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Casper

Does fixing an Irish Setter ruin their hair?

I had the breeder of an Irish Setter I'm thinking of buying tell me not to fix her as it ruins their coat; making it brittle and dull. I hadn't heard this before so tried to research it online - nothing. What have you all experienced? Thanks.


Asked by Casper on Apr 21st 2008 Tagged irishsetter, irishsetters, fix, spay, hair, coat in Breeds
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Layla

That's a pretty ridiculous thing for a breeder to tell you. We dont have that breed but have spayed several dogs and have never noticed anything different with their coats.

Can you imagine dealing with heat cycles? Keeping your dog sequestered for weeks at a time which means constant supervision while in the yard, no contact with intact males, etc. Not really a fun time to have an unaltered female.

And then could you deal with the aftermath if something did happen and you had an unfortunate litter of unwanted puppies? What if you couldnt find homes for all of them, would you keep them, would you surrender them to a pound and **hope** they got adopted and not euthanized?

Certainly not things I'd sacrifice for the sake of **possibly** making her coat dull.


Layla answered on 4/21/08. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Gray Dawn Treader

It sounds rediculous to me. Spaying a dog would never do that. Even if it would, I'd much rather have a dog with a dull coat that to put up with messy heat cycles.


Gray Dawn Treader answered on 4/21/08. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


The Beach Boys (pups)

www.petfinder.com

This is the link to only SOME of the Irish Setters that NEED homes in California.

What that breeder told you was a lie. And if you plan on buying from her, I would steer clear of her. If you don't plan on Showing your dog, why not adopt? Thousands of dogs (including purebreds and mixes) need homes across the country.
Having your girl fixed will only let her live a happier, healthier, and longer life.


The Beach Boys (pups) answered on 4/21/08. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Lily

I've never had an Irish Setter, But I've had 7 spayed females over the years and their coats have been thick and shiny. Lily's red hair is fine and shiny and her white hair is coarser and sparkles in the light.
Spay the animal, feed her a good diet for her health and coat. Enjoy the no heats, no pups, and a healthier, longer lived dog. Slip her a fish oil capsule if you're concerned about her coat.


Lily answered on 4/21/08. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Desoto

I agree with the previous posters this breeder is off-base. I had a collie who was fixed when we adopted him at 6 months and his coat was the thickest and shiniest of any dog I have ever seen. I would re-concider getting a dog off her, mind you Ive never had a setter..


Desoto answered on 4/21/08. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Jackson

The reproductive system has nothing to do with the coat...so...if you wanna spay her,go right ahead...you'll still have a glamorous coat with the right grroming and nutrition.


Jackson answered on 4/23/08. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


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