Breeding Philosophy
Research and Opinion
The
information shared here is opinion, for every person you may ask about
breeding you may receive different responses. Seek and select breeding
programs that fit what you are seeking in a pup.
I have perused pedigrees, followed field
trial records, attended/participated in field trials, hunted over many
setters, talked with vets, utilized Wright's Coefficient of Inbreeding,
and discussed breeding with many owners and breeders. I continue to do
all of the above to stay current and follow the results of various
breeding programs. Most importanty, I assess the dog that is being
considered for breeding. This individual is alive and well, an
assesment can be made of all of its traits and characteristics. I hunt
on 30-50 wild bird hunts per season, participate in 20 field trials per
year, and train year round. I know my dogs' characteristcs very well.
Finally, the pups from my breedings are evaluated/monitored to
determine if they carry important traits.
Past and Present
Past dogs'
performances help determine future dogs' performances. With that in
mind, I looked to great English Setters of the past. I focused on
Champions and Hall of Famers. Champions and Hall of Famers not for the
name/designation, but because many judges and various entities not just
the owners/handlers have agreed these dogs' performances are worthy of
Championship and Hall of Fame status. The great ones- CH Tekoa Mountain Sunrise, CH Tomoka, and CH Tricky Dick.
They were intelligent, with tons of natural ability who found birds
with style. My dogs have been fortunate to acquire those traits. I have
a son of CH Tricky Dick, daughter of CH Tekoa Mountain Sunrise, and a
grandson of CH Tomoka. Other noteworthy sires on my dogs' pedigrees are
CH Brannigan, CH Cash Master, CH Grouse Ridge John, CH Grouse Ridge Will, CH Hicks Rising Sun, CH Pinnacle, CH The Performer, and CH Triton.
Lets not forget the ladies! As a matter of fact, many breeders believe
the dam more than the sire determines the outcome of the pups. I have
these dams on my dogs' pedigrees- Mac's Kelly Patrick, Miss Tekoa Hope,
CH Murray's Glide, Sandhill Becky, Sandhill Sheba, CH Susan's Lady
Bird, and CH Tekoa Mountain Hope.
These dams have been absolutely critical to the success of the dogs of
today! This is the foundation of Setter Dogs and for your next
potential pup!
