May I tap into your vast knowledge of setters?

[Sue and Cash]

I have all of you as the best resource and I intend to take full advantage of it please. After at least 5 discussions with some very nice breeders through the irish setters breeders group I am more confused now then ever. I have been told that so many are linked way back and that epilepsy is a big problem in the breed as has been discussed many times I know. I might put a deposit on a puppy who was just born and would have him in a couple months. Which is better timing actually with the harsh winter fast approaching now. But I do love english and gordon and red and whites as well. Can you that own other kinds tell me what you think are some of the differences in temperment etc in the different kinds? I want a close dog. Are the other types more apt to be independant out in the field or on our hikes? I would love to hear about your dogs please. Thanks so much.

[colette tuite]

Susan,Can i say that when i have had more working bred Irish Setter they want to be very close to you.At the same time they are very intelligent and learn very quickly what you expect of them.My Field trial Ch Irish setter could never sit close enough to me.Several generations later my current field dog is very sensible and seems to know how to fit in with me for example i have had him sometimes sleeping on my bed, but he seems to know to sleep in the crook of my knees and not on top of me. When i move he will get up and reposition himself on the area around me.Sometimes this desire to be so close can be a disadvantage in the working Irish.This is not to say that my show Irish are not affectionate and want to be with you as a characteristic,they do but perhaps are not as sensible.They do need a good gallop but will quickly learn the basics around the house .So do make nice family dogs.
I read that Gordon Setters tend to have an affiliation with one person.I have had a working Gordon and feel that they may have a more independant spirit.I have known some red and whites which have been upset with very young children especially should they shriek.They also seem to notice things that other animals dont, like shadows on a wall for instance, so i am saying, check out the temperment .I would think that it is hard to get a better dog with young children than an Irish Setter.

[Sue and Cash]

I don't have young ones anyone. My only one left at home is 16 and he is so sad. Dublin was his first puppy in a way because our other dogs came to us when he was too young too remember or care at toddlerhood. So Dub was his boy. He of course wants a dog now. My husband and I are just emotionally drained. My eyes aren't still swollen and my nerves are shattered. I thought that I needed a month's time or more. Our love of irish but our bad luck with irish need to be explored. I have two litters each a month or two out that I have a good feeling I will get accepted for a pup. Both equally sound breeders with open pedigrees for me to explore and lovely prized dogs. Having lost three setters now at what I feel were young ages, dare I risk heartache again. Although on the other hand the time spent with each was wonderful. I just think I should step back and explore a bit.

[colette tuite]

I agree there is no harm done in researching other breeds of dogs ,it will help you make an informed choice. I wish you the best of luck for the future.

[Amanda Walker]

Susan, we just lost our 7 year old female this week. We had to put her down due to a back problem. She had arthritis and it was pressing on a disc. She was in constant agony. We are heartbroken. My previous setter just dropped dead after being nutered. He lived about two weeks following the surgery and when I came home one day, he was dead. We too debated about getting another dog plus they are not that easy to find anymore. I feel your pain in having trouble with the breed but they are special, display unique affection, and are worth the trouble to me. All dogs are a risk regardless of breed. But I respect and understanding your fear of risking heartache.