Irish Setter Q & A
“They connect to their families on a very deep level and seem to feel everything that their owners feel. They get into their owners souls with a devotion and unconditional love that is unmatched.”
Anne Marie Kubacz continued
It is very disappointing to see judges make decisions on down and back of our breed. Moving them around from the side tells you much more about what makes an Irish Setter an Irish Setter. Also as our standard says “no part should call attention to itself”. Balance is key on an Irish Setter. Don’t fault judge! Find the best dog not the best “part”. And finally Irish Setters shouldn’t “bounce” or have a spring- like stride when they move. Think of the phrase “clipping daisies” when you watch them move, along with looking for effortless reach and drive. My ultimate goal for the breed? To produce healthy pets with great temperament; any titles the dogs get in show, field, agility, obedience, rally, dock diving, scent work etc is the icing on the cake but being a great healthy companion is most important to us. My favorite dog show memory? While both my husband, Randy, and I have handled National Specialty and Best in Show winners, my favorite memory is watching our then 16 year old son, Peter, handle a Best of Breed winner at the Irish Setter Club of America National Specialty. A close second is watching Peter judge the Irish Setter Club of America National sweepstakes classes, the youngest person ever to be voted for that honor by ISCA members. We are so lucky to have a son who shares our passion. KIMBERLY LAMONTAGNE I live in Colorado. Outside of dogs, I work full time for IBM and my husband enjoys cooking, hiking and spending time with family. Does the average person in the street recognize the breed? I am 50/50 on this one. Many people ask what breed I have and many know it’s an Irish Setter. The two most common things people say is, “I had one growing up” and “You don’t see many of them any more”. I have never had trouble placing puppies as many of my puppy buyers are repeat. I don’t breed too often so I don’t have too many to worry about. How has the breed adapted to civilian life? I’m not sure what this means. What qualities in the field also come in handy around the house? Good recall, sit and down. What about the breed makes them an ideal companion? Friend- liness, loyalty and loving dogs. They are great for active people, usually good with children. Drawbacks? They need an active fam- ily and free run in additional to frequent leash walking. An Irish needs to have his “run”. Not meant for apartment living until they become seniors. What special challenges do breeders face in our current eco- nomic and social climate? People are looking for the latest thing, the latest gadget, latest phone, latest device, latest dog breed. The ever disappointing something-doodle. At what age do I start to see definite signs of show-worthiness? At ten weeks. Then review at 12 months. The most important thing about the breed for a new judge to keep in mind? It’s not about how much coat. It’s not about just a pretty head, although it should resemble the standard. Puppies are puppies and don’t hold anything against them, they will change.
My ultimate goal for the breed? To continue on as meant to be without morphing into something trendy. MARY MOULTON-BATEMAN I live in Wells, Maine. Outside of dogs, I’m a retired US Post- master, Sit on Board of Governors for York County Audubon, Sit on Board for ISCNE, Avid gardener, Avid Birder, Avid walker/hiker, love traveling. Does the average person in the street recognize the breed? I’d say about 75% of the people recognize our dogs as Irish Setters. The people that contact us are mostly prior Irish Setter owners or people who have a good knowledge of the breed. How has the breed adapted to civilian life? A Sporting dog requires a special household to be a perfect fit. I do not find this to be true of show bred Irish Setters. Our dogs love being house dogs, are not excessively driven to be in a hunting mode, they love being with their humans, lounging on the couches, going for walks, hikes, romping outside with kennelmates, going to obedience or handling classes. What about the breed makes him an ideal companion? Their total devotion to their humans. Drawbacks are they require brush- ing and grooming to keep their gorgeous coats and feathers free of mats. What special challenges do us breeders face in our current eco- nomic and social climate? No more challenges than any other pure- bred breed. If a person wants a well bred, healthy dog they will be willing to purchase from a reputable breeder who does the proper health testing. At what age do I start to see definite signs of show-worthiness? Eight to 16 weeks. What is the most important thing about the breed for a new judge to keep in mind? Balance is key, front angle should match rear angles, movement should be fluid and free, toplines should be strong with no dips in spine and no roaches, hocks should be nice and straight when standing relaxed, hocking in when standing or moving is not acceptable nor are hocks that are too long, Irish should have a soft expression with nice dark eyes, they should have a nice front sternum, depth and width of chest, ribs should be well sprung and should reach the elbow, movement should be fluid. What is my ultimate goal for the breed? Producing health, cor- rect and balanced setters with wonderful temperaments. My favorite dog show memory? There have been so many. Just watching our dogs perform well and win in the rings gives us great pleasure. Irish Setters are wonderful family members. Show bred Setters have fabulous, sound, loving temperaments. They have exceptional bonds with their families and welcome everyone into their world. They connect to their families on a very deep level and seem to feel everything that their owners feel. They get into their owners souls with a devotion and unconditional love that is unmatched.
300 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , D ECEMBER 2019
Powered by FlippingBook