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| Irish Setter |
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From gracious to goofy, the Irish Setter uniquely embodies a dog of incredible presence from youth to seniority without necessarily taking itself too seriously! Perhaps the movie stars of the dog world, the Irish Setter is expressive, glamorous (with that silky, lush red coat), striking and typically at a loss over what all the fuss is about. Additionally, this dog would be a great candidate for superhero because they are so well intentioned, except that they will occasionally forget what they were doing, while they were doing it. This is not to take anything away from their prowess in the field as much as to just make life that much more interesting for their people. |
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| General Information |
| Group(s):
Sporting, Pointer-Setter |
Height: 25-27 inches is average |
| Weight: 60-70 pounds is average |
Longevity: early teens |
| Colors: red |
Coat type: silky with feathering over tail, and legs |
| Recognized Registries: AKC among others |
| Overall Appearance: Dramatic is the presentation of the Irish Setter. The gloss off the coat of a well-cared for example is dazzling along with the lines of a dog built for fast moving hunting of upland game. Coupled with a most exquisitely warm expression, the Irish Setter makes fans from its appearance and lifetime devotees by its temperament. |
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| Personaility - Behavior - Training |
| Energy Level: moderate to extremely high |
| General Nature: |
happy, energetic, attentive |
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with Children: generally exceptional but do require responsible handling and socialization |
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with other pets: generally very good |
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with dogs: generally very good |
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| Socialization requirements: needed; without it the Irish Setter can be fearful with all the problematic baggage |
| Ideal home characteristics: one that is active and enthusiastic about including a dog that will want to be part of all goings on. |
| Temperament Notes: The Irish Setter will, by nature, strive to be close to its owner at all times. Frustrated handling is the most typical cause of an Irish Setter's anxiety from being brusquely pushed aside when |
| Training requirement: Socialization and basic manners will keep the Irish Setter pet home thrilled with a delightful companion. Those with additional goals will, of course, require other training. |
| Trainer notes: Focus is generally not the strongest characteristic of the typical Irish Setter, inquisitive, friendly, enthusiastic and clever, the Irish Setter just has a hard time not finding everything interesting. On the plus side, the Irish Setter is very detail oriented (loves getting things just right but then that is another reason why new places and things are so interesting!), more than clever and athletic, agile and with good stamina. Like all dogs then, the potential of this dog really lies in the ability of the trainer to develop motivation and interest. However, even a great trainer will find themselves doing little more than laughing when a critical heeling exercise is undermined by a child walking by with something that could be a new kind of toy! |
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| Background Information |
| Year range of first recognition: early 1800s |
| Country of Origin: Ireland |
| Original Function: upland bird dog |
| History: Recognized early in the 1700s as the Irish Red and White Setter, the breed was quick to gain popularity in native Ireland and the British Isles. By the early 1800s, some specimens were selected and bred separately as solid reds. |
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| Adoption Information |
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| Deviations from Standard: coat tends toward curly or with excessive undercoat, head can be snipey (narrow muzzle), entropion (eyelids turn in requiring surgery) |
| Health Notes: Hypertrophy Osteodrystrophy, PRA, Thyroid issues, Canine Hip Dysplasia |
| Health Testing: CHIC (hips, thyroid and eyes); |
| Questions to ask Breeder: http://www.digitaldog.com/breeder_questions.html - The Breeder Questions as listed here provided with explanations and answers you will want to be looking for!
How long have you had Irish Setters?
Why do you have Irish Setters (show, performance, hunting, etc.)?
What do you consider to be the most important single characteristic of an Irish Setter?
What health issues have you seen in the breed?
What criteria do you set for your breeding stock?
Do you plan to keep a puppy from this litter?
How often do you have puppies?
Do you have a written contract and puppy guarantee?
At what age do you send your pups to their homes?
How would you describe the ideal Irish Setter?
How would you describe the ideal Irish Setter home?
Are your puppies whelped in your home?
What advice would you offer someone in raising and training an Irish Setter?
How do you assist or help Irish Setters in need of rescue? |
| Web Sites: http://ncisrescue.org - Northern California Irish Setter Rescue, focusing on rescue of Irish Setters in the San Francisco area this nonprofit rescue coordinates with rescues nationwide in the search for Irish Setters in need of permanent homes and the forever homes they seek. |
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| Other Resources |
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