I don't necessarily agree with the advice that all breeders must provide OFA and/or CERF certification for them to be reputable.

I only have one litter per year, and I lease my male dog out for stud about twice more, for which a pup is usually the payment. I don't certify my dogs simply because it is cost prohibitive, and this would require me to charge an exorbitant amount for pups to recoup those expenditures. I know my dogs have good hips, elbows and eyes, and I offer to buy back any pup that doesn't. So far, I have never had to do so.

Also, measuring a dog against the AKC standard really has nothing to do with getting a good field dog. My English Setters are field-bred dogs, and as such are registered solely with the American Field FDSB. They bear little resemblance to the AKC show-type dogs, and they will absolutely leave in the dust the long-haired, lumbering, block-headed show dogs when it comes time for field work. They will then curl up at your feet by the fireplace in the evening, and be a nice, mellow house dog the rest of the time.

Mine also are able to compete in foot-hunting field trials, then go hunting at an appropriate range in any type of cover for any type of game bird. They are extremely easy to handle, and I often lend them to buddies who take them out hunting with excellent results. I've even had others handle them successfully in field trials.

I really don't classify myself as a breeder, however, so maybe you should look for these things when getting a pup from a breeder who sells puppies for a living. I'm just a bird hunter and part-time walking field trialer who breeds an occasional litter for friends and competitiors.

Good Dogwork and Good Hunting

Edited by - seattlesetters on 11/25/2002 23:00:56