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Sporting breeds: Irish Setter
Origin
The Irish Setter's origin is pure speculation. It is conjectured that he may have been developed in Ireland from an Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Terrier cross. More likely is the theory that he was developed from an English Setter, Spaniel, and Pointer combination along with a bit of Gordon Setter. He first came into notice in the early years of the 18th century. He was a well-established breed across the British Isles within a hundred years. At this time he was known as the Red and White Setter. His early ancestors were rarely self-colored, frequently the white predominated the red. The solid red color that we are familiar with today didn't come into popularity until about 1812. No black is or ever was permissible in the coat.
The Irish was imported to the United State around 1875. Originally the Irish Setter Club of America was known as the Irish Red Setter Club. (A comment on the solid red aspect of the color that became popular in the United States.)
General description
Height: 25-27 inches
Weight: 60-70 pounds
Color: The color is mahogany or rich chestnut. A small amount of white on chest, toes or throat, or a narrow streak on the skull, is allowed. No amount of black is ever permitted.
Grooming requirements
The Irish Setter needs to have his back, head and face clipped to conform to the show standard. Whether your dog is clipped or not, he will need to be brushed with a slicker brush and a metal comb. The brush should be used to gather all of the dead coat from the belly, tail, feathering, back and head if not clipped. The comb should then be used to qualify that there is no dead coat left in the dog that can cause matting. The ears and nails should be tended to on a regular basis.
Health considerations
The Irish Setter is one of many breeds with autoimmune problems. He has a strong tendency to eye and skin problems. He has a tendency to hip dysplasia, OCD, epilepsy and muscle weakness. As with other deep-chested breeds, he has a tendency to bloat.
The Irish Setter is one of two breeds in which a disorder called Granulocyte Dysfunction is possibly present. This problem causes recurring infections and stunted growth.
The purchase of a puppy from a reputable breeder with healthy, tested stock is a must with this breed.
Breed characteristics and personality
This is a slow maturing breed. It takes much longer for the Irish to get his "brains." He's very active and requires lots of room and exercise. He is not suited to an apartment or very small home and yard. He's not always tolerant of strangers, but does not make a good watchdog. He can be hyper.
The Irish is energetic and full of feeling. He is expansive and independent. He has a rollicking personality and a devil-may-care attitude. He has an outgoing, stable personality.
The Irish is a good loyal companion. Once trained he stays that way. While he is good with kids, he may be too intense for small children. This is a very active dog. Unless you have the space and time for exercise, this is not a good choice.
Uses
The Irish Setter has a bold hunting style, is swift and has an excellent nose. He's hardy over any terrain and in any climate. He also works wetlands. As a hunter this dog is good and tough. He can stand continued work in the brush without getting stiff and sore. He has exceptional feet for running. He is not an independent hunter and pays close attention to his handler. He develops slowly, but once trained, he stays that way. He need not be re-trained every hunting season.
Web links
AKC Irish Setter page
The Irish Setter Club of America
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