Irish Setter
History
Irish Setters were developed in the 1700's from mating Pointers, Irish Terriers, Water Spaniels, Gordon Setters (also known as Scottish Setter), and English Setters according to many sources. This breed's name is derived from a Gaelic phrase meaning red dog. The endurance, quickness, and sensitive sense of smell caused Irish Setters to be used as hunting dogs. They hunted on the wetlands and were excellent bird dogs.
When the 1850's rolled around, the Irish Setter was extremely popular with the British and Irish peoples and this breed came over to the U.S. They became show dogs during the 1860's. A dog called Palmerston was a particularly beautiful animal. His owner thought him unfit as a hunting dog, so he was taken by another owner. Palmerston became a very prominent show dog. Many Irish Setters came from his line.
The standard for Irish Setters was written by the Irish Red Setter Club in 1886. The AKC accepted the Irish Setter in 1878.
General Looks
The Irish Setter is a big dog with a rectangular shape. The measurement of its height is less than its length. It is a strong and graceful animal. The thin ears set low to the back of the head. The nose colors are chocolate or black. The tail is feathered and tapered. The back curves higher at the shoulders declining gradually going to the rump The face is winsome and benign.
Is This Your Breed?
The Irish Setter is a cavorting breed with plenty of energy. It needs exercise each day. It is a good family dog. The coat needs frequent brushing so it doesn't get matted.
Coat
The coat is smooth and of medium length over most of the body. It feathers at the back of the legs. It is short on the head and front legs.
Color
The colors are red and mahogany.
Locomotion
The trotting gait is animated, accomplished, and elegant.
Personality
It is a friendly and playful dog. It makes friends with children and other pets. It isn't a dog for small kids because it plays ruggedly. It is friendly to visitors. It needs walking and a place to run because of its abundant energy. They don't make good guard dogs. They normally aren't aggressive. It has a sensitive personality, so when giving it obedience or other training be kind and patient. It needs obedience training because it will take off on a scent and get away from its owner.
The Irish Setter is a beautiful, happy-go-lucky dog that was bred to hunt enthusiastically with lots of energy. This dog breed has a natural sense of happiness and excitability towards life. He makes a fantastic companion with both adults and children so long as there is enough activity to keep the dog happy. In fact, if the Irish Setter does not get enough daily exercise then he can become easily frustrated and sensitive toward distractions.
The Irish Setter is an amiable breed of dog which takes great pleasure in pleasing its owners and the rest of the family. Although he would make an ideal pet for a family with kids, it is noted that the Irish Setter may be a little too rough and excitable with very small children.
Upkeep And Maintenance
When it comes to raising an Irish Setter, we can not stress enough how important it is for this animal to get plenty of exercise. If you are thinking about getting a new dog and would like to have an Irish Setter, then you need to consider your lifestyle and understand that he will not be happy as your pet if you are not the active type. You would be doing a great injustice by raising an Irish Setter and then living a sedentary lifestyle while never taking the dog outside.
How much exercise is recommended? Plan on running this dog breed hard for at least one hour of strenuous activity and exertion on a daily basis. The Irish Setter is one particular breed of dog that is not suited for living in a small apartment.
The ideal living situation would be that of a large fenced-in yard with plenty of room for him to move around. The Irish Setter can live perfectly happy as an outdoor dog and during warm temperatures, however, as with most dogs, he would need to be inside during the cold winter months.
Grooming this dog breed must be a daily routine. With his long coat he needs regular brushing and the occasional trim so that he can look his best.
Health Information
The Irish Setter has an average lifespan of up to 14 years. Major health concerns which should be addressed to your veterinarian would be gastric torsion, CHD, and PRA. Less important health concerns which may not affect this breed, but sometimes spring up are: HOD, hypothyroidism, megaesophagus, osteosarcoma, and panosteitis. Veterinarians also recommend that the Irish Setter dog breed be specifically tested for thyroid, DNA for PRA, eye problems, hip dysplasia, and cardiac.
Irish Setter video:
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