Irish Setter
Facts
Facts
- The Irish setter is thought to have descended from English setters, spaniels and pointers. The
breed may also have a little Gordon setter blood.
- The primary purpose of the Irish setter was to assist their owners in bird hunting.
Appearance and Size
The Irish setter is a regal and dignified dog. Their long legs, long neck and narrow head make the breed
a stunning display of sophistication. The chest is deep and the dog is slender and lean. The most
significant aspect of the Irish setter is the hair coat.
The early Irish setters were white with red patches. Gradually, the solid red color became more common
and by the 1870s, the controversy over the color was done: red won. The Irish setter's coat is long and
deep red to mahogany with flowing feathers on the legs, tail and ears.
The adult Irish setter stands 25 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weighs up to 60 to 70 pounds.
Personality
Although energetic and playful, the Irish setter can also be gentle. As a setter, this breed needs plenty of
exercise and enjoys the companionship of people.
The Irish setter is a sensitive dog and does best in families that shower him with love and affection. The
breed is known to be devoted and protective, especially around children. Young boisterous Irish setters
may be too active and rambunctious for very small children.
The breed needs exercise, which can be difficult to provide in an apartment or city environment. Irish
setters tend to do best when taken on daily jogs to release pent up energy.
This breed tends toward nervousness and does not respond well to shouts or negative reinforcement.
Only positive reinforcement training techniques should be used. Socialization is a top priority for this
breed as well.
Special Concerns
The Irish setter does not enjoy being left alone or confined. Without consistent companionship, the dog
may develop behavior problems.
The hair coat of the Irish setter is beautiful but requires lots of brushing and care to prevent mats and
tangles.
Common Diseases and Disorders
In general, the Irish setter is a healthy dog with few medical concerns. However, the following diseases
or disorders have been reported:
• Gastric torsion (bloat) is a life-threatening sudden illness associated with the stomach filling with air
and twisting.
• Osetosarcoma is a malignant cancer of the bones.
• Epilepsy is a seizure disorder, which develops between the ages of 2 to 5 years.
The Irish setter is also prone to ear infections and needs cleaned 3-4 times a week
In addition, although these occur infrequently, the following disorders have also been reported:
• Hip Dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint that results in pain, lameness and arthritis.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a degenerative disease that generally affects mature to older
dogs. It attacks the cells of the retina, first causing night blindness and can lead to loss of sight.
Life Span
- The average life span of the Irish setter is 14 to 16 years.
We realize that each dog is unique and may display other characteristic, but with the proper diet, care
and exercise, you can have a loyal loving setter for a very long time.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |