English Setter questions

[ccarlson]

I have a 7 year old English setter male that I've really enjoyed hunting with and is a great family dog. I'm looking at starting the process of getting another one in a couple years but want to get some research done during that time. My current setter has a steel plate in his hip after getting hit by a car so I know that he may not get as long of a hunting career as I would like.

Is there anybody on this site that may be more familiar with the different types or strains of english setters? Are there any books that have more info on this? I've been told that there are different strains or types of E. setters but want more info on this.

I'm not sure what strain mine is but he has a larger build, very heavy coat and is a real work horse when in the field. Hunts hard and covers a lot of ground. Good nose and points well. He does not retrieve naturally though and has not responded well to training to retrieve. He will catch and stop a shot bird but will not bring it back. He will wade in the water but will not swim.

In the next dog, I'm looking for a large build, lighter coat a more methodical, slightly slower method of hunting (I do both grouse and pheasant) and of course better retrieving instincts, even in deeper water if necessary.

Any info would be appreciated.

ccarlson

[setterguy]

I can either answer or get you answers to any questions you may have about setters. Send me an email and we can chat.
[email protected]

[Harmonica Bear]

I would make sure first and foremost you get your setter from a reputable breeder. I have a Setter from Ryman/Old Hemlock lines. I would highly recommend a setter of that linage for hunting grouse and pheasant. They are larger setters, very methodical one man dogs. Awesome noses as well. This is my second setter and they are great hunting dogs. I bought mine from Setters West in Montana. She wasn't cheap, but worth every penny I spent. If you do a search for Setters West you can find their web page. I don't think I can post it on this site.

[Bird Dog]

I went through the same type of thing as you a few years back and I would agree with Harmonica Bear search out a reputable breeder.You may want to pick up a
copy of The Pointing Dog Journal or a magazine like Gun Dog Also the if you look on the internet for bird Dog and retreiver news you will find links to various breeders
I currently have one setter from (larger)Ryman lines and one from Mahoney Kennels out of Washinton State he is a smaller dog and has preformed very well for me.I will go back to him for another dog when the time comes.I know that alot of people think that the smaller dogs are larger ranging but thats not the case with this one.My brother also has a smaller setter from Burnt Creek Setters in North Dakota and range has not been an issue with his either.Talk to the breeders about what qualitys you desire in a dog.And if you do not have the time to devote to training you may want to consider a started dog.If you want drop me a e-mail and I will give you a call.

[email protected]

Good Luck
Bird Dog

[Guest]

I picked up my dog at in New England ND. Brittney is now 18 months old and I dont think I could have gotten a better dog, both house and field.

Brittney was easy to train and when hunting she is all business, with one thing only on her mind. Birds.

Brittney is out of the Havelock line.

If you want to research this line start with the breeder at esetter.com

good luck with your search