English Setters

Does anyone have any experiences with them???Good and Bad comments I’m looking at possibly replacing Gunner who was killed (I think) last week with one of these.

Chappy,…I have 3 right now,…a male pup who is really coming on, a veteran female who is 7 and a 14 yr retired male. They are friendly dogs around the house and all business in the field for upland birds. I can hook you up with a good breeder from Eveleth, MN,…just let me know. Dan

I re-read your post,…If I understand correctly,…its very unusual to see an agressive setter but i suppose it could happen. I’ve not had a single problem and my daughter who runs a dog day care also has not had a problem with any of teh setter breeds.

When hunting them, Have you ever had to stich up a wound? Are they “prone” to skin injuries???

Chappy my condolances on losing your dog.If you like the looks of the english setter do a google search for Small Munsterlander. they are one of the German versatile breeds.Point and retrieve. They seem to be hardier and less hi strung than the setters. If I were looking for a dog That would be my choice of breeds.

The only thing I wouldnt like about a setter is that with the long hair your going to get lots of burr’s. what about that Iowa guy who runs setters I cant think of his name but he would also be a good guy to tale to.

I might have a line on a 1 yr. old Springer. He’s going to let me take him this weekend to see how he does. The only bad thing is he’s never had a gun around him………. He say’s he should’nt have a problem though. He’s got commands down and fetches to hand and loves chasing pheasants in the field behind the house. I’m going to give him a go and see how he does.

My uncle had one. Very intelligent, fairly easy to train but can be a bit feisty among people they don’t know. They do shed a bit so need brushing a few times a week. As a hunter the dog will stay wet and be full of burrs, etc.

I own a German Shepherd, named Timber, so am not that partial to other breeds, but for any type of waterfall hunting I vote for the Lab.

Chappy,

I’ve only had the opportunity to work with one setter, but…smart, affectionate, high strung but workable. Nice dog and I enjoyed my time with her. I do agree with the burr statement, burrs, twigs, sticks, etc…The first few days of field work I spent lots of time pulling sticks from her hair, they were everywhere!! I then smartened up, gave the dog the evening to pull her own twigs then finished up in the morning.
They have the potential to be as good as any other dog out there as long as the gentics are there. If the genetics and training are there, good dogs.

Be careful with the “testing out” the springer. If something doesn’t seem quite right…it’s not! Don’t get me wrong, springers are great dogs, had a few. But, “started” dogs, no matter the breed you always need to watch VERY closely. There are a lot of breeders who truely start a dog and your getting a good dog that’ll give you a lifetime of solid field work and affection, then again there are just as many “started” dogs out there that have health or behavioral problems. This would be the reason they’re being sold at one and two years old as “started”. Just be leary of the started dog.

Good luck.

BIRDDOG

Well the search is on again!Just don’t feel comfortable taking his springer. Damn this is hard when your not expecting it! Don’t have the money in hand to get a dog yet, But there’s so many to choose from.

Chappy,

Sorry to hear about Gunner. Was it a road accident?

Be weary about 1-2 year old dogs. I made the mistake on a Chesapeake a couple years ago. She is a good dog, but is very mean around other dogs. As a matter of fact, I think I could make some money with her in Mexico. She is super friendly around people, but she hates other dogs. She now resides on my parents 300 acre farm. I pray for the those darn coyotes.

She happens to be in heat if you find a stud. You can have all of the puppies except one. The only stipulation is that you have to take her too.