Red Setter - any pearls of wisdom

hethmar

Raksha, perhaps I wasnt clear, though I thought I was in the first part of the posting and in the various links Ive given over possible difficulties with certain breeds. I meant after you have assessed the pros and cons you should be in love with the dog when you decide to rehome him. Still feeling dubious about him when you take him on, is not a good sign of a long lasting relationship.

virgin_moneysaver

hethmar wrote: »

Are there not any lovely cross breed mongrels in the rescue kennels. So far you have chosen quite difficult pure bred dogs (though I always think springers are damn hard work too). An easy going terrier cross would be great.

Have a look for a border terrier cross - check out dogsblog and google a bit.

Ive owned dogs for all my life (over half a century :eek:) and our latest (nearly 4 years ago now) dog is a border from a rescue. Had I known what these compact little dogs were like, Id have had them all my life. Brilliant brilliant dog, cant praise him enough, obedient, 100% recall, intelligent, friendly, happy little soul (though of course all dogs have their own personalities). Very easy to transport along with his adopted bro a disabled Parson Russell terrier.

At least getting a mature one you could check out the personality as we have met the occasional border whose owners say they dont like other dogs.

If you are dithering over a certain dog, dont take him on - it would be a mistake for you and the dog. You should fall in love and be whole hearted.

I didn't choose the ESS, wasn't even looking for a dog, but found her abandoned on my way to work, wasn't claimed after a week so my DH & I took her on - I had her almost 4 years before she had to be PTS thru ill health - she was my shadow & I miss her dreadfully, I didn't know until I arrived at the kennels yesterday whether I was at the point of taking on another dog - & even though she was a Springer she was the most laid back dog I've known.

The Camping & Caravan Club Sites we use don't allow certain breeds such as Staffies, Rotties, Dobes & the like - & I'm not a fan of little, yappie dogs - we're all different. The dogs home yesterday was full of staffies, staffie x, terrier x, 1 dobe, 2 rotties, 2 bull mastiffs, 2 boxers & the setter

It's not that I'm dithering about the dog, I've got to weigh up all the pros & cons (throw in my 18my old nephew who calls everyday) - its not fair on any dog for me to take them on & realise a couple of weeks later that I'd made a mistake - I'm trying to reason it out & find as much out as possible

thank you for your input & taking the time to reply, your experience is invaluble

hethmar

Not all little dogs are yappie

I dont doubt you are going to work hard at making the right choice. The right dog will come along.

buddys_mum

Buddy is a Lab/Setter, he is a brilliant dog. Setters have some wierd mannerisims that you may need to look at. Buddy circles about 5-6 times before he actually lays down, will try and scruff up a carpet to make it more comfortable. Loves drinking from running water rather than from still in a bowl. he is a great dog and his weird quirkyness makes him the stupid dog that i love so much.

Youdontseeme

We had a red setter when I was a kid, she was our first dog and litterally turned up on our door step (Mother heard a noise one night sent my dad terrified someone was breaking and he opened the front door and she bolted in!!) We tried everything to find her owner as she was obviously very well looked after leaflets, posters, dog warden, local radio but no one came forward so we kept her and had her for around 4 years till she passed.

Stunning dogs, great with us kids i would have been 6ish sister around 8 but she was very much my Mums dog, obviously you cant say what they are like personality wise as no two dogs are the same but Ruby was very quiet and calm, and clean (hated mud, rain etc) although she was prone to daft 5 mins every now and again. They are very clever, and quick leaners but can be a bit stubborn, though as someone else said I think that is cause they are highly intelligent and at times can be a bit "oh your boring me now".

An old neighbour of mine had one that use fling drool everywhere and you never saw the dog without a bit strand (?) of dribble flung around his nose, not sure if this is typical of the breed though!

I am very jealous of Buddys Mum, I can only imagine a lab/setter cross would be my ideal dog!

I'm no expert, but I expect that as you have already had a springer and gundog then having another "gun" breed wouldn't be that different? Maybe someone with a bit more knowledge could comment on that??

Might be worth being a bit careful if you have cats or rabbits etc.

Good luck with what ever you choose.
We want piccies when you decide!

YDSM

kjmtidea

buddys_mum wrote: »

Buddy is a Lab/Setter, he is a brilliant dog. Setters have some wierd mannerisims that you may need to look at. Buddy circles about 5-6 times before he actually lays down, will try and scruff up a carpet to make it more comfortable. Loves drinking from running water rather than from still in a bowl. he is a great dog and his weird quirkyness makes him the stupid dog that i love so much.

My springer spaniel does this, I just assumed he was a bit dippy :rotfl:

virgin_moneysaver

when we 1st had the Springer & she was still energetic she'd go into the garden & bring me in gifts of hedgehogs, she never hurt them, very gentle in the mouth, hubby,d get some kitchen roll to pick 'em up & take them back out, where after about 5 mins they'd uncurl & scuttle back into the hedge from where they'd been rudely retrieved

hethmar

buddys_mum wrote: »

Buddy is a Lab/Setter, he is a brilliant dog. Setters have some wierd mannerisims that you may need to look at. Buddy circles about 5-6 times before he actually lays down, will try and scruff up a carpet to make it more comfortable. Loves drinking from running water rather than from still in a bowl. he is a great dog and his weird quirkyness makes him the stupid dog that i love so much.

Both my terriers do all that

buddys_mum

Okay, so it seems that its not just Buddy who is daft as a brush then.

Good luck with your choice of dog.

Raksha

kjmtidea wrote: »

My springer spaniel does this, I just assumed he was a bit dippy :rotfl:

So does my Springer........