Llewellin Setters Breeders Blog

We have been asked by a number of people if our discontinuance of advertising in Pointing Dog Journal is an indication that we are going out of the dog business.

Not at all.   But here are the facts surrounding this:-

I have been very concerned now for some time about the changing position of writers, editors, journalists and so called trainers towards the use of the electric collar. Don’t get me wrong, I am not at all opposed to the electric collar.  I own at least 6 of them of three different makes.

My concern is that the collar has now moved away from being a “training device” and is applied more or less as a permanent appendage to every dog running in the field. It is almost impossible to see a photograph in major publications such as Pointing Dog Journal where the dog is not burdened with this device. This goes for advertising, training articles, reader-submitted photos, dogs for sale classifieds, and so on. We have even moved to putting two collars on the dog, one around its waist as well.

Recently there was an article by Steve Smith , the Editor of Pointing Dog Journal, in which he extols the virtue of a specific band  of collar in the hunting field. We are not speaking of training here.

When I challenged him on this he declined to respond or debate the issue.  Clearly, if you read these magazines you will quickly observe that almost all of the advertising dollars are coming from collar manufacturers or trainers who advocate their use not only as a “training device” but as a means of handling a dog under all circumstances including during the hunt.

Here at Lynnhill Llewellins we are extremely opposed to this development. We have had numerous issues under our unconditional guarantee of dogs returned who were totally ruined by uneducated and excessive use of electric collars. This includes dogs who were “blinkers,” dogs who were collar smart (only controllable when the collar was on) dogs who were collar shy (headed for the next county as soon as shocked). Dogs where the entire drive had been neutralized and on and on.

We live in a technological time where people are wanting to believe that all you have to do is spend a few bucks and press a button and you will get results. Sadly, young people are being taught that this is in fact the case and the idea of bonding with the dog, teaching by kindness and repetition  and above all learning and accepting that as with all living creatures not all will be world class students, not all have the inherent ability nor the required geneological traits.  It matters not one iota how much you shock the dog, you can’t make a silk purse out of a sows ear!

At the end of the day, it has a lot to do with profit. A quick dollar for the makers, advertisers, journalists and magazines.  None  of them appear to be at all concerned with the long term effects on the bird dogs receiving this treatment.  Will future generations of bird dogs be altered forever by what we are doing to them?  I am sure the answer is a resounding YES.  We are destroying hundreds of years of breeding heritage and have entered the age of the final destruction of some of the most important sporting breeds on earth. Most of them developed by the British Aristocracy without regard to cost but with patience, knowledge, compassion and boundless enthusiasm always with the future of the breed at heart.

We  do not feel any longer that we can support any publication which represents itself as a champion of the bird dog breeds while advocating that the dogs be controlled while doing the very thing they were born to do by continuous electric shocks.  Look out now, the public relations guys are at work.  They call it “stimulation,”they call it “correction,”… “just a little nick.” Put it around your neck and try it! If this is such a humane and good idea then it’s way overdue for use on our teenagers.

Lets start to say it the way it is and although no doubt some good can be achieved in the right hands it would be much better in the end for our bird dogs if collars were banned altogether as they are in many European countries.

That my friends is why we no longer advertise in journals.

Keith H.Smith.    President.  Lynnhill Llewellin Setters.

Our wonderful stud dog, hunting friend and companion Bryn, was euthanized this month due to Kidney failure.

This devastating event was brought on by an infection of Leptospirosis which never presented any obvious symptoms until rapid weight loss and general malaise gave us concern. Despite aggressive treatment with antibiotics and IV hydration therapy the damage to the organs was irreversible.

We have always given all adult dogs inoculation against Lepto but frankly we were not as up-to-date on this disease as we should have been. We do suggest that all dog owners, especially Hunting Dog owners, familiarize themselves by reading some of the excellent materials on line.

There are in fact about 8 different strains of Leptospirosis and at present there are no vaccines which will protect your dog from all of them.  The best ones offer protection for about four strains.  In addition the vaccines are only effective for about 6 to 8 months.

You need to keep this in mind and re-vaccinate on a regular schedule

Infection is possible from many sources and the disease can be passed to humans as well.   The infected dog can pass it on by urine and body fluids. Most infection is probably picked up in the field by drinking infected water where Rats, Raccoons, mice etc. have been present.

Cats do not have a problem with Lepto.

We have been able to purchase a male pup from the last litter sired by Bryn and will be offering him at stud when he has matured and done his hunting apprenticeship.  The line will continue as we also have access to several other of Bryn’s offspring.

Please initiate a vaccination schedule for all of your dogs to protect them the best you can from this horrible affliction.  Try to keep drinking from stagnant water sources outside to a minimum and get the dog checked out if suffering from symptoms like shivering, weight loss, excessive drinking and urination.   Be sure to read up the subject on line and be informed.

Keith Smith    October 2008.

There is no doubt that the original use of the Llewellin Setter in England was in the field of Falconry. Many of the early breeders were also associated with this sport
and quickly discovered the superiority of a dog with keen nose and staunch pointing characteristics to hold the bird until the Falcon was released. This led to more spectacular flights since the Falcon could increase it’s height (stooping up) in anticipation.

William Humphrey, Marie Thérèse à Goës and the great British falconry expert Ronald Stevens as well as Mr Jack Mavrogordato are just a few of the people who frequented the Long Mynd to fly birds over Llewellin Setters. Mr. Roger Upton in his book “Hood, Leash and Lure” has documented and illustrated this activity very well and some of this activity was actually photographed by the former Scottish breeder Mr. Derry Argue.

Today, around the world we see a great interest in reviving the ancient art of Falconry and many programs are advertised, especially in the United States and the UK
to enable newcomers to get experience in the basic skills. The Llewellin Setter is being rediscovered as the best companion and working dog for Falconers and we are enjoying more frequent visits and business from this segment.

We are ourselves learning all the time about the unique bond which exists between the Falcons and the dogs and were at first amazed to see them travelling together in harmony in the back of vehicles crossing the country.

If you are becoming involved in this noble pursuit then give us a call and look into how your experience might be greatly enhanced by owning the right dog. We will connect you with the best prospects.

Keith Smith Aug. 2008

The subject of umbilical hernias comes up frequently. One must assume therefore that the condition also comes up frequently in many if not all breeds of dogs.
This is a subject where you will no doubt find variances in Veterinary opinions. Some vets clinging tenaciously to the opinion that all defects at the midline are hernias and therefore must be surgically repaired without delay and the dog never bred. End of subject. Naturally, you can never be shown to be wrong if you follow this course of action so you remain above criticism.

Research on line will only serve to confuse you more. I propose therefore to simply pass on to you my own experience, particularly with the Llewellin Setters and will then publish for you information what I consider to be one of the most valid and informed professional articles on this subject.

Delayed closures, which may or may not be actual hernias, are found in the Llewellin Setter. The offspring of certain bitches seem to produce examples more than others. This would indicate that it tends to be hereditary. Good breeders will try to phase these animals out of the breeding program since it is, if nothing else, a nuisance and a significant expense. Around $250 average to repair. If the animal is a female who will be spayed it is really not a problem at all since surgical entry can be made at the umbilical and repair made when closing. The repair is usually straightforward with no complications and the hunting dog’s life will go forward as normal.

It is my own experience that the majority of examples we see in Llewellin Setters are not in fact true hernias but rather delayed closures which resolve by 9 to 12 months. You will find vets who are adamant that this will never happen. Take it from a breeder it can and does happen with this breed. It is important to check every day to see that the protrusion stays soft and can be reduced (pushed back in) and that nothing is being trapped.

If you want to make an immediate contribution to your vet’s retirement fund, go ahead and get it fixed. Nothing lost beside your money. If you keep an eye on it and wait it out it will resolve most of the time.

From my kennel we would never sell you a pup with this condition unless we discuss it first and you understand the prognosis. Of course we work constantly to eradicate all congenital and hereditary situations but the fact is this has been cropping up for hundreds of years so we may have to work around it a bit longer.

Keith H. Smith

Taking Your Llewellin Setter Puppy Home

There is as much information published on how to nurture and raise your Llewellin puppy, as there is information of caring for a human baby. Frankly, some of the published information appears to be theoretical and much of it does not match our own experience. We thought we would therefore pass on our actual experience in a few areas in no particular order.

Road Trip or Air-ship?

We must say that even if it involves giving up a weekend and driving a few hundred miles, there is no substitute for giving the pup the attention it deserves at this time of departure from its siblings and entry into its new life style.

If possible, plan to have two persons in the car and hold the pup some of the time at least, on the lap, using a towel under him. He may throw up and that is to be expected on first car rides. Have a puppy crate along as well so you have a place to put him if you have to leave the vehicle or as an option. Here is another article with more information on car sickness.

Air-shipping your Llewellin pup may be your only option. If so, make it as easy on the little guy as you can. Ship him “Counter to Counter” and not airfreight. This costs $100 more but it’s the way to go. Some airlines will not take live animals (i.e. US Airways). Of those airlines that will ship puppies, some are better than others. Some are very marginal. Our best experiences by far have been with Continental and Delta. Both get our 5 star rating.

Get the dog breeder to give you a small sample of the puppy food he has been getting. You can mix this food 50/50 with your food of choice for a few days to avoid upset. Or of course feed the same feed he has been eating. Plan to stay with puppy food for the first year of the pup’s life.

The Pup’s First Days at Home

Once you get the puppy home, especially if he is to live in the house, a number of issues arise. The first one usually being house breaking. As an experienced Llewellin Setter breeder, here is how we handle this:

• Do not start out by allowing pup run of the house. This will compound the problem to no end. He will sneak into rooms and corners unseen to do his thing. Confine him to an assigned area–maybe the kitchen, the laundry room, an enclosed porch or whatever.
• Use baby toddler gates (get ‘em at Wal-Mart) to keep pup where you want him.
• Get pup a wire crate to sleep and hang out in. This is his special space. Don’t use a plastic shipping crate, they are too confining. He needs to be able to see around him.
• You can start by using newspaper as a place to “go”. Best, however, is to establish a routine of putting pup outside as soon as he wakes from snoozing or right after eating. Most pups will get the idea quickly but expect some “accidents” for a while, of course.

See Housebreaking Your Llewellin Setter Pup.

(Read on …)

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The à Goës family is an old family located in Longueville, east of Brussels, Belgium. In many ways similar to the Humphrey family in England, they have been long associated with Falconry and members of the family had been servants of the Belgian Royal family in the capacity of Falconers.
Marie Thérèse went to England quite often when she was a young woman, especially right after the world war period. On these occasions she visited and stayed with William Humphrey and his family at Lake Cottage. She also was a friend of the then owner of Walcott Hall, Ronald Stevens. Ronald was perhaps the most important English falconers of his generation and also a well known author on the subject.

Marie Thérèse had acquired some special skills relative to the replacement of flight feathers in Falcons which are often shed in the heat of battle making the bird incapable of hunting. This made her very popular with the falconry fraternity and always a welcome visitor. She was a special favorite of William Humphrey who shared his knowledge of the Llewellin Setter and they often hunted together around the British Isles. Marie Thérèse became expert in her knowledge of the dogs and their use both to the gun and the falcon. It was then no surprise that William left a large part of his kennel to her upon his death and these dogs were taken to Belgium to establish the kennel which Marie named, “D’Hurlain Pré.” In French that means “The Meadows of Hurlain” which was the area adjacent to her home.

I visited many times with Mlle à Goës in the years before her death at age 84. She never married and always had devoted all of her energies to her dog breeding program. Many of her major customers were Italians—mostly aristocrats. This accounts for many of the Llewellin Setters in Italy today. Mlle was President of the English Setter Club of Belgium and a recognized authority on every aspect of the Setter breed. She actually had no love at all for Americans, convinced that we screwed up every breed of dog we ever touched. The dogs she actually sold to Americans were certainly not more than three or four. I am very pleased to say that I was one of them!

When we made the deal she told me, “Mr. Smith, I am not selling you a dog so you can make a name for yourself with him. You are not important! All that matters is the breed. You must promise to make him available to any well-bred Llewellin with good pedigree, good health, good personality and especially good bird dog abilities.” I have tried to do this up until the eventual death of Count Gladstone Wind’em D’Hurlain Pré.
I must say that on occasion my motives were questioned when I called breeders offering his services…So be it.

I have two fine sons of the Count in my kennel and his blood can now be found across the U.S.A., which is what we set out to do. This infusion will be working in favor of our breed for years to come.

Keith H. Smith

Well here it is, fall has arrived. Are you any better prepared for the season than you were last year? Didn’t you promise yourself that you would be? Did you start earlier getting your dog into shape and working off some of the excess he put on while you were playing golf and sitting around in the sun? We try to work ours at least half an hour each day before the heat settles in. We admit to doing it these days from the cab of the Kawasaki Mule which has become a tool we could no longer do without. In fact we wore one out and are working on the second one. If you have ever thought about buying a four wheeler of this type let me say that our first one was gasoline powered and the new one is a diesel. That was a big mistake in retrospect. The diesel is far too noisy, does not warm up to operating temperature fast enough in winter and uses more fuel per mile. Plus the fuel is now over $3.00 a gallon. Maybe the engine life will be longer but the gasoline one ran for ten years, not bad.
My biggest gripe with the Kawasaki is the dismal top speed which makes the occasional excursion onto public dirt roads hazardous to say the least. We have to go downhill to get it over 15mph!
We notice competitors advertising as much as 50 mph top speed and that is a significant improvement. If you are in the market for such a vehicle to use in the field or in dog training transportation you should shop around and maybe think about our experience.
Take a look at Kubota and Polaris and others and compare. Ask about top speed. Usually we don’t because we are not racers and don’t want to give the impression that speeding along is what we want to do. It is, however, an important feature as you will find out when your speedometer is pegged at 15!

Nothing is any more devastating to the breeder and the owner of a gun dog than to discover that Degenerative Joint Disease (Hip Dysplasia) is present. This is especially sad when it makes itself obvious only after much time has been spent and financial investment has been made in the training of a Bird Dog.

A responsible breeder will try to do everything possible to ensure that this cannot happen. Sadly, there is no way known at this time to eliminate hip problems in any breed of dog. The causes are multi genetic which means that in spite of using all known methods to reduce the incidence of the disease, it can–and does–crop up.

As in all genetic disorders a dog can be completely free of the problem itself but still be a carrier of the disease and pass it onto the offspring. This is why it is very important that any dog you buy be from parents who have been evaluated by one of the two known methods. Not only for your own dog’s sake but also for future generations, should you choose to breed your dog. (Read on …)