Source: Kessie, our friends dog, summer 86 by Brian Snelson)

Irish Setter

Area of origin: Ireland

Date of origin: 1700′s

Original function: Retrieving and Setting

Today’s function: Pointing, field trials

Other names: Red Setter

HEIGHT: (Male) about 27 in. (Female) 25″

WEIGHT: (Male) 70 lbs (Female) 60 lbs

History:

Originated in Ireland, the Irish or ”red” Setter, was said to be created by other Spaniels, Pointers, and the English and Gordon Setter. Irish Setters made great hunters, and good be seen from far away. A dog named Palmerston was born, he had a long head, and slender body, and said he was to refined for hunting, so his owner drowned him. Many Irish Setters are now traced back to Palmerston. The Irish Setter was brought in to America in the mid 1800, and soon gained popularity in dog shows, and as a pet.

Temperament:

Irish Setter’s are tireless, energetic dogs so they must get lots and lots of exercise. With out it, the Irish Setter may become frusterated. If given exercise, they make great companions. They are eager to please, sometimes overwhelming, lively and affectionate dogs. They are good with children, however, they may be to rambunctious with younger children.

Looking after:

Don’t let that beautiful look of there’s fool you! They need a lot of exercise… This is no apartment dog; these dogs needs a minimum of an hour of exercise a day. Irish Setter can not sit and stay inside the house for over 3 hours! A big back yard is useful. Irish Setters can live outside- but are much happier with their family. Daily brushing and combing is required to keep it in excellent condition. Make sure to feed him three small meals a day rather than one large one.

Color and Appearance:

Irish Setters probably have one of the most beautiful silky coats. They are elegant and noble looking. The Irish Setter has a beautiful, soft flat medium length coat. They have feathering’s on their ears back of legs, belly chest and tail. To keep their coats pretty, brush them and clip them. The color of their coat comes in rich chestnut, and mahogany. They may have a speck of white on feet or on chest. The Irish Setter is very elegant and important looking breed.

Health:

The Irish Setter is prone to epilepsy and skin allergies, bloat eye problems and hip and elbow dysplasia.

Puppy info:

Irish Setters look like their parents in smaller version. The average litter size of this breed is normally about 7 or 8 puppies. Although Irish Setters look very noble, they remain puppies at heart. Also, it takes longer to mature than most breeds- it normally takes 2-3 years to mature physically and mentally. Puppies may easily become distracted while training.

AKC Ranking: 63

Life span: 12-14 years