Our History
Joyce and Deborah at Yosemite
Joyce's life with ES began in Los Angeles in 1974. My roommate Ginny took my daughter Kate and I to our first dog show where I became intrigued by the world of purebred dogs. When I saw my first English Setter, Ch Guys ’N Dolls Annie O’Brien, I was smitten by the breed! I contacted Annie’s breeder, Neal Weinstein of Guys’N Dolls, and purchased my first English Setter. Her name was Ch Edwardian Gibson Girl CD and she became the foundation of my breeding program.
In 1980 I moved to Sacramento and continued breeding/exhibiting (in partnership with Barbara Tibet for that decade). During this period the dog show fancy was experience a growing awareness of canine health issues. At the same time, I found myself with only one bitch left to use in my breeding program. Unfortunately, the offspring she produced were not obtaining the health clearances I know to be vital for the health of the breed. It did not take long for me to come to the conclusion that, for the continued health of my beloved breed, I had to make a fresh start with more emphasis on health clearances.
Through the kindness of friends Laura Reynolds (Santan ES) and Kathy Gaut (Silverline ES), I was able to start a new building a pedigree that was on strong health clearances as well as breed type. They gave me Edwardian Indigo Illusion, and through her I was able to build a breeding program that boasts vastly improved health clearances, including numerous OFA excellent champions.
My ‘new direction’ included an increased participation in obedience and field work, and I’v come to appreciate participating with my dogs in the fields, sharing in their expiration at doing the job they were bred to do. As a reslut, many of today’s Edwardian champions also boast a Companion Dog/and or Junior Hunter title. To date, my breeding program has produced 41 AKC Champions and 20 dogs with Performance Titles. In addition, I have bred/owned the following locally successful stud dogs:
From the beginning of my dog show career, I have been an active member in numerous clubs including the California English Setter club, Golden Gate English Setter Club and a founding member of the Gold Country English Setter Fanciers. My tenure with these local clubs was always complemented by a concurrent membership with the English Setter Association of America. I have also held the following offices:
In 2009, due to a health crisis, Deborah Bean came to live at my house. We have been breeding as Edwardian Intarsia English Setters since that time.
Edwardian English Setters introduces our newest venture, Carousel Ribbons and Rosettes. With the guidance of friend Norma Chadwell, (Minaret ES, formerly Gallery Ribbons), I am able to offer custom dog show ribbons and rosettes at competitive pricing. My long experience in exhibiting dog and organizing events has give in me a thorough understanding of the aspects of dog show ribbon/rosette awards, the needs for cost effectiveness and the time stresses of ordering ribbons.