I know my first ever post on CD was because I wanted a Weimeraner (with a tail!!) but after a fruitless search with not even a sniff of a litter in the even the most distant future I decided to look into other breeds. I have done loads of research on different breeds (the search thingy on CD was really useful :) ) I had narrowed it down to GSP (going to be the same docking problem) or one of the setter breeds. I went to Discover dogs yesterday and chatted with the various breed people and have decided on an Irish Setter (I dont know why I didnt think of getting one before, they are beautiful and reflect my own personality :D :D ). I have been given a phone number for a reasonably local breeder who has pups, I may go and visit her but doubt I will get a pup just yet as I need to do a bit more research into breeding lines - does anyone know where I can find this out ? Also, I have read that testing for CLADS is optional? can anyone explain exactly what this is and also why is it only done as an option ? Also is there anyone out there who works their setter ?? I would love to give my dog a job to do, be it working out in the field or some form of working trials. Any general Irish Setter advice would be greatly appreciated, although I have a good idea of what I am letting myself in for :D

Claire :)

go here to find out about CLAD. Also go to Google & type in CLAD Irish Setters. go to the kennel Club site to find contacts for IS Clubs & get info from them on the breed.

Well done for choosing a Setter. My own dog is a Gordon Setter. The largest problem I have with Penny is her lack of concentration. It is impossible to keep her focused on one thing for more than a few minutes. Her lack of concentration is really what keeps us from her CD title. But apart from that I couldn't wish for a better dog. She always is able to tell when I am feeling low and will go to great lengths to cheer me up. Another good thing with a setter is that you will be forced to take her ( or him) for long walks in every weather. Be careful, setters have long puppyhoods. Penny didn't reach her full height and weight till she was one and a half years old, and Penny still acts like a puppy and she is six.Most setters also have very good characters with other dogs.
Good luck with finding a puppy. Kate

can't give you much info on an irish setter im afraid (got red and white setters insted!) but i must say going for a setter is a god chocie as they are all very loving but inderpendent aswell!

Thanks for your replies, I will check out for some websites on google (my problem is I cant access many websites from work due to our "firewall" :( )

I did look at the Gordon Setter it was a toss up between the two, the guy on the Gordon stand did such a good job @ putting me off though -he didnt have a nice thing to say about the breed, it did make me wonder why he had one :D :D

I am prepared for the exercise - I certainly need it !! and am looking forward to the slow maturing - a dog just like me :D :D

Claire :)

I know you may have already considered this - but there is a irsh setter needing a home on dog pages. It is a neutered male 4 yrs old in the Gloucester area. It need rehoming due to the owner being ill - so not behavioural or anything. Not saying you should or anything - just saw it thats all!! Best of luck in your new dog either way!

Thanks for the thought, but as I have a lot of other pets I really would like to get a puppy so it grows up with them and hopefully gets used to them :D

Good on you for choosing a Setter! I have previously owned an Irish Setter ( who was a nutter!! ), and am now the proud owner of a 9 week old Gordon, he is by far more ameanable, has been easier to train - will sit, fetch, come,go to bed etc already! he is currently going through the nipping / biting thing, but is gradually responding to a loud "NO"!! the guy that moaned about Gordons may have been testing your desire to own, or knowledge of the breed??? I found my puppy by searching for breeders on this site - give it a go!! I know there is a breeder with pups due next month based in Hull, cant remember their details, but go have a look, and good luck!!