Irish Setters

Appearance:

Body: Well proportioned, with a firm, gracefully sloping back, long, oblique shoulders, deep chest, well-sprung ribs, and well-muscled, slightly arched loin.

Coat: Medium length, straight, fine, flat, and glossy with an abundant undercoat.

Color: Deep red or chestnut to mahogany colored.

Ears: Thin, finely textured, set back and low, with loose folds, silky feathering, and held close to the head.

Eyes: Medium to dark brown, and oval-shaped; expressively gentle and intelligent.

Feet: Small with firm, tight, arched toes.

Head: Long and lean with an oval-shaped, slightly domed skull, prominent stop, moderately deep, chiseled muzzle, well-defined occiput, drooping flews, a black or chocolate nose and scissor bite.

Legs: Forelegs are straight, lean, and muscular. Hindquarters are long, wide, and powerful with well-developed thighs, and well-angulated joints.

Neck: Medium length, strong, and somewhat arched.

Size:
Weight: 60 - 70 pounds
Height: 25 - 27 inches

Tail: Low-set and feathered, carried level with the back line or slightly upward.

Behavior

Recommended for novice dog handlers
Thrives on physical activity
Excellent with children

Popularly known as the "red dog", the Irish Setter is a beautiful, regal looking breed with a long silky coat of deep red color and a devilish personality. He is friendly, even-tempered, good-natured, mischievous, highly spirited, energetic, and outgoing.

The Irish Setter loves and needs to be with people or other pets and is excellent with children. If trained and socialized when young, he will make a loyal, protective family pet. This is not a dog meant to be left alone for long periods of time. He requires the company of humans or other dogs and may become bored and destructive if not provided.

He is a happy and playful dog with abundant energy and keen mind. He loves and needs lots of daily physical exercise in a large open area to stay fit. He needs to stretch his legs and will not be satisfied with just going on walks.

Extensive early training and socialization is important for instilling proper manners in this breed.

AKC Standards say, "There is a devil-may-care something about him that not only makes him tremendously likeable but also adds to his value as a bird dog in rough country and briers. Afield, the Irish Setter is a swift-moving hunter; at home, a sweet natured, trainable companion."

Breed Type

AKC Group: Sporting Group
A game retriever and bird setter once used to hunt grouse and woodcock. He is an excellent retriever on land or in the water.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: Lots of daily exercise such as long runs, hikes, swimming, and romping around a large open area.

Grooming: Brush two to three times weekly and bath every one to two months. Keep his ear canals clean and dry and check them regularly for ear mites.

Health

Life Expectancy: 12 - 13 Years

Possible Problems:
Allergies Bloat - a potentially fatal condition in which the stomach twists.
Epilepsy
Eye inflammations
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Low Thyroid
Seizures
Skin conditions

Recommended Certificates:
CERF - for the eyes
OFA for the hips
DNA - to determine if he is a possible carrier of PRA (progressive retinal atrophy)

Country of Origin

Ireland - 1700s