The red Irish setter is the younger cousin of the Irish red and white setter. Originating in Ireland, the red and white variation was popular in the hunting fields during the 1700s. Birds were the quarries of Irish setters. Solid red setters were being bred during the early 1800s, and they became increasingly popular in the dog show rings. In 1878, the American Kennel Club recognized the Irish setter as a member of the sporting group.
Deep red coats are what make the Irish setter easily recognized. The straight hair is medium in length and lies close to the body. Longer, feathered hair is exhibited on the backs of the legs, ears, tail, chest and abdomen. The Irish setter stands at a height of 25 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weighs 60 to 70 pounds. The Irish setters has a long neck, long ears that hang downward and a long tail that is carried low. The Irish Setter has a slender build and is able to run at great speed (because it has stamina and endurance). Its coat is long and flat with longer hair on its large ears, legs, stomach and tail. It needs to be brushed frequently and needs occasional clipping and scissoring.
Personality
The Irish setter is an active dog that requires plenty of daily exercise opportunities to expend its energy. The breed is exuberant, athletic and intelligent, and it needs to be kept busy. They are playful and friendly with children and other household pets, and they thrive on human companionship. Irish setters are affectionate with their families, and they are outgoing with strangers. Irish setters are eager to learn and they housebreak quickly, but they can have a stubborn streak. Their minds are sometimes more focused on clowning around than on the task that their owner is requesting. The Irish Setter is a happy and active dog breed. It loves to roam outside and can run tirelessly. It has abundant energy and needs vigorous exercise every day. If it doesn’t get sufficient exercise it is known to start barking excessively out of boredom. This is a very affectionate breed that is absolutely devoted to its family. It is very friendly towards other dogs and strangers, which doesn’t make it the best watchdog.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Pointer |
| Function: | Sporting |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Sporting |
| Life Span: | 10-12 Years |
| Nicknames: | Irish Red Setter, Red Setter |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Irish Setter Build Information
Deep red coats are what make the Irish setter easily recognized. The straight hair is medium in length and lies close to the body. Longer, feathered hair is exhibited on the backs of the legs, ears, tail, chest and abdomen. The Irish setter stands at a height of 25 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weighs 60 to 70 pounds. The Irish setters has a long neck, long ears that hang downward and a long tail that is carried low. The Irish Setter has a slender build and is able to run at great speed (because it has stamina and endurance). Its coat is long and flat with longer hair on its large ears, legs, stomach and tail. It needs to be brushed frequently and needs occasional clipping and scissoring.
| Size: | Large |
| Length (Male): | 22-27 in. |
| Length (Female): | 22-24 in. |
| Weight: | > 65 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
The Irish setter is an active dog that requires plenty of daily exercise opportunities to expend its energy. The breed is exuberant, athletic and intelligent, and it needs to be kept busy. They are playful and friendly with children and other household pets, and they thrive on human companionship. Irish setters are affectionate with their families, and they are outgoing with strangers. Irish setters are eager to learn and they housebreak quickly, but they can have a stubborn streak. Their minds are sometimes more focused on clowning around than on the task that their owner is requesting. The Irish Setter is a happy and active dog breed. It loves to roam outside and can run tirelessly. It has abundant energy and needs vigorous exercise every day. If it doesn’t get sufficient exercise it is known to start barking excessively out of boredom. This is a very affectionate breed that is absolutely devoted to its family. It is very friendly towards other dogs and strangers, which doesn’t make it the best watchdog.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Quiet |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Submissive |
| Energy Level: | Very Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
An Irish setter’s coat should be brushed or combed through three times a week to detangle the hair and to prevent mats from forming on the feathered hair of the ears, chest and abdomen. Inspecting the ears weekly, cleaning them when they are dirty and keeping them dry will reduce the risk for ear infections. Maintain good oral and overall health by brushing the teeth every other day to remove plaque and reduce tartar accumulation.
| Colors: | Chestnut, Mahogany, Red |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Medium Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Fine |
Irish Setter Common Health Conditions
The average life expectancy for an Irish setter is 10 to 11 years. Some health problems that can afflict the Irish setter include hypothyroidism, epilepsy, hemophilia A, bone cancer, hypertrophic osteodystrophy, hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.
Irish Setter Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
For a fun, playful and entertaining sidekick, the energetic and exuberant Irish setter makes a perfect companion for any family. The Irish setter originated in Ireland. The Irish setter is also known as an Irish red setter. The Irish setter is an energetic dog with a sweet disposition and an occasional stubborn streak. The Irish setter stands 25 to 27 inches tall and weighs 60 to 70 pounds. Irish setters have high energy levels. Irish setters require moderate grooming. The average lifespan for an Irish setter is 10 to 11 years.
| Training: | Moderately easy to train |
| Hunting Companion: | Yes |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Retrieving Skills: | Yes |
| Pointing Breed: | Yes |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | Yes |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
