I'm Cynthia S., the breeder behind Cynthia Stanford's Irish Setters located in Los Gatos, CA. We're a home-run breeder and shower of Irish Setters with over 46 years experience. We're built upon love & respect for the breed. My dogs are bred for conformation, field, and obedience. They are athletic members of my family. I show my own dogs and am happy to mentor others. I use COI ratios in putting together pedigrees. I primarily breed for myself, but am happy to have found wonderful families that want to continue my line. Our dogs are raised in our home and live life with us.
Q. & A. with Cynthia
Why did you start breeding?
My first Irish Setter came from a show line... he won quickly, and I was hooked. That led to purchasing a quality female and going from there.
What makes your program special?
I breed to come as close to the standard as I can get and also preserve the hunting qualities of the Irish. Many of my dogs have done well in the field as well as in the breed ring. I've finished most of my dogs myself. My dogs' head type, fronts, and athleticism is up to standard. I've been told you can recognize my dogs in the ring by their wonderful side gait.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Cynthia
Cynthia has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
Puppy prices include between $2,500 - $3,500 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“Includes a health guarantee, registration, plus 30 days of insurance. I only accept deposits once my litter is on the ground and I can determine what is available. I rarely make money! Some of my best dogs have gone to homes that I know will care for them in the same way I do. I've always said that there isn't any money in good dogs.... just badly bred dogs. I strive for quality over quantity.”
Contract & health guarantee
Cynthia may provide a written contract or
health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps
protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you
both have a clear understanding of the terms of your
puppy purchase. If Cynthia offers a contract
or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them.
If you have any questions or want to know more,
don’t hesitate to reach out to Cynthia directly.
Cynthia Stanford's Irish Setters meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
Responsible breeding practices
Health of breeding dogs and puppies
Puppy environment and enrichment
Buyer education and policies
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Cynthia Stanford's Irish Setters reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Irish Setters.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Thyroid (Autoimmune Thyroiditis, registered with OFA)
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
PRA, Irish Setter Type
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).