Buyer's Guide

 Before you buy......Buyer Beware!!!

A push of a button and a click of the mouse and bingo we can find and purchase whatever we want, cars, clothes, plane tickets... you name it, you can get it, including many Irish Red and White Setter web sites. All appear to be similar, long list of accomplishments, photos of champions, puppies and R & W's working in the field. Some list health clearances and pedigrees. Some do not. The general public in search of the purebred Irish Red & White Setter is vulnerable. They can, and in some instances indeed have, been fooled. The Irish Red & White Setter Association, Inc. is committed to promoting and educating the public regarding the IR&WS and has put together this guide to help in your search for a reputable breeder and a purebred IR&WS. This includes what questions to ask and what paperwork you should receive.

A little about the breed:
Although the Irish Red & White Setter is considered a rare breed here in the United States, it is neither rare nor new. It is a very old breed which originated in Ireland where it was considered a valuable hunting dog and companion. Recognized in every country including here in America as a purebred dog, it is the Fourth Setter. The IR&WS is a highly intelligent, active and persistent breed born to hunt, needing lots of running room and daily exercise. They can be a challenging but very loving and devoted companion. When considering this breed you should do your research well, and if at all possible meet the breeder in person, ask questions and demand paperwork. It is in your best interest and without question the best interest of the PUREBRED Irish Red & White Setter.

First let's cover paperwork:
As of January 1, 2009 the IR&WS is now recognized by the American Kennel Club, thus an AKC registration application should be provided by the breeder. Some breeders will register each individual pup with the AKC and will transfer ownership to the new owner at the time of sale, while others will supply you the application and you will then have to send it to the AKC to be registered for a small fee. IR&WS Association breeder/members should also supply a Breed Certificate of Authenticity along with at least a three generation purebred breeder's pedigree. This pedigree is not certified but is a record of related R&W's. Both documents must be signed by the breeder.

Summary of Paperwork:
(1) Certified three generation pedigree from AKC
(2) Breeder's three generation Pedigree.
(3) If U.S. litters are recorded with the AKC an individual registration form should be supplied with each pup and/or grown dog.

Health Issues:
The Irish Red & White Setter has at this time few health problems. The testing of all breeding stock is an important part of keeping future generations of R&W's healthy in mind and body. The following tests MUST be completed before a breeding is to take place.
(1) VERY IMPORTANT!! Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency (CLAD) a fatal inherited disorder of the immune system. Puppies born with the disease are unable to combat infection. There is no treatment and certainly no cure. Affected puppies will be produced when two carriers are bred together, but if a carrier is bred to a clear no effected puppies will be produced, however, some of the puppies from a clear/carrier breeding will be carriers. Fortunately there is a DNA/CLAD test available for IR&WS.  
(2) Hip Dysplasia clearances of both Sire and Dam (Certified OFA or Penn Hip)
(3) Eye testing required. Few eye abnormalities have been found in IR&WS at this time, however, Post Polar Cataracts have been found in the breed and yearly eye examinations are recommended but definitely should be done before a breeding is to take place. Some purebred R&W's have been DNA tested for Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) all testing clear and at this time it does not appear to be a problem for the breed.
(4) Von Willerand's (vWD) a bleeding disorder although not prevalent, has been found in some IR&WS. Tests seem to indicate that the disease becomes less severe as the dog ages and during pregnancy.
(5) Thyroid testing is recommended on a yearly basis but should definitely be done before a breeding is to take place. The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland, located near the larynx in a dog's neck, which secretes hormones to regulate the rate of metabolism and growth. The condition of hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroxine. This is the most common endocrine disorder in canines. Low fertility, re-absorption, abortions, low birth rates, poor hair coat with hair loss, weight gain, lethargy and intolerance to cold temperatures are all associated with hypothyroidism. The need to test the thyroid functions of both sire and dam is of the utmost importance.