Temperament: This is my foremost concern, and I always strive to produce sweet-natured, outgoing, people-oriented pups that are gentle with children, tolerant with outsiders, eager to please their owners, and protective of their family and surroundings without being aggressive towards other dogs or people. I will not use a temperamentally challenged dog for breeding purposes. However, even the best natured dog can become a problem if not raised properly. A Gordon Setter may not be the ideal dog for your lifestyle. If you have your heart set on a Gordon, please be prepared to answer questions about yourself and the environment the dog will be raised in.

Physical Soundness: Any dog I breed must be sound and clear of Hip Dysplasia. It is also a requirement in my contract for any buyer to have the puppy ex-rayed at two years of age, and the ex-rays sent to OFA for certification. All pups are raised on a program of sound nutrition, with regular vaccinations and wormings in accordance with the most up-to-date veterinary recommendations. Dewclaws are removed from all pups.

Top Show or Field prospects: Any puppy deemed a top show or field prospect is expected to be shown or competed to their full potential. Any knowledgeable assistance will be gladly given at the buyer’s request, either from myself, or another more knowledgeable person. All expenses incurred are the buyer’s responsibility while in their care, and mine while in my care. I will gladly help anyone enter the dog show world, and introduce them to Gordon Setter owners and lovers everywhere.

Co-ownerships: All show prospects are sold on a co-ownership. Pet puppies are sold on a limited registration/spay or neuter contract. I also require that the puppy shall have AnamCara as part of the puppy’s registered name. In some cases, I may ask for very limited breeding rights (such as a stud service or a puppy back from a future litter), with agreement by all. Many people only wish to have a talented dog in their home, and do not wish to become breeders. I can respect that. I merely wish for the right home for each puppy, and good relationship with his or her owners.

Natural Hunting Instincts: Any natural hunting instincts, depending on the breeding, will be strongly encouraged from a very early age. At 5 weeks of age pups start pointing a game bird wing on a fishing pole; at 6 weeks they have their first live birds: pigeons or quail. By 7 weeks I will know which are the birdiest pups for folks interested in hunting or competitive field trial events.

Beauty, Brains, and Birdsense: The coveted BBB in Gordons is always my ultimate goal: Conformational Champion (Beauty), Obedience Title (Brains), and Hunting Title (Bird-sense). A conformationally correct Gordon is a sight to behold. Their beauty holds no bounds. I also believe all dogs should be obedience trained, whether they earn a title or not. They are much happier knowing exactly what you want from them, and are much more willing to give it. And last, but not least, hunting is what Gordons were bred to do from day-one. Nothing makes my heart pound harder than when I see my Gordon on point, nose quivering, breath softly blowing out the lips, and his beautiful eyes keen on finding the bird he has scented.