Introduction

The Irish Setter is an extremely active dog used for bird hunting and gaming. The body is long and lean, as well as the head. The head has at least double the width between the ears compared with the length. The coat is short and fine on the head and top half of the body. It is a medium length from the midsection on down. They are modest shedders that should have daily grooming. Irish Setters will average 24’’ to 28” in height and weigh an average of 55 to 75 pounds. Their body is slighter longer than its tail. The dogs are expected to live between 11 to 15 years.

Origin

Irish Setters were produced by mixing the Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, English Setter, Gordon Setter, and the Pointer. They became widely popular in Ireland and the British Isle. Originally the Irish Setter was called the Irish Red Setter in the United States because the dog was red and white with legs much shorter than what the breed has today. This would help the dog crouch down low near the bird, and “set” the game, so the hunter was able to walk over and toss the net over the prey as well as the dog. Irish Setters are the all-purpose hunting dogs as they have excellent noses and can run very fast. These traits give them the ability to hunt, track, point, retrieve, and agility for competitive sports.

Temperament

Iris Setters are active dogs that require a lot of walking and exercise, they are not suitable for apartment living. Exercise is crucial in keeping the Irish Setter happy and tame. Irish Setters are fun-loving dogs with easy-going temperaments making them suitable dogs to have around children and other animals. Being extremely sensitive in nature, they are not meant to be guard dogs. Because of this, it is best to begin training during the early stages of life. A firm voice is not suited for this type of dog. Owners need to be calm and possess natural authority.