the prospective owner, so that owner and puppy will be the best possible fit. Her main concern is that her puppy be placed in a home which will offer a happy, healthful, and safe life to its new member. Sometimes the prospective purchaser has not thought out his/her own reasons for adding to their family, or, the situation may not be safe or appropriate. Zoe educates her puppy buyers in the optimal care of a new puppy. Any reputable breeder will go through a similar process. This is why Zoe has so many repeat clients over the years...some into their third and fourth generation purchases. Those looking for a well-bred, well cared-for puppy can feel confident in having selected a puppy from one of the most conscientious, thoughtful breeders to be found....a former dog show judge, trainer behavior consultant, and one who is interested in keeping the breed true to its roots.

Joy Woodbridge,Ct

We purchased a Cocker Spaniel from Zoe Tice at Castletop three years ago.  We found Zoe to be extremely caring and discriminate as most good breeders of purebreeds.  We found that Zoe has been in the breeding business over forty years and she certainly knows what she is doing.  She does not sell to anyone she feels may be neglectful or abusive.  We have ourselves owned Cockers for over thirty years and the puppy we purchased from Castletop is the best we have ever owned in terms of temperament and breed standards.  Castletop's are all championship blood lines. 
Speaking for ourselves we would not hesitate to purchase from Zoe or recommend her to anyone who is looking for an excellent quality dog.  When we have been out with our dog in public people are constantly commenting on how smart, good looking, and well-behaved he is.  I am sorry for the person who filed the aforementioned complaint as he/she has missed the opportunity to own a truly fine animal.