IRISH SETTER
APPEARANCE
The Irish Setter is an elegant bird dog with a large build. Rectangular in shape, it is longer than it is tall. The coat is moderately long and silky and of a deep red color. He has long, silky ears that hang to the side of the head, and a very meaningful expression. The weight of the Irish Setter is around 60 pounds for females and around 70 pounds for males, and the height is around 25-27 inches.
PERSONALITY
The Irish Setter is an energetic, friendly and responsive breed that gets along with adults, children and other animals alike. Good natured, intelligent and very affectionate the Irish Setter enjoy being around people. Irish Setters enjoy having a job to do. Lack of activity will lead to a bored, destructive, or even hyperactive dog.
TRAINING
Irish Setters respond swiftly to positive training, and are highly intelligent. They are, however, a breed with a tendency to ‘play deaf,’ so careful training on mastering the recall should be undertaken before allowing them off-lead. The Irish Setter is a fine well-rounded hunting dog who does well on any terrain even on wetlands. Does well in hunting activities and water retrieving.
EXERCISE
The Irish Setter needs plenty of exercise, and is not suited to owners that don’t have the time or space to provide physical stimulation. If it does not get exercised enough the Irish Setter can become misbehaved and destructive. Long daily walk and yard play required.
SOCIALIZATION
Irish Setters get along well with children and will enthusiastically greet visitors. This dog is almost never vicious or aggressive, but it does have a habit of playing rough and is not recommended for small children. They will also get along well with other pets, although early socialization is recommended where other animals and pets are concerned.
LIVING CONDITIONS
The Irish Setter is mostly more active than the other breeds and is best suited to country environment rather than apartment life. Irish Setters will do best with a large yard.
GROOMING
The Irish Setter requires frequent brushing to maintain coat condition and keep it mat-free. Bathing and dry shampoo only when necessary. You should also check the ears are dry and clean to reduce the chances of infection. The Irish Setter is a medium shedder, and can shed more heavily at certain times of the year, making him unsuitable for those with allergies.
HEALTH ISSUES
Irish Setters life expectancy tends to be around 12-14 years. Unfortunately this breed tends to bloat, it may be wise to feed them two or three small meals a day instead of one big one. Health concerns in this breed include canine hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and gastric torsion. Less pressing concerns include hypothyroidism, osteosarcoma, panosteitis and megaesophagus.
HISTORY
The Irish Setter, as the name suggests, originates from Ireland, and originally the coat of this breed was red and white. The Irish Setter was bred for hunting, specifically for setting or locating and pointing upland gamebirds. Irish Setter was registered with the AKC in 1878.
