Does anyone know a good breeder of English Setters? A friend of mine has had a heck of a time finding a good breeder. Her dog had to be put down at an old age a while ago, maybe a year?, and she’s ready to get a new puppy, pet quality, not a show dog.
It would be nice to find someone close to her in Southern California, but not essential. I think it is more important to find a good breeder than a close breeder.
Bench or Field Trial lines.
There is a magazine out there called “Gun Dog”–I’ve seen it at Tractor Supply. LOTS of ads for “working” dogs. Maybe she can call and asked for a “failed” puppy?
Good ideas. Thank you.
And we will require photos when puppy is found!!! I used to have an English Setter. He was THE COOLEST dog EVER!.
It would help to know if they are looking for bench or field-bred setters… I know of quite a few field trialers who breed setters here in WA, and could probably point you to some in your area. Don’t know any bench setter breeders, however.
I’ll have to ask her, but looking online at photos, I think her other setter was a bench setter. Her other dog looked a lot like the bench setter shown on this website:
http://www.englishsetterrescue.org/about-english-setters.html
[QUOTE=PeteyPie;7649557]
I’ll have to ask her, but looking online at photos, I think her other setter was a bench setter. Her other dog looked a lot like the bench setter shown on this website:
http://www.englishsetterrescue.org/about-english-setters.html[/QUOTE]
Well, in theory they shouldn’t look any different; and therefore, you really can’t tell just by looking. All it means is that the field breeders don’t always care about conformation, color or coat; but that doesn’t mean a good field bred sporting dog couldn’t also be conformationally correct.
Most likely, however, if someone is NOT looking to do actual field work with their dog, they would be happier with a “show” bred dog – because sporting dogs that are bred to HUNT (not just one that can hunt) tend to be difficult pets if not worked. That said, there are always extremes in both types of lines and usually a lot of in the middle (or everyone that wanted a field champion would have one.) 
I’d probably suggest she start with the national breed club and go from there.
Actually, they do look different. Show setters are larger and have more hair, as well as…longer, flappier lips? I had a field setter and he was a WONDERFUL pet!!! He was one of the smartest dogs I’ve ever known and a joy to be around.
I strongly recommend contacting a good show breeder. A breeder that is well-regarded in the industry will be performing a number of health tests, proving their stock in competition, etc. Of course the same can be said about working lines but I think bench bred dogs are often a bit milder for the average pet owner.
The majority of dogs that come out of show lines are “pet quality” either because their size is slightly off, they are structural off, the color is off, a testicle doesn’t descend, etc. So you end up with a beautiful, good-minded dog, that was just not quite right for the ring.
Dennis Sieracki is an AKC breeder of merit out in Washington. He would be a great resource for helping your friend find a local reputable breeder. Monimar English Setters in Wisconsin also appears very reputable and may be able to recommend someone in your area.
I don’t know anything about the individual breeders on this list but this may be another good starting place:
http://www.esaa.com/BreedInfo/BreederList.html
Melissa D. Newman, English Setters, Setter Ridge Kennel, Clinton, Washington. Her name came up as a 2012 top 7 finalist for AKC Breeder of the Year for the Sporting Group.
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Actually, they do look different. Show setters are larger and have more hair, as well as…longer, flappier lips? I had a field setter and he was a WONDERFUL pet!!! He was one of the smartest dogs I’ve ever known and a joy to be around.[/QUOTE]
I’m not arguing that they may generally look different - because obviously if certain traits are only valued in for conformation show (e.g. hair) or in the field (e.g. tight/dry mouth) they will be lost in other breedings. But I’m just saying that a breeder COULD choose to breed for both, even if most don’t…so I wouldn’t judge a dog’s pedigree by his looks.
In my breed, many breeders do both; and the ultimate, most coveted title is the Dual Champion.
Not to mention, as Grace says - many dogs that were designed to be show dogs (or field dogs) may not have what it takes – so a show bred dog could end up looking like a field bred dog - and therefore be sold as a “pet”…or family friendly, not as competitive field dog.
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