Puppy Information:
Some helpful information on English setters:
Although English setters are a wonderful breed they are not for everyone. They do require a lot of grooming. Bench dogs will grow a considerable amount of coat and will need to be stripped or clipped. You can learn to do this yourself or try and locate a groomer in your area. As medium/large sized sporting dogs they do need a considerable amount of exercise. They do best if you have access to a large field where they can run to their hearts content at least 20-30 minutes per day.
English setters also have some health concerns that potential puppy buyers should be sure and ask about. The major health problems in the breed are thyroid disease, hip and elbow dysplasia and congenital deafness (listed in the order of frequency according to OFA). Some English setters have allergies which in some cases can be severe. You should ask about the dam and sire and what health testing has been done on both the parents and the puppies.
While it is true that English setters do not tolerate a heavy hand when it comes to training they do make excellent obedience, agility, rally and therapy dogs when trained with positive methods.
They are an absolutely wonderful breed and I can't imagine my life with out them! Please feel free to contact me if you would like to learn more about the breed!
My puppy protocol:
Producing a well rounded socialized puppy begins long before the puppies are even born! A lot of research goes into matching the right sire and dam to not only produce good examples of the breed in conformation but just as importantly health and temperament. My goal is to produce puppies that are cherished members of their families and communities for 12-14 years!
I am committed to bettering the breed by breeding mentally and physically sound dogs that have all the appropriate health clearances: OFA hips/elbows/thyroid clearances and are BAER normal.
Once the puppies arrive they are given only the best of care and are raised in my home. Between days 3 and 5 their dewclaws are removed. The Biosensor method of puppy stimulation is also used to help produce mentally and physically stronger puppies. Puppies are exposed to different surfaces and grooming starting at 4 weeks. Obstacles are placed within the puppy area while they are developing to encourage mental development and problem solving as well as strengthen growing muscles. They are also exposed to routine household noises: TV, radio, blender, vacuum as well as other household animals (cats and dogs) while they are with us. Crate, lead and obedience training are also started before the puppies go home.
Puppies will be examined by a veterinarian, micro-chipped and receive one, possibly two DHPP vaccinations before they leave. At 6-7 weeks the puppies will be BAER tested.
I have a guarantee for hips/elbows for pet puppies and hips/elbows/thyroid on show puppies. I would be happy to review the terms of this policy with you in more detail.
I breed only when I can plan to devote a considerable amount of time to raising the litter and I would like to keep something for myself. I have no litters planned for the next 2 years.
