Red Setter

DArcy

This is prolly in the wrong forum, but I thought that people here would be more informative than people on the "wanted" forum.

I'm looking to buy a young red setter, no more than 4 months old. Was wondering if anyone here knows anyone who breeds them??

mike65

They're completely mad you know! We had one for 12 years and she was no end of fun and games. No always in a good way (very terratorial). Make sure its IKC registered.

Mike.

DArcy

I've seen a few advertised in the Buy And Sell that were "IKC registered" and they seemed to be more expensive...what does IKC mean??

Are red setters notorious for being energetic? We had a jack russell for 18 years. She was never really walked because no one had the time & she just seemed to wander the countryside herself. That was years ago. Now we're looking for a new dog - a big dog preferably, because we all have more time on our hands & there will always be someone here willing to walk her. & I believe a big dog won't live quite as long? You said yours was very territorial - how so? Are they crazy mad?? Are we better off getting a black Labrador or something?!

mike65

IKC is Irish Kennel Club and its a kind of quality guarantee, as for the nature of Settings, they are not "low maintinence" when ours was in her young prime she'd happily drag dad and occasionaly me 4 miles along Tramore beach. They really do have bundles of energy and someone will have to be willing to give them plenty of exercise esp when young. The "true" Red Setter is quite a new breed as they did'nt exist prior to the early 19th century. The all red variety are the most highly strung some say buy a white and red setter as they are more relaxed.

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Estates/7266/complete.html

http://www.irishsetterclub.org/Contents/Breed_Information/breed_information.html
http://www.irishsetterclub.org/Contents/Breed_Information/breed_information.html

If you want a quiet life buy a Labrador if you want fun and excitment and never own a different breed again by a Setter!

Mike.

DArcy

Thanks for the advice!! It's a very tough decision to make. I've seen a few of the red and white type...they weren't as aesthetically pleasing :rolleyes: I'm willing to put a lot of effort into this dog but the Setters sound like they'll just demand attention!!! It's a pickle - really want a dog & don't know what to get....

Sigma Force

While lovley as setters are, i have known a few and were very sweet natured dogs. They are an active working breed. If you are away from home for more than 4 hours a day then this dog is not for you.

As puppies they need plenty of training, they grow to be large dogs and a 6 foot wall will not keep one in if they are determined to get out.

We had one years ago, she scaled a 10 foot wall with 2 feet of wire over it (which was to stop her getting out).

If you are looking for a dog as a pet a working dog breed won't suit. If you are looking for an active dog then you will need hours every day free even when they mature, dont forget to neuter/spay the dog.

I don't know of any breeders, IKC registered ones does not mean anything anyone can register a dog at the moment, you need to contact red setter owners themselves, talk to them and do a bit of research on the breed.
They do love company, the ones I've known anyhow (both male/female/neutered and non neutered).

They are a beautiful dog but will turn out to be a handful if not trained.

Beware of puppy farms and back yard breeders, always ask to see the parents of the dog and make sure the dog has all the vanninations etc also phone the vet that the breeder uses.
Too many cowboys out there and being a large breed they can suffer with health problems if not well bred..and even if well bred.

Ask yourself what you are looking for in a dog.

Are you looking for a companion and house pet?
Are you looking for a lap dog who is happy with a brisk walk twice a day and will sit by your side?
Are you looking for an active dog who will walk the legs off you and when returning home will demand to play.

Go for personality and temprament, while looks are important to most dont let the look of a dog over rule the practical side.

If you say how many hours you work, what type of garden and housing the dog would have etc than it would be easier to recommend a breed or type of dog.

Remember there are a lot of dogs including pure bred in rescues..more pure breds that you would think. These dogs are fine, nothing wrong with the except they are unwanted. A good rescue will match a dog to suit your needs and vice versa, just be clear and honest about your life style and they will help find a dog that will fit in with your routine.

Puppies are hard work, you will at the very least need a dog crate, being a large dog you will need to get the largest crate possible.
Vaccinations/spaying/worming and feeding a dog of that size is expensive.

They are a working dog so if you dont work the dog you need to channel their energy into something else like ball play or pointing (what setters generally do)

Sigma Force

Btw there was a lovely red setter male that I helped transport from the pound, a wonderful dog, more than likely unwanted because owners probably realised they need so much attention.
Keep an eye out in rescues they are there is you are willing to wait. But study a few breeds of dogs etc before making a final choice.
This guy was rehomed to England because there were no Irish homes for him at the time.

Nala

mike65 wrote:

IKC is Irish Kennel Club and its a kind of quality guarantee

Completely false. All an IKC registration means is that the dog is purebred. That's if the papers are even genuine.

mike65 wrote:

If you want a quiet life buy a Labrador

Labradors are a working breed, they need lots of exercise, a lot of rescue dogs are Labradors/Labrador crosses, because people underestimate how much exercise they need.

To the original poster-Your best bet would be to get a good book about dog breeds and decide that way. My experience with Red Setters is that they are crazy!