Irish Setter
Description
The Irish Setter is a graceful and energetic sporting dog known for its striking red coat and friendly disposition. Originating from Ireland, this breed was originally developed for hunting and retrieving game. They are characterized by their long legs, elegant build, and an agile, athletic nature. Irish Setters are often seen in various dog sports and are also popular as family pets due to their affectionate nature.
Personality
Irish Setters are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are typically very social dogs that enjoy being around people and other pets. Their playful and exuberant nature makes them great companions for active families. They are also intelligent and eager to please, which can make training relatively straightforward, although they may have a stubborn streak. They thrive on human interaction and require plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
Care Requirements
Irish Setters require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being, ideally around 1 to 2 hours of vigorous activity each day. This breed enjoys activities like running, fetching, and swimming. Grooming is also essential due to their long coat; they should be brushed several times a week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Regular bathing is advisable to keep their coat clean and healthy. Additionally, routine veterinary check-ups and vaccinations are crucial to ensure their overall health. They are best suited for homes where they can have plenty of space to play and interact with their families.
Suitable For:
- Families with children due to their playful and gentle nature.
- Owners who can provide plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation.
- Households with other pets as they get along well with other dogs.
- Those looking for a social and friendly dog that is good with strangers.
- People who are willing to invest time in training, as these dogs are highly trainable.
- NOT
Not Suitable For:
- Those living in small apartments due to their high energy levels.
- People who prefer a quiet, low-energy dog.
- Families that are away from home frequently, as these dogs crave companionship.
- Those looking for a highly protective or guard dog, as they are moderately protective.
- People who prefer a dog that doesn't require much exercise.
Physical Characteristics
The Irish Setter is a medium to large breed, typically weighing between 60 to 70 pounds and standing about 24 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a long, narrow head with a slight stop, and their ears are long and feathered. Their coat is one of their most distinctive features, consisting of long, silky, and wavy hair that is rich red in color. Irish Setters have a well-proportioned body, strong legs, and a long tail that is usually carried high.
Height
Male: 27" - 27"
Female: 27" - 27"
Weight
Male: 70 - 70 lbs
Female: 60 - 60 lbs
Life Expectancy
12 - 15 years
Breed Characteristics
Maintenance Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Fun Facts
The Irish Setter, also known as the 'Red Setter', was first bred in Ireland in the 18th century primarily to be a gun dog; their purpose was to point and retrieve game birds. They are a mix of English Setters, Gordon Setters, Pointers, and spaniels.
Their distinctive mahogany or chestnut coat is not just aesthetically beautiful, it was also functional, helping to camouflage the dogs in the field against autumn leaves when they were hunting.
Irish Setters are known for their exceptional sense of smell, which makes them excellent at tracking scents while hunting. This trait also translates into the modern day with some Irish Setters being trained as search and rescue dogs or therapy dogs.
Despite their size, Irish Setters are athletic and agile. They love vigorous activities and need a lot of exercises. They're known for their high energy levels and playful, clownish behavior, often described as being 'puppy-like' even into their adult years.
An Irish Setter named 'King Neptune' was awarded the rank of life-saving dog during World War II for his contribution in collecting donations for the Red Cross. The dog's owner had set a goal of $1 million, which was exceeded and reached $1.5 million. As a result, King Neptune was awarded a custom-made military uniform and attained celebrity status.