How to Choose an Irish Setter for Breeding

Irish setters are known as beautiful and graceful show dogs as well as determined hunting dogs. If breeding an Irish setter, choose one that is substantial but elegant. Learn about Irish setters in order to meeting the necessary breeding standards and to produce sound, healthy show-worthy dogs with good temperaments.

Things You'll Need

  • Irish setter
  • Medical records including x-rays
  • AKC registration forms
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Instructions

    • 1

      Buy a puppy for breeding from a reputable breeder. Look for healthy, well adjusted animals raised in a clean environment. Ask if the puppies were bred to further specific characteristics of the breed such as appearance or field ability. Assess what breed characteristics you want to develop.

    • 2

      Examine a breeding dog's pedigree for the past five generations. Ask for proof of American Kennel Club registration and have the records examined by an expert. Review the performance of the sire and dam in show and field activities.

    • 3

      Look at an Irish setter's sire and dam, if possible. Look for the dam to stand 25 inches at the withers and weigh 60 pounds. The sire must weigh about 70 pounds and stand 27 inches. An Irish setter needs to be slightly longer then it is tall and must appear sturdy but with a graceful gait.

    • 4

      Ask for medical records pertaining to the family history of inherited defects such as hip dysplasia, eye disease and epilepsy. Request a report from the Irish Setter Genetic Registry to prove the dog's genetic testing and double-check that the Irish setter is appropriate for breeding.

    • 5

      Request health record documentation and a medical history for the Irish setter's linage. Expect to provide the same documentation concerning your Irish setter.

    • 6

      Breed to the standard as outlined by the AKC. Improve the breed by choosing breeding mates for your Irish setter carefully. Contact an experienced Irish setter exhibitor or breeder for advice about breed standards. Visit the Irish Setter Club of America's website and request detailed advice about breeding Irish setters from the AKC.