Irish Setter
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General Description
(Irish Red Setter) 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. 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. 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.
Size
24‑28 inches
Weight
55‑75 pounds
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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Setter
I have a 1 1/2 year old setter and am very happy with her. She is a hunting dog and lives inside. If not well exercised she can be very hyper. She is easily trained and enjoys learning. She is a medium shedder.
Pros: Great with my kids, great nose, great hunting buddy if breed for that, Loyal, mine potty trained at 7 wks in 2 days
Cons: Hyper, stubborn
Irish Setters!
Never underestimate the power of loyalty and devotion from your Irish. They make great house dogs as long as you have a large fenced yard, a long trolley, or countryside for them to run. Quick to housetrain and Great protectors. My usually dingy Jazzy (whom i've dubbed the dingbat) let me know that a stranger was at my backdoor in the middle of night and turned into a fierce protector that made him think twice about coming in the door. I had never seen her be anything but goofy but that night she let the neighborhood know who was on duty at my house. The police caught him too.
Pros: Great Personality, Sense of Humor and Loyalty beyond description. Great with children, gentle to a fault but is also a great watch dog.
Cons: Requires someone with firm consistent rules. Hyperactivity that most average people would find disturbing. They have a mind of their own and know how to use it. Do NOT keep in a crate for hours. Their muscles need to mature and develop to their full potential.