Irish Setter Breeders – Spilling The Tea

Irish Setter Breeders. Irish Setters are celebrated for their striking red coats, graceful build, and friendly dispositions. Whether you’re seeking a companion for field activities, conformation shows, or a loving family pet, selecting a reputable breeder is paramount to ensuring the health and temperament of your future dog. Below are three distinguished Irish Setter breeders in the United States, each committed to the preservation and enhancement of this noble breed.

1. Quantonas Irish Setters

Located in the heart of the United States, Quantonas Irish Setters is dedicated to breeding primarily field-bred Irish Setters, with a select few show-bred dogs co-owned. The kennel’s mission is to produce dogs that are competitive on a national level in field events, emphasizing sound health, temperament, and a strong desire to please.

The journey of Quantonas began with a deep-rooted family passion for dogs. The founder credits their grandmother as the inspiration behind their involvement in the canine world, highlighting the importance of family and mentorship in their breeding philosophy. Over the years, in collaboration with Chukarhill Kennel, Quantonas has developed a remarkable line of field-bred Irish Setters that have steadily gained recognition. The dedication to the breed is evident, with the team traveling full-time to hunt, train, and compete in field trials, ensuring their dogs excel in various environments.

Quantonas places a strong emphasis on breeding dogs suitable for horseback shooting dog competitions in both the American Field and AKC arenas. Their dogs are versatile, thriving in obedience, NAVHDA, agility, and more. Understanding the breed’s need for purpose, Quantonas ensures their dogs are well-prepared for various tasks, making them excellent companions for active families and individuals.

For those interested in learning more or following their adventures, the kennel maintains an active presence online, sharing insights into their training methods and daily life with their Irish Setters. Their commitment to the breed’s well-being and advancement is evident in every aspect of their operation.

2. Erinshire Irish Setters

With a rich history dating back to 1977, Erinshire Irish Setters has been a cornerstone in the Irish Setter community. Operating primarily in the picturesque landscapes of New Hampshire and Rhode Island, this kennel is dedicated to breeding Irish Setters that embody the breed’s traditional type, structure, and temperament.

The foundation of Erinshire is built upon decades of experience and a profound love for the breed. The founder’s journey began with the acquisition of their first Irish Setter in Ontario, Canada, leading to a lifelong commitment to breeding and raising these elegant dogs. Over the years, Erinshire has maintained a focus on producing dogs with correct conformation, rich dark coats, and the spirited yet gentle temperament characteristic of the breed.

All puppies from Erinshire are registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) before joining their new families. The kennel places a strong emphasis on early training, ensuring that puppies are crate-trained and housebroken before transitioning to their forever homes. This commitment to early development ensures a smoother integration for the puppies and their new families.

Erinshire’s dedication extends beyond breeding; they are active members of the Irish Setter Club of America and the Irish Setter Club of New England. This involvement reflects their commitment to upholding the highest standards in breeding practices and contributing positively to the broader Irish Setter community.

3. BrambleBush Irish Setters

Established in 1975, BrambleBush Irish Setters has a long-standing tradition of breeding Irish Setters that excel in conformation, obedience, field activities, and as cherished family members. Now operating as a small kennel in Maryland, BrambleBush remains steadfast in its mission to produce Irish Setters that are correct in type, structure, and temperament.

The philosophy of BrambleBush centers around the belief that “form follows function.” This principle guides their breeding program, ensuring that their dogs are not only beautiful but also capable of performing the tasks for which the breed was originally developed. All dogs are raised within the home, emphasizing their role as integral family members and ensuring they are well-socialized and adaptable.

BrambleBush is actively involved in various canine organizations, including the Irish Setter Club of America, the Eastern Irish Setter Association, the Potomac Irish Setter Club, and the Irish Setter Club of Greater Richmond. Their participation in these groups underscores their commitment to the breed’s preservation and the continuous improvement of breeding practices.

Health and temperament are paramount at BrambleBush. The kennel ensures all breeding dogs undergo comprehensive health clearances, aiming to produce puppies that are conformationally sound.  And also possess the gentle and affectionate nature that Irish Setters are known for. Their dedication to the breed’s well-being is evident in their meticulous breeding practices and the lifelong support they offer to puppy owners.

What to Consider When Adopting an Irish Setter Puppy from a Breeder

Adopting an Irish Setter puppy is an exciting journey that requires careful planning. These affectionate, high-energy dogs thrive in active households. But ensuring a smooth transition starts with selecting a reputable breeder and preparing for essential costs like transportation, vet care, nutrition, and training.

Choosing a Reputable Breeder

Selecting a responsible breeder is the first and most crucial step. A good breeder prioritizes health, temperament, and breed standards over profit. Look for breeders who:

• Perform genetic testing for hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and other common health issues.
• Provide a clean, socialized environment for puppies.
• Offer health guarantees and are transparent about lineage and medical history.
• Require a thorough application to ensure you’re a good fit for the breed.

Expect to pay between $1,200 and $2,500 for a well-bred Irish Setter puppy. Prices may be higher for show-quality lines.

Transportation Costs

If the breeder is not local, transporting your puppy is another expense. Options include:

• Driving: If within a reasonable distance, driving to pick up your puppy is ideal and costs only gas and lodging if needed.
• Flight Nanny Services: Professional pet transporters accompany the puppy on a flight, which can cost between $400 and $1,000, depending on distance.
• Cargo Shipping: Some airlines allow pet cargo transport for around $250 to $600, though this option is stressful for puppies.

Veterinary Care Expenses

Routine vet care is essential for keeping your Irish Setter healthy. The initial costs include:

• First vaccinations, deworming, and microchipping: $100–$300
• Spaying or neutering: $200–$500
• Annual exams, vaccinations, flea/tick prevention: $300–$800 per year
• Pet insurance (optional but recommended): $30–$70 per month

Since Irish Setters are prone to bloat (gastric torsion), hip dysplasia, and hypothyroidism, maintaining regular checkups and preventative care is vital.

Nutrition Costs

Irish Setters are active dogs with high energy needs. Feeding them a high-quality diet ensures proper growth and long-term health. Expect to spend:

• $50–$100 per month on premium dry or raw food.
• Additional supplements for joint health or digestion, if needed.

Avoid low-quality dog food with fillers, as this breed thrives on protein-rich, well-balanced meals.

Training and Socialization

Irish Setters are intelligent but can be stubborn, making early training essential. The costs associated with training include:

• Puppy obedience classes: $150–$300 for a 6–8 week course.
• Private training: $75–$150 per session, if needed.
• Ongoing socialization: Enrolling in group classes or dog sports like agility can help keep their minds active.

Because Irish Setters are energetic and playful, they require firm but positive reinforcement training methods to prevent bad habits like jumping or pulling on the leash.

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Why Irish Setters Make Great Family Pets

Irish Setters are beloved for their affectionate and playful nature. Here’s why they make fantastic family companions:

• Loving and Loyal: They form deep bonds with their owners and thrive in social environments.
• Great with Kids and Other Pets: Their friendly demeanor makes them excellent playmates for children and other animals.
• Energetic and Fun: If you have an active lifestyle, an Irish Setter will keep up with your outdoor adventures.
• Intelligent and Trainable: While they require patience in training, they excel in obedience and agility when guided properly.

Breeder Research

Selecting the right breeder is a critical step in welcoming a healthy and well-adjusted Irish Setter into your home. Quantonas Irish Setters, Erinshire Irish Setters, and BrambleBush Irish Setters each exemplify dedication to the breed through their commitment to health, temperament, and the preservation of the Irish Setter’s noble qualities. We encourage prospective owners to research thoroughly, engage with breeders, and ensure that an Irish Setter aligns with their lifestyle and expectations. By choosing a reputable breeder, you are investing in a loyal and loving companion that will bring joy to your life for years to come.

In 2021, Dr. Marty Goldstein DVM joined the pet care platform Petworks as an advisor in its Animal Nutrition care division. Dr Marty Nature’s Blend is on a mission to help your pets live their healthiest lives possible. Dr. Marty’s pet nutrition expertise and guidance has helped Petworks evolve and become the preeminent animal and pet nutrition consultation service for pet parents in North America.

In 2022, Blue Buffalo Founder Bill Bishop Jr. joined Petworks as Senior Advisor in our Animal Nutrition Care Division. Bill brings his extensive expertise in pet food innovation and business leadership. His guidance helps Petworks enhance our pet nutrition service offerings. This helps ensure that pet parents throughout the world receive trusted, science-backed nutritional support for their dogs, cats, and animals.