Buying an Irish Setter Puppy
What to expect from a breeder who puts Health, Welfare and Temperament first.
Essential Documents
- Heath Certificates (both parents)
- Signed AWF Puppy Contract
- KC Registration Certificate (if applicable)
- Microchip Registration Certificate
- Temporary Pet Health Insurance
- Vaccination Certificate
A Good Breeder Will:
- have socialised and habituated the puppy
- provide a supply of food
- provide a blanket smelling of Mum
- follow the Code of Practice for Dog Breeding
Official Health Schemes
- BVA/KC scheme for hip dysplasia (HD)
- abnormal formation of the hip joint – pain and lameness
BVA/KC screening for eye disease. - DBRG recommends that all dogs should be visually examined by an ophthalmologist before breeding (includes checks for multiple inherited diseases)
- checks for many inherited abnormalities that can cause progressive blindness or pain
Other Diseases
No current health scheme or DNA test available.
- GDV – Gastro dilatation/volvulus (‘bloat’)
- stomach fills with air and twists, can be fatal
- Epilepsy
- seizures
- Hypothyroidism
- underactive thyroid gland, causing weight gain and lethargy
- Megaoesophagus
- food does not reach the stomach normally, causing breathing problems
DNA Tests Relevant to Breed
- CLAD – Canine Leucocyte Adhesion Deficiency
- abnormal white blood cells that cannot fight infection
- PRA – Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- gradual blindness
Other Tests
- Some laboratories offer DNA tests for other rare inherited diseases in Irish Setters