English Setters

LC Smith

LC Smith

Well-known member
I have been presented with an opportunity for a Setter pup. I am a Lab guy and know nothing about them and what to look for. What do I need to look at with them as far as lineage/pedigrees, etc.? These are mainly white with some gray/black spots. The mom is beautiful.
 
LC Smith said:
I have been presented with an opportunity for a Setter pup. I am a Lab guy and know nothing about them and what to look for. What do I need to look at with them as far as lineage/pedigrees, etc.? These are mainly white with some gray/black spots. The mom is beautiful.
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Ask to see the pedigree and post a copy of it if you can. Are they FDSB registered?

Do the parents hunt?
 
LC Smith said:
I have been presented with an opportunity for a Setter pup. I am a Lab guy and know nothing about them and what to look for. What do I need to look at with them as far as lineage/pedigrees, etc.? These are mainly white with some gray/black spots. The mom is beautiful.
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Here's how I read a pedigree. If it has more than one champion in the last three generations, I won't consider it. None is better. To many champions and you'll probably wind up with a dog you can't handle. If you have been presented, you probably know the breeder? Is he a hunter? Ask him about range and drive. Being a lab guy, you won't be happy with a dog that runs the horizon. If you can, get some references from other folks that have a dog from him.
 
I’m currently looking at setters and it’s more complicated in lines than I thought. From close working grouse dogs to thoroughbred dogs out west. My advice is get a setter because you want one and not out of convenience. Have you hunted behind the female?
 
I can't say how best to pick one, but I can say be ready for at least a year of very high energy behavior and giving the dog a lot of exercise and things to do. That's not just a setter thing, but any dog that comes from a high drive line. My springer took 3 years to calm down. My setter cross took about a year.
 
Thank you all for your insights. I have decided to pass.
 
I hope we didn't talk you out of it. Don't get me wrong. In my opinion, the setter would be my # 1 pick for best all-around bird dog. It's just that you need to be careful to pick a dog from hunting lines and not field trial lines.
 
I wouldn't be afraid of a dog out of field trial lines and with field champions in it's pedigree. They are generally highly trained dogs with exceptional noses, Depending on the type of field trials they have been bred for you can get a big running dog. That doesn't mean you can't control them. It's all about training. The last two Brittanys I have had both had many field trial champions in their pedigree. They both were and are exceptional hunters. Like is often said, you can always reign in a big running dog but it's difficult to get a "boot licker" to range out far enough.
 
I would talk with Prairie Drifter, he breeds great setters and could give you good insight on the pedigree.
 
Dakotazeb said:
I wouldn't be afraid of a dog out of field trial lines and with field champions in it's pedigree. They are generally highly trained dogs with exceptional noses, Depending on the type of field trials they have been bred for you can get a big running dog. That doesn't mean you can't control them. It's all about training. The last two Brittanys I have had both had many field trial champions in their pedigree. They both were and are exceptional hunters. Like is often said, you can always reign in a big running dog but it's difficult to get a "boot licker" to range out far enough.
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I should have I've never been clearer; horseback trials are the worst. You'd have a better chance with Shoot to retrieve trial dogs. I've never been happy with a dog I had to constantly rein in with a shock collar. Besides, why go to all the trouble of trying to rein one in when you can get one with the perfect range you want? Setters were originally bread to be a gentleman's dog, beautiful, elegant with exceptional noses. Thankfully field trials didn't totally ruin them the way they did they almost did pointers. If not for Elhew and a few others, there would not be a pointer you could hunt behind without a good horse. Besides, comparing a field trial Britt to a field trial Setter is like comparing a wiener dog to a greyhound. :LOL: I didn't mean it zeb, I just couldn't help it.... I love Britts and don't think they have been compromised near as much as setters and pointers.
 
Goosemaster said:
I've hunted with English setters, they are great dogs, and make good pets. Don't put them in a kennel, don't put any dog in a kennel. dogs are for the inside house.
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Goose, I am with you. The only time mine is outside is when we are hunting, out on the boat, or doing outdoors type things. He sleeps on the king bed with us.
 

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birddude said:
I hope we didn't talk you out of it. Don't get me wrong. In my opinion, the setter would be my # 1 pick for best all-around bird dog. It's just that you need to be careful to pick a dog from hunting lines and not field trial lines.
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No worries. I didn't get a good feel from the person and the overall situation.
 
Tomahawker said:
A dog live it’s best life outside the way god intended.
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You are going to get some blowback on that statement. I'm sure if we took a poll on this site that the vast majority of dog owners keep their dogs in the house. All my hunting dogs for the past 50+ years have lived in the house. In my opinion it makes for a better dog. Afterall, they are our pets and a part of our family.
 
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