INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

Nicky and Sylvia have been equally involved in YENNADON, from choosing our first Gordon puppy when Nicky was a teenager, then exhibiting, working and breeding since 1981. We live a few miles apart and usually have 7 or 8 Gordons between us, 5 bitches and 2 dogs, from 18 months to 12 years. Our dogs are a huge part of our lives and very much family companions.

Maintaining the tradition of Setter and Pointer field work is of major importance to us, and we aspire to breed achievers in the show ring who work to a high standard. We have owned/bred 7 (full) Champions, in addition to C.C. and Reserve C.C. winners for ourselves and other owners. We are immensely grateful to our owners who put in much effort exhibiting, agility, field work, good citizen awards and other activities, in addition to enjoying their Gordons as valued members of the family. Without their dedication Yennadon would not have the reputation it enjoys today.

We are always willing to discuss the characteristics of our breed with those anxious to learn, and welcome visits from potential owners with active lifestyles, who offer commitment, time, and good, lifelong homes. It is usual for us to have a waiting list for puppies. Our bitches typically have 1 or 2 litters and puppies are reared with care and dedication in a domestic environment. We place great emphasis on socialisation, and the development of well adjusted, robust temperaments. Since the acquisition of our first Gordon we have been keen advocates of the hip scoring scheme, being awarded the Cunningham Trophy for the best hip scored litter in 2006.

Both of us are active on breed committees. Nicky is President of the G.S.A., judges at Open level in the show-ring, and had her first invitation to judge field trials in 2005. She is a member of Irish Setter Association and Setter and Pointer Club field trial sub committee. Sylvia awards C.C.'s in the breed, was Chairman of the breed rehoming service (U.G.S.R.) for 15 years, a committee member of the Gordon Setter Field Trial Society, and is one of their reps. on the Breed Council. We have visited Gordon kennels in Australia, New Zealand and Poland and enjoy dialogue with Gordoners around the world. Sylvia has judged in New Zealand and Poland.

It gives us enormous pleasure to follow the progress of our puppies, from when they leave us to start their lives with their proud new owners, into adulthood. Enjoying an active, stimulating life is as important as the more formal disciplines of working, agility and exhibiting. Getting the best from a wide-ranging, galloping breed requires effort and concentration, but is hugely rewarding. Of course, response to training depends on the character and breeding of the Gordon, but also, importantly, on the owners ability and dedication. It hardly needs saying that we are happy to offer support and guidance throughout the dog's life.