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General Description
(Irish Red Setter)Â
The Irish setter can come in two color varieties, the typical solid red and a red and white combo. The Red Setter with white on its chest, and sometimes other places, is considered a Field Setter. The Red color is usually not as dark and they are smaller than the Irish Setter. There is a Field Setter line that is all Red. But they tend to be stockier than the Irish Setter. Irish Setters are being bred to be smaller than they were 30-40 years ago. The smaller breeding is being driven by dog show breeding lines.
Character
The Irish Red Setter is an energetic and high-spirited breed, affectionate, but intelligent and independent. They do not have guarding instincts, and therefore get along well with other animals. They are good with children. Â This Setter can be difficult to train because of that independent temperament, and requires firm handling. Their temperament can vary - some can be high-strung, others are reserved. Â They are adaptable to any climate, very fast, with an excellent sense of smell, and therefore make excellent hunters. However, they must be trained to be hunters from an early age.
General Health
The Irish Setter has a variety of genetic health problems. They are prone to epilepsy and severe skin allergies, as well as eye problems and elbow and hip dysplasia. In addition, they are prone to Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), auto-immune disease, and hypothyroidism. Ear inflamation (otitis) is also a problem. This breed tends to bloat. Experts suggest that owners feed them 2 to 3 small meals a day instead of one large one.
History
The Irish Setter, as well as the English Setter, are both ancestors of the Spanish pointer. It was originally a parti-colored breed - predominantly white with red splashes, and with shorter legs than today's breed. However, this color fell out of favor, and selective breeding resulted in a pure, solid-color red setter.  The Irish Setter is a fine all‑around hunting dog, and can be used as both a pointer and retriever. They are very fast and with an excellent nose. Some strains are bred purely for beauty, as show dogs, rather than for hunting instincts, however.
Maintenance
The Irish Setter should be brushed daily in order to keep it free from burrs and tangles. Be sure to remove excess hair from the inner ear. Bathe and dry shampoo only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.
This breeds coat can be brushed more than once a day but avoid frequent bathing as it will remove the natural oils from their coat.
Ideal Environment
The Irish Setter is not suited for apartment life at all, and really is not suited for life in cities at all. They need a lot of activity and a lot of exercise. A house with a large yard is the bare minimum that they will need to be happy.
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Irish Setter Q&AAsk a Question
Me and my partner have a 10 week old male puppy that we have had for 2 weeks now.He is ...Me and my partner have a 10 week old male puppy that we have had for 2 weeks now.He is slowly grasping toilet trainig but he is constantly biting anything and everything. We understand he is teething and have bought lots of...
Asked by Anonymous - 3 answers
How many miles can an Irish Setter walk. Is 8 miles each daytoo muchHow many miles can an Irish Setter walk. Is 8 miles each daytoo much
Asked by Anonymous - 2 answers
Our red setter is 10m months old. When she was younger she used snap a lot, but nothing ...Our red setter is 10m months old. When she was younger she used snap a lot, but nothing too serious. However, now she tends to bite and more frequently and can be quite strong when launching herself at you with her mouth open. Is...
Asked by Anonymous - 3 answers
Our Irish Setter is almost a year old and just recently she has been getting out of the ...Our Irish Setter is almost a year old and just recently she has been getting out of the yard and running around the neighborhood. My husband calls it wonderlust. I am having trouble with this as we have a very large fenced in yard...
Asked by Anonymous - 4 answers
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