setters

[MotherOfChickens]

Hi
we currently have a fantastic Irish setter and will be looking to maybe make an addition in the next 12-18months or so. OH would like another Irish setter although I'd like to research Llewlyn/English setters or possibly an Irish setter from working lines (ie a slightly smaller one with slightly less hair!). Current dog does have skin allergies which are easily controlled by vaccination and management but would like to avoid getting another one and apparently English setters are especially prone to this? From my limited experience with Gordons, I do not think they'd be suitable.

Does anyone know of any breeders of the above in mainland Britain? We are in Scotland but would be prepared to travel. We cannot take a rescue due to certain family members disabilities-a dog would need to be socialised early to their movements and equipment (and current dog is fabulous with them).

 

[s4sugar]

What vaccination to contral allergies?

I know a few breeders of English setter around the East Midlands and don't know of any partcular allergy problems although some are wheat intolerant as a lots of dogs.
LLewelyn setters are a bit of a mixed bag - usually having a bar sinister in theirbackground or it is a label applied to mismarks.

 

[MotherOfChickens]

he has a bespoke vaccination made up for him-off the top of my head there was some pollen allergens, house dust mite. I can't remember if cereals are in it but he's much better off them.

 

[Apercrumbie]

We have an English Setter and she is the most fabulous dog. I will admit that there are a few training issues, but if you have an Irish Setter already you probably wouldn't have any problems. She is kind, gentle and very much a people person. We've never had any skin problems with her, I didn't actually realise it was a common problem with the breed. Maybe you could do some research on which lines tend to get it. They are now an endangered breed so I would really encourage you to get one - I want to always have setters and would like them to continue being around!

 

[MotherOfChickens]

well, it actually says on the breed website that its seemingly more common in English setter than other breeds of dog. Trouble is, if you ask breeders will they be honest? Skin allergies are one thing, but my dog also has a condition whereby the turnover of his skin is very rapid-leading him susceptible to secondary infection if the itching is not kept under control. We are luck that the vaccine works so well for us, it doesn't for all dogs. The skin turnover condition is genetic and doubtless had turned up in other family members.
I have always wanted setters as well, they are such lovely dogs (and clever, despite their rep!) so am open to having more. I will have to psyche myself up for another setter teenager though they are very sensitive.