Breeders of American Water Spaniels should make every
attempt to stay informed in the field of genetics and work
persistently to eliminate hereditary problems from the
breed. No dog or bitch lacking natural hunting ability or
showing a serious inherited defect in type, structure or
temperament should be used for breeding purposes. Nor should
any dog or bitch which has produced offspring with poor
temperament, or serious inherited defects detrimental to
the animals well being, such as, but not limited to
blindness, deafness, subluxating patella, epilepsy, or
impairment of vital functions, and produces like results
with a different mating partner be used for any further
breeding.

Breeders should breed only healthy dogs and bitches two
years of age or older who have had hips x-rayed free of hip
dysplasia and OFA Certified, have been examined by a Board
Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist and are CERF Certified
at one to two years of age and every 24 months thereafter,
and are free of other serious hereditary problems.

All breeds have some genetic problems. Fortunately, English
Setters have relatively few, but you should be aware of the
following:

Canine Hip Dysplasia. This is an inherited abnormality of
the hip joint that can lead to arthritic problems later in
life. Responsible breeders x-ray the hips of their breeding
stock and evaluate their suitability for breeding. The
current average for hip dysplasia in English Setters is
about 24% affected, and the percentage is decreasing, due to
responsible breeding practices. This disease is very
complex and not well understood. There is no way to
guarantee that you will not get a puppy with hip dysplasia,
but you can maximize your chances for good hips by looking
for lots of good hips in the pedigree. Ask the breeder to
explain the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or
PennHip registries to you and to tell you which dogs in the
pedigree have had their hips certified as showing no
evidence of dysplasia by one or both of these organizations
or by a reliable and experienced local veterinarian.
Nutrition and exercise also play a role in the expression of
the trait. Affected dogs that are allowed to get too heavy
or that do not get enough exercise may stand an increased
chance of developing a disabling case of hip dysplasia.

Elbow Dysplasia. English Setters also can develop elbow
dysplasia. This is an inherited abnormality of the elbow
joint that can cause lameness of the forelimbs. X-rays are
the way to confirm a diagnosis.

Other. English Setters have been susceptible to other health
problems that the buyer need be aware. These problems, while
not affecting a large percentage of the breed, are
nonetheless present. These include canine hypothyroidism, a
thyroid deficiency that is easily controlled through
medication and diet. Allergies to pollen, flea bites, and
molds are also known to affect English Setters. As in
any allergic patient, medication and proper environmental
control can keep the dog healthy and normal in all respects.
Recently, the research of Canine congenital deafness has
been joined by English Setter Breeders. Preliminary data
suggests that approximately 10% of the breed may be deaf in
both ears (bilateral deafness) or deaf in one ear unilateral
deafness). The positive diagnosis is confirmed by the
Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test, which can be
easily performed after the puppies are 5 weeks of age.
While unilateral deafness is not preferred by breeders of
show and field trial Setters, a unilateral dog will be
normal in all other respects. However, unilaterally deaf
dogs should not be bred, as they will pass on the defect.

Other than the previously mentioned issues, English Setters
are a strong and sturdy animal.

The ACC Board of Directors strongly recommends that all
breeding stock be free of hip dysplasia and all hereditary
eye diseases.