About Irish Setter

The Irish Setter, a strikingly beautiful and energetic dog, hails from the Emerald Isle. Known for their rich, mahogany red coat and graceful athleticism, they are a beloved breed with a rich history. While their stunning appearance often draws people in, understanding their temperament and needs is crucial before welcoming one into your home.

History and Origin

The Irish Setter's lineage can be traced back to the setting spaniels of Ireland, dating back to the 18th century. These early setters were bred for hunting game birds, particularly grouse and partridge. Originally, Irish Setters came in a variety of colors, including red and white. Through selective breeding, the solid red coat became the desired standard, leading to the development of the breed we know and love today. The Irish Setter Club of America was founded in 1891, further solidifying the breed's popularity and standards.

Physical Characteristics

Irish Setters are medium-sized dogs, typically standing between 24 and 27 inches tall at the shoulder. Their weight usually falls between 60 and 70 pounds. Their most defining feature is their beautiful, smooth, medium-length coat, which is a rich, glossy mahogany red. They possess a lean, athletic build, reflecting their history as hunting dogs. Feathering is present on the ears, chest, legs, and tail, adding to their elegant appearance.

Temperament and Personality

Irish Setters are known for their playful, affectionate, and energetic personalities. They are generally friendly and outgoing dogs who thrive on human companionship. They are often described as being "clownish" due to their goofy antics and love of fun. While they are generally good with other dogs, their interaction with children requires supervision due to their boisterous nature. They are rated a 2/5 for compatibility with children, suggesting they are not one of the best breeds to leave unsupervised with young children. They have an energy level of 3/5, meaning they need daily exercise to prevent destructive behaviors. Drooling is moderate, with a rating of 3/5. Shedding is high, with a rating of 5/5.

Training and Exercise Needs

Irish Setters are intelligent dogs with a trainability rating of 5/5, but their high energy levels and independent streak can sometimes make training challenging. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods are essential. Early socialization is crucial to ensure they develop into well-adjusted adults. Due to their sporting heritage, they require a significant amount of daily exercise. This can include long walks, runs, hikes, or engaging in dog sports such as agility or flyball. A bored Irish Setter can become destructive, so providing adequate mental and physical stimulation is paramount.

Health and Care

The lifespan of an Irish Setter is typically between 9 and 11 years. While generally a healthy breed, they are prone to certain health conditions, including hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and bloat. Regular veterinary checkups are essential for early detection and management of any potential health problems. Grooming needs are moderate, with a rating of 2/5. Regular brushing is necessary to prevent matting and tangles in their coat. They are moderate shedders, so be prepared for some hair around the house, especially during shedding seasons.

Is This Breed Right for You?

The Irish Setter is a wonderful breed for the right owner. They are best suited for active individuals or families who can provide them with plenty of exercise and attention. If you are looking for a beautiful, affectionate, and energetic companion and are prepared to meet their needs, the Irish Setter might be the perfect breed for you. However, if you have young children, lead a sedentary lifestyle, or are not prepared to deal with shedding and grooming, another breed might be a better fit. Careful consideration of your lifestyle and the breed's needs is essential before bringing an Irish Setter into your home.

Temperament

Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!

Upload a Photo

You must be logged in to upload photos.

Compare Breeds

Compare this breed with another to find the perfect match for you.

Select another breed Select a breed AffenpinscherAfghan HoundAfrican DogAiredale TerrierAkita InuAmerican TerrierAppenzellerAustralian CattledogAustralian KelpieAustralian ShepherdAustralian TerrierBasenjiBasset HoundBeagleBedlington TerrierBernese MountainBichon FriseBlenheim SpanielBlood HoundBluetick CoonhoundBorder CollieBorder TerrierBorzoiBoston BulldogBouvier des FlandresBoxerBrabanconBriardBrittany SpanielBull MastiffCairn TerrierCardigan CorgiCaucasian OvcharkaCavapooChesapeake RetrieverChihuahuaChowClumberCockapooCocker SpanielCoonhoundCotondetulearCurly RetrieverCzechoslovakian WolfdogDachshundDalmatianDandie TerrierDholeDingoDobermanEnglish BulldogEnglish HoundEnglish MastiffEnglish SetterEnglish SheepdogEnglish SpringerEntlebucherEskimoFlatcoated RetrieverFox TerrierFrench BulldogGerman PointerGermanlonghair PointerGermanshepherdGiant SchnauzerGolden RetrieverGordon SetterGreat DaneGroenendaelHavaneseHuskyIbizan HoundIndian BakharwalIndian ChippiparaiIndian GaddiIndian GreyhoundIndian MastiffIndian MudholIndian PariahIndian RajapalayamIndian SheepdogIndian SpitzIrish SpanielIrish TerrierIrish WolfhoundItalian GreyhoundItalian SegugioJapanese SpanielJapanese SpitzKeeshondKelpieKerryblue TerrierKombaiKomondorKuvaszLabradoodleLabradorLakeland TerrierLapphund FinnishLeonbergLhasaMalamuteMalinoisMalteseMedium PoodleMexicanhairlessMiniature PinscherMiniature PoodleMiniature SchnauzerMixNewfoundlandNorfolk TerrierNorwegian BuhundNorwegian ElkhoundNorwich TerrierOtterhoundPapillonPatterdale TerrierPekinesePembrokePitbullPlott HoundPomeranianPugPugglePyreneesRedboneRhodesian RidgebackRottweilerRussell TerrierSalukiSamoyedSchipperkeScottish DeerhoundScottish TerrierSealyham TerrierSharpeiShetland SheepdogShiba InuShihtzuSilky TerrierSpanish WaterdogStaffordshire BullterrierStandard PoodleStbernardSussex SpanielSwedish DanishSwiss MountainTervurenTibetan MastiffTibetan TerrierToy PoodleToy TerrierVizslaWalker HoundWeimaranerWelsh SpanielWelsh TerrierWesthighland TerrierWheaten TerrierWhippetYorkshire Terrier

Compare