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About Us
Welcome to our site!
Challenger Setters was established in 1972 during the height of the popularity of Irish Setters by Bob and Pat Robinson. They soon combined the Shawnee line with the Courtwood line developing their Challenger line from there. In the early 1980s Mj Mowry acquired a show puppy from Bob and Pat, an enduring friendship was formed and the threesome have been showing and breeding Irish ever since. The Challenger Setters team are AKC Breeders of Merit.
Bob and Mj pursued owner handling and finished many of our dogs from the Bred By Exhibitor class. We have had some lovely dogs over the years and have tasted great success in the conformation ring and lately in field trials and agility. Our puppies have some astonishing owners that are doing great things with Challenger dogs.
Bob and Pat are both licensed AKC Dog Show judges and qualified to judge a large number of different breeds. Bob, Pat and Mj have been very involved with the Irish Setter Club of America at the Board and officer level as well as with stints with editorship of the club’s magazine, website development and organizing of several National Specialty shows. Challenger Setters remain very active in local clubs serving as officers and directors of the Irish Setter Club of Arizona, the Stewards Club of Arizona, and as founding members of the Sporting Dog Association of Arizona.
Breeding Philosophy
We believe in breeding sound dogs, with wonderful stable temperaments that are healthy and free from any genetic problems. For that reason we pursue all the suggested genetic clearances for our dogs. These include hip clearances (OFA or Penn Hip), PRA clearances, and thyroid testing. All of our puppies are guaranteed and can be returned for any health issues as puppies for a refund or a replacement puppy from and upcoming litter. Any of our dogs, no matter the age, can be returned to be re-homed if a critical need arises. None of our dogs will ever be placed in shelters. We are AKC Breeders of Merit and subscribe to the Irish Setter Club of America’s Principles of Integrity.