a step above!

At Dancin’ Setters Kennel, the primary objective is, always, to further the Irish Setter breed.  I maintain a high standard for my breeding program.  First, and foremost, all breeding is calculated to enhance the health, temperament, beauty and conformation to the Irish Setter standard…as well as brains. 

My philosophy is based on significant statistical research on the subject.  I work closely with friends in the Theriogeneological Department at Cornell University, and a geneticist friend of mine, to evaluate all pedigrees.  Inbreeding coefficients are calculated and evaluated for every possible litter I consider.  If the coefficients are too high, on paper, then I avoid the match.  I feel it is important to stay within 3% of the parents and grandparents.  I believe that, ideally, the overall coefficient should be 6%, or under, for an out cross and a maximum of 10% for a line breeding. 

Breeders certainly can’t predict every possible combination of DNA that might occur…but I feel that we do have the obligation to do our homework to minimize inbreeding and the defects that inbreeding can elicit and, as a result of our efforts, enhance the breed and its genetic pool so that we can enjoy our beloved Irish Setters for generations to come.