What makes the Irish Setter Unique?
Irish Setters have outgoing and stable personality which make these dogs popular with families.
Breed Groups
Page Contents
Is the Irish Setter Right For You?
The Irish setter was bred to be a tireless and enthusiastic hunter, and it approaches everything in life with a rollicking, good-natured attitude, full of gusto and fervor. Given a daily outlet for its energy, it makes a pleasant companion. Without ample exercise, it can be overly active inside or become frustrated. It is an amiable breed, eager to please and be part of its family’s activities. It is good with children, but can be too rambunctious for small children. It is less popular as a hunter than the other setters.
In 5 Words
- Lively
- Energetic
- Affectionet
- Playful
- Independent
Characteristics
Learn About the Irish Setter
Description
Irish Setters are deep chested dogs with small waists. Among the most breathtaking of dogs, the Irish setter’s beauty is in part the result of necessity. Its elegant, yet substantial build enables it to hunt with speed and stamina. Its build is slightly longer than tall, giving ample room for movement without interference between fore and hind legs. The trot is ground-covering and efficient. The coat is flat, straight and of moderate length, with longer feathering on ears, backs of legs, belly, chest and tail, providing protection from briars without becoming entangled in them.
Size
Irish Setters range in height from 25 to 27 inches (64 to 69 cm), males weigh 60 to 70 lb (27 to 32 kg) and females 53 to 64 lb (24 to 29 kg). The FCI Breed Standard for the Irish Setter stipulates males: 23 to 26.5 inches (58 to 67 cm), females: 21.5 to 24.5 inches (55 to 62 cm). These dogs average around 60 to 70 pounds and 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder.
Coat
Irish Setters typical come in red or chestnut hues.Their coat is moderately long on the body and short and fine on the head and front legs. The undercoat is abundant in winter weather, and the top coat is fine. They have feathering on their tails, ears, chests, legs, and bodies
Short History of the Irish
The Irish Setter is a native of Ireland and is believed to have been developed in the 1700s from several other breeds: Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Terrier, English Setter, Spaniel, Pointer, and Gordon Setter. Early on, the Irish Setter was typically white and red, but the solid red color became favored during the 1800s. Today, the Irish Red and White Setter is a separate breed. The name “setter” comes from the posture the dogs used to take while birding – they would crouch low to the ground, or “set.” The Irish Setter first arrived in the US near the end of the 19th century. The breed was registered by the AKC in 1878 as part of the sporting group.
Temperament
The Irish Setter is enthusiastic, energetic, and athletic. It is active and friendly towards children, other animals, and people. In fact, the Irish Setter hates to be alone and is most well behaved when surrounded by humans. An intelligent dog, the Irish Setter needs tasks to set its mind on so as not to be bored. You may find your Setter getting into trouble if it is forced to look for ways to occupy its mind. This breed is an affable, happy one, with a pleasing personality. Therefore, it is too pleasing to be an effective guard dog. On the other hand, it is excellent at greeting new friends into the home — neither excessively shy nor aggressive.
The Irish setter was bred to be a tireless and enthusiastic hunter, and it approaches everything in life with a rollicking, good-natured attitude, full of gusto and fervor. Given a daily outlet for its energy, it makes a pleasant companion. Without ample exercise, it can be overly active inside or become frustrated. It is an amiable breed, eager to please and be part of its family’s activities. It is good with children, but can be too rambunctious for small children. It is less popular as a hunter than the other setters.
Caring for Your Irish Setter
General Health
Irish Setters life expectancy tends to be around 11 to 12 years. Problems such as hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, gastric dilatation and ear infections have been known to occur in members of this breed from time to time.
Care
Daily
The Irish Setter is high-energy and requires regular exercise. It requires daily exercise, preferably in wide open enclosed spaces, such as a park.
Weekly
Dogs should have their teeth cleaned on a regular basis to keep them in good oral health. This can be accomplished using a pet approved toothbrush and toothpaste. Tooth powders or specially formulated bones may also help in this regard. The coat needs brushing and combing two or three times a week to prevent or remove mats and tangles.
Monthly
All dogs need to be given parasite prevention medications once a month to keep harmful pests at bay and Neapolitan Mastiffs are no different than their contemporaries in this regard.
Grooming & Bathing
Giving these dogs a bath every on a biweekly or bimonthly basis is highly recommended. The rest is basic care. Trim the nails as needed, usually every week or two. Keep the long, hanging ears clean and dry to help prevent bacterial or yeast infections from developing.
Exercise & Training
Setters need a daily long, brisk walk or jog or they will become restless and difficult to manage. Do not allow the dog to walk in front of the person holding the lead. The dog must be made to heel beside or behind the human, as in the dog’s mind, the leader goes first and that leader must be the human. In addition, they will also enjoy running free in the safety of a fenced yard. Highly responsive to training, Irish Setters work well in a group environment as one of the keen instruments in a hunting party. As a Setter, and Irish Setter has instincts to sniff out prey and discover it for the hunters in your group.
Irish Setters have a strong and healthy disposition – they are friendly toward adults and children alike and this makes them excellent and very trainable dogs.
Irish Setter Picture Gallery
