The Lynnhill Background

Keith and Tessa Smith were born in rural Derbyshire, England and moved to the United States in the late 1960's. Keith cannot remember the time when dogs were not a part of his lifestyle. Starting as a small boy with Terriers and Springer Spaniels and going on to German Shorthairs, Irish and English Setters and finally centering his attention on the Field Setter. (This is the dog known in the United States as the Llewellin Setter.) Keith has traveled extensively in Europe and Scandinavia in his studies and pursuit of knowledge and bloodlines for the conservation and improvement of the Llewellin Setter. In 1999 he headed the efforts to restore the gravesite of Richard Purcell Llewellin in Stapleton, Shropshire England, and has numerous friends and contacts throughout the Llewellin Setter world.

The Lynnhill Creed

The Lynnhill Kennels in Saegertown, Pennsylvania are not large but accommodate some of the best examples of the breed. All dogs in the program are O.F.A. (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certified or Pennhip Tested and are carefully bred to the kennel's objectives of preserving and improving the major bird dog attributes, that is to emphasize "nose" or scenting ability, pointing instinct and "birdiness". Additionally, all have been DNA profiled and verified to the satisfaction of the Field Dog Stud Book to be bred as registered.

It is now a requirement of the Llewellin registry that only pups coming from DNA profiled and approved parents will be registered. We recommend that your dog is made identifiable by inserting a microchip. This can be done by your veterinarian. This is invaluable in verification of lost or stolen animals and when submitting data for O.F.A. certification, Penn Hip testing and breeding, as well as DNA profiling. All veterinarians, as well as animal welfare organizations are in possession of microchip reading devices.

The Llewellin Setter is naturally affectionate and easy to train, responding best to compassionate and kind handling. Its willingness to please makes it the ideal personal, close-working dog. Early socialization of pups is a passion for Tessa and special personal care of the young dogs and their daily exposure to every kind of external stimulation is one of the major factors in the exceptional quality of the end product - a great bird dog!

The Lynnhill Guarantee

Our guarantee covers any congenital or hereditary defect for a period of one year from the date of purchase. During this period we will accept return of the dog for a full refund or the client may select an alternative Llewellin Setter pup as replacement.

We will cover costs, not to exceed the original purchase price of the pup, in the event that a congenital problem can be remedied by surgery, or veterinary treatment and the client elects to maintain ownership.

In the very unlikely event that the dog should not display natural inherited talents associated with good bird dog field performance, the dog may be exchanged for another of the clients choosing for up to one year from date of purchase. We reserve the right to establish that such performance failure is not as a result of any mistreatment or inappropriate training tactics such as misuse of an electric collar. Any air fares connected with the exchange or return of dogs will be the responsibility of the buyer.

Lynnhill Puppies Pricing

The price for a Lynnhill pup Male or Female is $850. The price includes removal of the Dew Claws which we perform on every pup at a few days old.

We do not offer training services here but we have three associated trainers in Maine, Montana and West Virginia as well as S. Carolina. Wild Sharp Tails and Ruffed Grouse as well as Quail are used. We will be happy to introduce you to these highly qualified individuals to make your own arrangements.