Owning a Setter
Our Stance on Health
Healthy setters start long before a litter is born, with thoughtful pairings, honest testing, and care for the whole dog.
The Whole Dog
More Than a Pedigree
A beautiful setter is only part of the picture. We look at the whole dog: physical soundness, genetic health, temperament, and the ability to live a long, active, happy life.
That means screening our breeding dogs, learning from their results, and choosing pairings that move each breed forward.
Breed-Recommended Screenings
Recommended Health Screenings
Each breed's national club works with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) to recommend health screenings for breeding dogs. Here's what those recommendations generally include.
Irish Setter
- Hips: OFA or PennHIP evaluation
- Thyroid: screening for autoimmune thyroiditis
- Eyes / PRA: DNA testing for progressive retinal atrophy (rcd1 and rcd4)
- CLAD: DNA test for canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency
English Setter
- Hips: OFA or PennHIP evaluation
- Elbows: OFA evaluation
- Hearing: BAER test for congenital deafness
- Thyroid: screening for autoimmune thyroiditis
Recommendations change over time. For the current list, see the OFA, the Irish Setter Club of America, and the English Setter Association of America. Health results for OFA-tested dogs can be looked up by name in the OFA's public database.
Our dogs: We health test our breeding dogs and are happy to share their results. Just ask.
Beyond the Tests
Caring for the Whole Setter
★Temperament
Health includes a steady, confident mind. Temperament weighs as heavily as anything else when we plan a litter.
✦Structure & Soundness
Correct structure helps a setter move efficiently and stay active into its senior years, in the ring, the field, or the backyard.
⚠Bloat Awareness
Like many deep-chested breeds, setters can be prone to bloat (GDV), a life-threatening emergency. We help every owner understand the warning signs and everyday precautions.
Our health guarantee: Every puppy comes with a written puppy agreement that includes our health guarantee. We're happy to share a copy.