Are you looking to get an Irish setter but didn’t have the chance to adopt one from a shelter? Worry not, as there are many Irish setter hunting dog breeders raising pups nowadays. But be wary, as environmental factors can affect the puppy’s growth and well-being.Â
The most reputable Irish setter breeders are those with complete health certifications. Moreover, they won’t hesitate to answer any queries you may have about the dog.Â
See why working with a trustworthy breeder is crucial and how you can spot a reliable one:
Why Do GOOD Irish Setter Hunting Dog Breeders Matter?
Your chances of getting a healthy purebred setter pup are higher when working with reputable breeders. Although you can still get lucky and find a purebred Irish dog at shelters, working with a breeder is more efficient and safe.Â
After all, they guarantee a healthy puppy with an excellent upbringing and genes. Not to mention, you’ll be able to find the specific criterion you want in the setter easier through a breeder.Â
Putting a value on trustworthy breeders is also how you can fund safe and responsible setter breeding and avoid harsh puppy mills. Remember, reliable sources aren’t the reason why thousands of unwanted pups get euthanized nationwide. As long as you support the right person, you don’t need to feel bad for accidentally supporting cruel practices.
Here are more reasons why choosing a reliable breeder matters if you want to get an Irish setter:
They Guarantee Your Kids’ Safety
Purebred setters pups socialize better with kids than adult dogs. And this is the foolproof way of ensuring you get a family-friendly pet over time.
Breeders producing even-tempered setters can guarantee calmer and more patient dogs than those from puppy mills. And you can confirm this by asking for the pup’s genetic background and socialization history.Â
Reputable sources will be more than happy to provide you with these details, especially if you have specific goals or parameters for your future dog.
They Retain the Breed’s Natural InstinctsÂ
If you’re looking to get an Irish setter for protection or as a service dog, working with a trustworthy breeder can guarantee a pup with intact instincts! And we all know how hard-working setters are, which is especially prevalent in those with a solid genetic background.
Instincts aside, the pup must be in top condition and temperament to keep up with the responsibilities of a service or guard dog. These things mostly hail from genetics, not how the animal grew up. And we can all agree it’s more convenient to find these criteria through a breeder.
After all, you’ll be able to meet the young hunting dog’s parents and littermates.Â
They Guarantee Top Performers
If you want to raise your Irish pup into the perfect show dog, buying one from a breeder ensures you get a top performer. Although not all purebred setters will be superstars, the more solid their genetics are, the better suited they’ll be for stardom. After all, genes play a massive role in how good the breed’s health, musculature, drive, focus, and attitude will be.
Alongside socialization and training — genes play a crucial role in a successful setter show dog! And we all know reputable breeders produce quality Irish hunting dogs with impeccable genetics.
What are the Signs of Reliable Irish Setters Breeders?
Trustworthy Irish setter hunting dog breeders will not refuse to show you the following:
✔️ They’re Active and Involved
You’ll find the most reliable breeders often part of organizations recognized by famous dog associations, like the American Kennel Club (AKC).Â
For instance, any trustworthy pup producer will be part of their breed’s parent club. Not everyone breeder will have the chance to become a member of these exclusive clubs, as they and their puppies must undergo a series of tests. These include signing a code of ethics and performing mandated health testing of all their setters.
Membership aside, a reputable breeder always strives to be involved. Are they part of any local committee, or do they volunteer to help with dog-related club activities? Do they attend the national specialty, the yearly show that gathers every breed faithful?
Although all these increase your chances of working with a trustworthy breeder, note that it shouldn’t be your sole criterion. After all, the occasional bad apples can sneak their way into any dog association/club. Still, those passionate and honest about raising purebred pups should have some involvement in the dog fancy in general.
✔️ Lays Out Contracts
Reliable Irish setters require buyers to sign fair contracts, whether they’re purchasing for a show dog or a casual pet. And they often outline the basics about the setter pup, including the names and origins of its parents. Aside from that, the contract also includes its AKC registration number, complete with a return-to-breeder clause.
The clause protects your investment in the pup, allowing you to return it to the provider regardless of age! This way, the breeders can stay up-to-date and take responsibility for all the setters they’ve brought into the world.
✔️ They’re One Call Away
A trustworthy breeder will always answer your concerns, even after bringing the setter pup home. See if you can rely on the provider to help you during emergencies involving your puppy. And if yes, you found yourself a reputable Irish setter source!
✔️ Showcases Healthy Habits
Even the most experienced and reputable setter breeders can’t guarantee perfect pups. One thing reliable sources do is ensure puppies part of their breeding programs are healthy and thriving.
With this, they perfect two tests for breeding, including health screenings and DNA/genetic tests.
The former involves lab tests such as blood tests and X-rays, confirming the young Irish seters are free from disease. Although they don’t guarantee the gundog won’t produce defects in its offspring, it increases these chances!
Meanwhile, DNA or genetic tests determine if the setter can be a carrier of a hereditary disease or disorder. It lets breeders know the genetic status of their pups, efficiently preventing diseases from popping out.Â
You can find these essential records from established organizations like the OFA, proving the breeder’s trustworthiness. They should be able to let you see proof of a long-established family of setters with documented health tests stretching back for several generations!
✔️ Shows Proofs without Question
Ask for all types of media the breeder can provide you with to grasp their operations better. Going to their facility in person will only sometimes be the most convenient choice for most. Still, reliable sources will allow in-depth Zoom calls. Take advantage of this, and request to see videos of the setter pups.Â
Do their kennels look clean? Are the pups lively and in a healthy weight?
Remember that the litter sire will not be on the premises, as many breeders abide in finding the most suitable matches, not the most convenient ones! Still, the setter’s mother should be present, interacting with her pups and looking comfy and not anxious.
For their part, hunting dog breeders must be as interested in assessing YOU as a suitable owner for their pups. Reliable providers will give you as many queries as you would to them, showcasing their genuine care for their puppies.Â
They can ask you about the previous dogs you’ve owned, the number of occupants of your current home, their ages, how long your work hours are, where the Irish setter will live, and how you’re planning on training and socializing it.
Those are the questions you should watch out for a breeder, so if one asks you when you’ll be able to pay for the young canine — look elsewhere.
Finally, beware of those who place young pups for sale before reaching eight weeks, as littermates will need to be with each other to learn and adapt to proper canine behavior.
✔️ Has Ample Experience
The longer the breeder has been in the industry, the more experience they’ll have and the easier it’ll be for you to look them up. Even simply skimming through their social media profiles will give you a broad sense of how well-regarded and honest they are in producing setter pups.Â
Good signs of reliable breeders are those with repeat clients or have an established mentor or co-breeder working with them. You can lay out your concerns to any of these individuals to better understand how their operations work. And, of course, reputable sources will not hesitate to answer all queries regarding their practices.
✔️ Focuses on Tradition Instead of Trends
Any reliable hunting dog breeder will have a single goal: to produce healthy and well-tempered setters that meet or exceed the standard. And honest sources abide by traditions that many would rather hurt themselves than breed pups for any trait that defies the standard’s requirements.
Avoid anyone marketing their pups that deviate from their breed’s standard. For instance, run away if someone tries to sell a differently-colored Irish setter from the norm of red, chestnut, or mahogany to you! That’s because these canines tend to be sickly and more vulnerable to many health issues.
How to Choose an Irish Hunting Dog Breeder?
Before finding a reliable breeder for Irish setter hunting dogs, see if you can adopt a pup from a rescue shelter or group first. Not only will you find a loving pet, but you’ll also be rehoming a once-homeless dog. So, check local rescue groups and shelters first to see abandoned setters.
If there aren’t any and you still wish to get a purebred Irish setter, here’s how to find a trustworthy breeder:Â
🔵 Get a Referral from Your Vet or Acquaintances
You’ll be able to spot responsible Irish setter breeders by asking for referrals from your vet and those close to you. And check out local breed clubs and organizations, or visit pro dog shows in your area. These are excellent ways to spot trustworthy sources of healthy purebred pups.
Generally, a reputable breeder will never sell their puppies via pet stores or other ways that restrict you from meeting them in person and having thorough interviews. Those involved in illegal practices or puppy mills make it nearly impossible to check if the setter pup will be an excellent match for you.
🔵 Schedule a Visit or Meet the Breeder
Once you’ve chosen a few breeders that seem legitimate, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit to their facilities or meet them in person soon. It’s crucial to see the setter’s parents to ensure it’ll be free from genetic diseases and other illnesses. Aside from that, it gives you an excellent grasp of the young gundog’s temperament, size, and appearance.
If a visit to their facility is prohibited, you can meet the breeder yourself. When meeting them, observe the pups and the producer and how well they treat them. And a tell-tale sign of a healthy and happy setter is that it won’t be afraid to mingle with the breeder and strangers — including you!
🔵 Lay Out All Your Questions
Never hesitate to ask questions. After all, you’re investing in a long-term pet and furry companion. And Irish setter hunting dogs don’t come cheap, so ensure you lay out your concerns to get your money’s worth.Â
Any honest breeder will not hesitate to answer your concerns and share everything about the pup. You can see any Irish dog breeder’s honesty by checking how they react to your queries. Do they explain things in-depth? Do you two have a decent rapport?
Remember, responsible producers strive to see their setter pups happy and find homes forever. Hence, many are more than happy to share their knowledge with YOU.Â
🔵 Ask for Certifications and Proof
Those practicing legal and safe setter breeding will always be eager to show proof for health screening and lab tests. Aside from that, they’ll always explain all health conditions that may affect the breed, allowing you to learn what you need to keep an eye out for your pup over time.
Moreover, reliable breeders will give you documentation about your setter’s pedigree. Genuine ones will have the AKC logo without smears, watermarks, or such. If they hesitate to provide you with any paperwork you ask for or tell you they’ll charge you for them or send them to you later, don’t bother.Â
🔵 See Involvement and Memberships
The most passionate and honest setter breeders are often involved in the industry. Whether it’s through volunteering in local dog-related events or participating in established programs like the HEART, these are strong indications of a trustworthy source!
Either way, never settle for 1 to 3 candidates when searching for an Irish setter breeder. Always scout five or more prospect providers to give you a better view of who will be able to provide you with the purebred pup you want finally.Â
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is getting a purebred Irish/red setter worth it?
A: If you want a fun, lovable, and energetic pet, purebred Irish setter dogs are worth the buy. As long as you can keep up with their energy and meet their growing needs for pets, they should be worth every penny. But carefully reconsider, as this red-haired canine can cost you thousands.
Q: How much will I need to pay for a purebred if I buy it from Irish setter hunting dog breeders?
A: Purebred Irish setters can cost you up to $3,500, depending on their health, build, and parents. But you can also score a low deal of $700 for a pureblooded Irish dog. Meanwhile, adopting one can cost you anywhere between $150 and $250.Â
Q: What is the lifespan of a pureblooded Irish setter bought from a breeder?
A: A healthy purebred Irish pup raised in ideal conditions can live up to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. Remember to ask for the puppy’s parents’ health certifications when buying one from a breeder. It’s to ensure it’s free of any incurable hereditary conditions.Â
Q: Do hunters still use red setters to accompany them during hunting today?
A: A handful of traditional hunters still work with setters to help them during hunting. They specifically excel best in hunting or “setting” birds, crouching down near the fowl and waiting for the partner to throw a net over them and the bird. But they’re more commonly bought as family pets today instead of for hunting.Â
Q: Is it challenging to train an Irish setter dog?
A: Despite their stubborn personalities and impulsive instincts, red setters are easy to train. And you can make it easier on yourself by training this breed from an early age (8 weeks at the earliest)! Regardless, training this breed will be straightforward, considering its impressive intelligence!
Final Words
Getting a purebred from reliable Irish setter hunting dog breeders is your best chance of getting a healthy pup that’ll accompany you for a lifetime. Those from puppy mills will eventually succumb to hereditary diseases and other illnesses they might’ve developed due to poor breeding conditions. You’re not only getting a pet, but you’re also getting a loyal and loving companion for life, so choose setter breeders wisely.
