First off thank you again for all the kind and very informative replies to my post and messages.Sorry if I have not responded to some but have been very busy puppy hunting and now finally puppy rearing!!

By complete fate (well almost wink,wink!!) we have got an irish setter puppy.Obviously it was my first choice as mentioned before,but I was fair and investigated other breeds,it just so happened that this particular litter of setters kept cropping up and none of the other litters of other breeds that I enquired about were quite 'right' for one reason or another.

Anyway breeder was lovely,pups were kc registered,breeder owns mum and dad so was able to see both (and both were seriously lovely,dad especially I could have taken home!!) and both have had all DNA health checks done and both tested clear (this is on the kc paperwork so assume that reliable??),all pups seemed healthy and well cared for,and breeder made me sign a contract offering money back guarantee if any health issues found within first few days,and specifying return not sale and breeding endorsments etc.I *think* all that ticks most of the boxes for ensuring breeder is legit and responsible?? I tried to cover all the bases and remember what everyone said on here to look for in a breeder,hope I didn't miss too much in the excitment??!!

Kids have chosen the name Alfie as his pet name,and it does quite suit him I think.He's very calm and sensible for a setter (one of the reasons I chose him TBH he just seemed very confident and laid back compared to some of the others),he actually listens and is not overly bonkers or hyper!! Am relly pleased with him so far,just the house training to crack and my happiness will be complete lol

I was hoping to post some pics,but can only seem to get them to come up as links using photobucket?? I am doing it right or is there another way to do it so they come up as pics??

Congratulations on the new arrival. You have picked the absolute best breed in the world, I've had Irish for 38 years, and wouldn't be without one.

You might be interested in a breed specific forum, it's full of breed specialists worldwide.

http://irishsetters.ning.com/

Have fun with little Alfie.

Regards Dawn R.

Big fan of the Irish here - even though we now have 3 red & whites and only 1 red.  The red always has my heart..... I couldn't be without them.  You have yourself the most loving, loyal and hypnotic of dogs.  Enjoy your new best friend

Congratulations !, hope you all have many happy years together.

Oh congratulations, it sounds like you made a good choice, and Alfie is a great name for a setter I think :-) You're not allowed to post pictures on this forum at all I'm afraid, but you could put a link to your photobucket in your profile. And of course you can put a photo of him as your avatar :-)    Like this one..............................................................>

congratulations on your new friend

Congratulations, they are a beautiful breed, I was severely tempted when choosing my own breed. :-)

Prepare to be 'settered' . My Gordon Setter (you know the 'slow and steady' setter :-) ) is a complete nutcase, totally different from all the other breeds I have owned and still a 'terrible two' at age 6! We hope she will grow up soon :-D I wouldn't be without her though - she is a complete sweetheart - but don't be fooled by that innocent setter face :-D

Thanks everyone for the kind replies,is so great to hear all the positive setter comments.

He's such a good puppy,although am sure like others said he will have his 'setter' moments lol

I have had a chuckle at the comments people have made about theirs,my one I had years ago was daft as a brush and never grew up,but he was very much loved and 'special' in his own way!!

Shame about the pics but no problem,can anyone tell me how to do an avatar please?? I have a very cute puppy pic just waiting to go in that little square!!

Thanks for the link nursey,I will be sure and check that out.

You are allowed to post a link to a photo in the part of your profile where you can put a website address. If you go to Options you will get to your profile and there is an option there to add an avatar.

Congratulations and a fab choice ... do miss having a fabulous Irish in my life but currently owned by 3 Gordons and 1 English :) 

Setters are addictive - so pleased for you :)

Thank you for the tip about the avatar will go try that and hope for the best!!

RS-your setter household sounds busy lol (although probably room for one more in the shape of a daft red irish pooch don't you think??!!),I have always liked the Gordons as well,maybe one day!!

I do love the irish though,daft as they often are,but something about them that just makes me smile.

ETA: Yay I think the avatar pic worked!! Well hoping have done it right and is not just me who can see it anwyay!!

Yes your avatar works, Alfie looks stunning.

Oh I would have another Irish at the drop of a hat but a tad full at the moment :)

Yes the avatar worked - beautiful :)