What is impact of breeding on the hunting abilities of Setters?

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Breeding for Staunchness Breeding English Setters for staunchness has been a long-standing goal among breeders and hunters. Staunchness refers to a Setter’s ability to hold steady on point, refusing to move or break unless the hunter takes action. To breed for staunchness, breeders look for dogs with strong instincts, good nose quality, and a keen sense of awareness. A study by the English Setter Club found that dogs with a high level of staunchness were more likely to be descended from parents who were also staunch. Breeders can achieve this by selecting dogs that consistently hold steady on point and breeding them to other dogs with similar traits.
Breeding for Range English Setters are renowned for their ability to cover long distances while hunting, and breeding for range is an essential aspect of their development. To breed for range, breeders look for dogs with strong legs, good cardiovascular health, and a strong instinct to follow scents. A study by the Gundog Breeding Program found that dogs with a high level of range were more likely to have a genetic predisposition to endurance. Breeders can achieve this by selecting dogs that consistently cover long distances during hunting tests and breeding them to other dogs with similar traits.
Breeding for Nose Quality The nose is a critical aspect of an English Setter’s hunting ability, and breeding for nose quality is essential to develop a dog with a strong sense of smell. To breed for nose quality, breeders look for dogs with a strong instinct to follow scents and a keen sense of awareness. A study by the English Setter Club found that dogs with a high level of nose quality were more likely to be descended from parents who were also excellent trackers. Breeders can achieve this by selecting dogs that consistently locate game and breeding them to other dogs with similar traits.