We are breeding for the perfect Gentleman’s Shooting Dog. In terms of hunting ability, our yardstick is their ability to consistently handle Ruffed Grouse. A dog with the nose, brains, and talent to consistently handle grouse can learn the rest of the game birds relatively easily. Their appearance should be of good English Setter type and be as close to show appearance as they can be without giving up ANY field performance. Physically, the standard is an elegant, efficient athlete with a structure that allows a setter to hunt all day in demanding terrain and conditions.

Some historical quotes that explain the Gentlemen’s Shooting Dog:

George Ryman – 1935: “The better type of English Setter, the DUAL TYPE: which means the kind that are fit to shoot over in the field on game and the kind that are fit to look at or have about the home the balance of the year and be appreciated. We call them show types with field quality.”

George Bird Evans -1971: The Upland Shooting Life: “The urge to shoot over dogs with the deep muzzles and sensitive skulls of the better old-time grouse and woodcock dogs might seem to have no basis in function, but head formation is related to type of brain. If the fleet modern trial dog bred for competitive drive has changed in appearance it may be that the calm, easy-to-handle grouse dog of former years looked the way that he did for a reason.”

George Ryman - 1935: “It is true that every real sportsman, who loves that great grand sporting dog, the ENGLISH SETTER, loves real ENGLISH SETTER TYPE, SIZE, COLOR, and COAT coupled with real shooting dog qualities on game in the field, whatever game bird it may be. GROUSE, WOODCOCK, QUAIL, SNIPE, or ENGLISH PHEASANT, or HUNGARIAN PARTRIDGE, or all of them, hopes to own a dog that has pointing instinct and bird finding brains: the dog that will hunt for you, not the dog that you have to hunt for, and the game too.”

The Orvis Company - Fall Catalog 1998: “These substantial setters are bred for the dual purpose of hunter and well-mannered companion. It’s a captivating combination of traits that DeCoverly refuses to compromise and the result is spectacular.”

Bob Wehle - 1964: Wing and Shot: “You may say, “Well, I want a dog for shooting and I’m not particularly concerned about his looks.” My answer to this is, number one, your dog should conform to a good standard to be physically capable of doing the many things you are going to ask of him. For instance, you will probably expect your dog to have endurance and hunt several hours a day, maybe several days in a row. In order to do this, his body must be constructed correctly. You will want him to have a fast, smooth, graceful gait. Again, he has to be made right. You will expect to get many years of hunting from him. If his feet, legs, and body are properly formed, he should fulfill this expectation. A second reason why the dog should be good looking is simply for the sheer pride and joy of ownership. Most sportsmen I know have a pretty good idea of what a bird dog should look like and they are quick to recognize one when they see one. Not only will you get much pleasure from watching such a dog perform, but you will get much food for your vanity in owning such a prize. Also remember that a common looking dog eats just as much as a good-looking one. Do not believe that poppycock about a dog being beautiful but dumb. That is no more true with dogs than it is with people.”