Irish Setter

Breed Description

To talk about the Irish Setter, it is important to clarify that the prefix “Irish” became standard only at the end of the 18th century, in 1886, when the breed standard was first adopted. Starting from the 15th century, there existed a group of breeds that were particularly suited for hunting birds. All these dogs were called setters, from the English “to set” – to stand still: upon sensing or seeing game, the dog would freeze in its direction, either standing or lying down. The hunter would see the signal and cast a net over the feathered target, and later – shoot with a gun. Four setters were most successful in their work, but each breed was locally established in England, Scotland, and Ireland.

All setters varied in size and color. The English setter was the shortest and specialized in finding game. The Scottish setter was bulkier and better at retrieving game. Also in this group was the red-and-white Irish setter, which was nearly as good at pointing as the Irish Setter.

As is known, during the Middle Ages, dog owners were least concerned about keeping records of breed crossings. The working qualities of their dogs were of utmost importance to them. The same situation applied to the Irish Setter, whose other name is the Irish Red Setter: until 1860, the red Irish setters were quite rare “gems” among the red-and-white four-legged hunters. In 1862, a dog show took place, won by a remarkable red-and-chestnut beauty, which laid the foundation for today’s companions of beautiful chestnut color.

Who are the ancestors of these dogs? There is no definitive answer. It can be said that the breed has acquired some traits from spaniels and Irish wolfhounds, while others come from bloodhounds and retrievers. Among canine experts, there is an opinion that modern red setters carry traces of poodle and even collie blood.

In the 20th century, the breed managed to win the most prestigious dog show four times, surpassing its English counterparts. Unfortunately, since 1960, the breed has gradually lost popularity in its homeland, as its hunting qualities were inevitably sacrificed for appearance. However, across the ocean in the USA, since 2011, declared the year of the Irish Red Setter, the breed has significantly outpaced all its counterparts from England and Scotland. In our country, preference has always been given to working qualities. Today, when comparing the American version of the breed with its European variant, one can observe a significant difference in appearance and working characteristics of the dogs.

Appearance

A resilient, beautiful, and good-natured dog with intelligent eyes. A true intellectual among dogs, it tends to avoid fights. Nowadays, it is more commonly used as a family dog rather than a hunter. However, hunting instincts remain, and proper upbringing and training are essential for their development.

This breed falls into the large dog category. An adult male reaches 65-67 cm at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller, measuring 55-61 cm. However, the red setter is not as powerful as other large breeds. The average weight of adult dogs ranges from 25 to 32 kg. They are noted for their relatively long lifespan, which can reach 15 years and often exceeds this mark.

The elegant lines of the body emphasize that this is a prestigious dog for true aristocrats. However, it cannot be claimed that the breed has good guarding qualities.

Red-haired dogs are very active and dislike being alone. They get along well with older children and love to play with them. Certainly, a country house with plenty of opportunities to be outdoors is more suitable for this dog. However, there are often instances where proximity to an urban park solves issues related to walking and active runs for the dog.

Отличительные черты

Голова

Elongated and quite voluminous. The skull between the ears is oval in shape and not broadened. The occiput is very distinctly defined and the brow ridges are well-developed. The distance from the occiput to the forehead is the same as the length of the dog's muzzle. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is clearly visible.

Морда

The nose is quite long, with a straight bridge topped by a large tip. The nostrils are wide. It’s worth noting that the color of the tip can be either black or a dark mahogany shade, or dark brown. On the muzzle, the fur is very short and straight.

Уши

The ears are quite large and set low, almost at eye level. The cartilage is very soft, causing the ears to hang down at the sides, but they are not pointed out; instead, they are pressed against the dog's head. Unlike the dog's head, the ears are covered with longer fur.

Глаза

The attentive eyes of the red setter sit not too deep. Their color mainly varies from dark brown to almost black, but hazel shades are predominant. The lower eyelid doesn’t sag, and the size of the eyes is not very large, leaning more towards medium.

Зубы

The jaws are nearly the same length and meet in a scissor bite. The teeth are straight and grow in even rows, with the canines being perpendicular to the jaw. The mouth doesn’t appear very large or powerful at first glance. An adult dog typically has 42 teeth.

Корпус

The dog's body is not massive and does not disrupt overall proportions. The chest is slightly narrow, but due to the sufficient curvature of the ribs, the setter's lungs receive enough air volume during the dog's movements. The back transitions into a slightly convex loin.

Конечности

The front limbs lack prominent musculature. They are rather dry but strong, with a sturdy bone structure. The shoulder blades are angled back and fairly long. The elbows are low, allowing for completely free movement. The hind limbs are positioned widely, quite powerful, and well-muscled. The strong knees are set low and are clearly visible. The pads of the paws are not large, and the toes are compactly arranged.

Хвост

A low-set tail gives the dog a squat appearance when viewed from the side. It is of medium length, which does not disrupt the dog's proportions. Typically, when the dog is calm, it rests on the line of the back or slightly lower. It does not curl into a ring and is covered with long fur.

Шерсть

The pride of the red setter is its coat. On the head, muzzle, front of the legs, and ears, it is extremely short. At the same time, the straight fur across the body is of medium length, very soft, and even silky. The longest straight fur grows on the hind legs and tail. The outer surfaces of the ears are adorned with wavy fur.

Окрас

The noble reddish-brown, even chestnut color gives the dog an aristocratic appearance. It is evenly distributed across the entire body without any darkening. However, small white spots on the toes or forehead are allowed, although they are not considered a virtue.

Character

The friendly four-legged friend possesses a special energy that attracts the attention of the entire family. Whether a hunter or a show dog, the Irish Red Setter is primarily a family companion with all the implications that come with it.

Dog owners unanimously note that this breed does not suit homebodies. This is quite evident, as these dogs are very active, energetic, love long walks, and enjoy interacting with anyone. Even household cats do not provoke any aggression or dislike in them. However, feathered pets are still at risk and could become prey for the chestnut tracker.

The dog will quickly bond with children, provided they don’t ride on its back or pull its tail. On the contrary, it’s recommended to teach children the proper way to interact with the dog and confidently send them out for walks together. Walking in the park, all participants will gain immense health benefits: the dog can run to its heart’s content, retrieving its toys or ordinary sticks, while the children can feel the weight of responsibility and take a break from the digital environment.

The dog’s special aura has a unique psychotherapeutic effect. Negativity vanishes instantly when you hear the frequent breathing of your happy dog nearby, with its mouth wide open and long tongue sticking out. When the dog’s loyal, joyful eyes are waiting for just a bit of attention and affection from you.

Among the downsides of this breed’s character is the lack of guarding qualities. But that doesn’t mean the dog will retreat if family members are in danger. The dog will stand up for protection, but it’s not fair to compare it to guard breeds.

It’s surprising how peace-loving this breed is towards other dogs. The Irish Setter won’t fight but will try to “negotiate.” Even under one roof, such conflicts are extremely rare.Like all Irish dogs, the Red Setter is full of dignity. Adoring its owner, it will be invisibly present beside them. However, it will never impose itself or be sycophantic.It’s worth noting that representatives of this breed mature very slowly. When the dog finally emerges from puppyhood, at least 2 to 3 years will have passed. In that time, it may destroy hundreds of toys. Therefore, it’s better for it to always have a plentiful supply; otherwise, your favorite pair of shoes might suffer. And don’t fall for the clever tricks of this red dog: it’s so cunning that it will try all manner of ways to avoid punishment, refusing to admit to its actions. Perhaps there’s quite a bit of acting in these dogs as well.

Care and Maintenance

The Irish Setter is a hunting breed of dog. For a long time, these dogs lived in harsh conditions, where the main priority was to get food, while the rest they had to manage on their own. Nowadays, red setters are increasingly kept not for hunting but for companionship. Naturally, hunting setters require just as much care as their “companion” counterparts. The place where the dog lives is no longer as crucial as it once was. Care can be divided into several parts.

Daily walks should be at least twice a day, lasting 60 to 90 minutes, with essential mental and physical stimulation. To ensure the safety of the dog, let them off-leash only in designated areas in parks or near your home in the city. If the dog lives in a private house, it’s beneficial to set up an area of at least 4 by 4 meters and to install a fence at least 2 meters high to prevent escape in pursuit of pigeons or squirrels (remember, you have a hunter, not a decorative dog).

How to care for an Irish setter’s coat? Their thick and long coat is very beautiful and sheds twice a year. However, typically, there are no traces left in the house if you help your dog by grooming their coat at least 2 to 3 times a week. Start this process at a young age so that the dog gets used to it and remains calm during grooming. A special brush with frequent bristles will make this task easier and provide a massaging effect. Note that the long “fringe” on their legs and tail does not shed at all. A distinct advantage of red setters is the lack of a specific odor from their coat. Of course, a wet, dirty dog after a walk or hunting does not fall into this category. To simplify care, you can use special overalls with dirt-repellent surfaces or insulated winter suits. They will significantly ease the maintenance of your pet’s coat. By the way, “chestnuts” love to bathe. You can indulge your dog with bath sessions 1 to 2 times a month, using special shampoos that make their coat shine.

Nails should be checked more often, at least 1 to 2 times a week. Accordingly, nail trimming should be done as they grow, typically no less than 2 to 3 times a month. In winter, it makes sense to use special shoes for the dog, which will protect their paws from the chemical agents used to treat sidewalks.

Ears and eyes should be checked daily. Pay special attention to the inner condition of their ears after the dog has been bathed or has gone for a swim outside. If moisture is not promptly removed, it can lead to infections and hearing problems. Be mindful of any specific odor during your routine check; often, this indicates a fermentation process in the dog’s ear canal. It’s best to consult a veterinary clinic immediately. Ear cleaning is usually done at least once a week with a regular cotton ball rather than cotton swabs, as there is a risk of damaging the eardrum. Eyes can be rinsed with boiled water, and in cases of tearing at the corners, with a slightly warm solution of black tea (just avoid using bagged tea, as it may contain dyes that could be harmful).

What is the best diet for a red Irish setter? To avoid kidney issues, the diet should not contain excessive amounts of calcium and phosphorus. Fatty foods can adversely affect the liver. However, an adequate intake of Omega-3 has a very positive effect on the condition of the dog’s coat and blood vessels.The most balanced diet for such dogs consists of special super-premium dog foods. They contain the necessary amounts of trace elements and vitamins for the proper development of the dog, considering its weight and age. It’s also much easier to select a diet if your dog has allergies. It’s important not to overfeed the animal and avoid physical activity immediately after meals. Your dog should rest for at least 30 to 40 minutes after eating before enjoying outdoor play.Ensure that there is clean water in the bowl 24 hours a day. Irish setters are tall dogs, so their bowls should be placed on special stands to prevent them from bending down while eating.

Training and Education

The Irish Setter is a very intelligent dog and is quite easy to train. There is another opinion on this matter, but it is more based on the personal experiences of owners who have violated the basic principles of dog upbringing and training.

The breed’s liveliness certainly brings its nuances to the training process. To prevent disappointment, start training your dog from the very first moment the puppy arrives home. He must understand that among all household members, you are his owner. Therefore, feed him yourself, praise him for any correct execution of your commands, and never shout at him.

Note that you are unlikely to end up with a circus dog, but your Irish Setter should know the basics. Place and name are the first things the puppy must memorize and obediently respond to. By 6 to 8 months, you can teach him to wear a collar and leash, come when called, and wait as long as necessary on command.

However, we recommend purchasing a collar with a built-in GPS navigator for the puppy. It will help track your dog’s location if he runs off during a walk.

One of the most important skills your Irish Setter must learn is not to take food from the ground or from strangers. Another responsibility of the dog is to hear and unconditionally obey your commands under any circumstances. This can only be achieved through praise, affection, and treats. Under no circumstances should you resort to physical punishment.

It is worth noting that the breed is not suitable for people with weak character. If you have any doubts about your own abilities, it is best to consult specialists who can help socialize your puppy and teach basic commands, while you learn how to interact with the dog correctly.If you wish to have a hunting companion, you can start training for this purpose at around 6 to 8 months of age. Given the seriousness of such an endeavor, it is definitely best to use the services of certified dog training specialists. Zoopromotions offers puppies with documentation and health guarantees.

How to Choose a Puppy

Before choosing an Irish Red Setter puppy, first determine your goals for getting a puppy. Are you looking for a hunting companion, a show dog, or a family pet, or do you want to breed the breed?

By answering this question, you can direct your training and upbringing efforts in the right direction from the very first weeks of the puppy’s life in your home. It’s worth noting that a “dog for the soul” is not contradictory to a “hunting dog” or a “show dog.” Regardless of your goals, your dog should have a pedigree and a veterinary passport with records of any genetic tests (if conducted) and vaccinations.

Of course, looking for such “red gold” at a bird market is not advisable, as there is a risk of acquiring an animal with questionable origins and unstable temperament. It’s best to seek a kennel where the breeder will always be available to provide future recommendations. Honest breeders will never sell a puppy to just anyone-this is undoubtedly their advantage.

Once you’ve ensured that the kennel’s conditions for dog care meet your expectations, carefully observe the entire litter and the mother of the puppies. The mother dog will inevitably pass some of her character traits to her puppies. A tail tucked between the hind legs is a bad sign, so examine the other puppies as well.

The most active and beautiful puppy is undoubtedly your future companion. Just remember to check the state of his eyes and the inner surface of his ears-there should be no discharge. His belly shouldn’t be bloated, and his nose should be cool and moist. Want a purebred pet? You can find them at ZooNika with documentation from reputable breeders.

Health and Illnesses

You can’t fault the Irish Setter for having a weak immune system. Its ability to work for 10 to 12 hours while hunting speaks to its great resilience. However, like any other breed, the red aristocrat does have several breed-specific health issues.

Among these concerns, one of the most unpleasant is progressive retinal atrophy. The eyes are one of the dog’s key tools, as it relies not only on smell but also on sight during hunting. With progressive retinal atrophy, vision initially decreases during the day, and eventually may be completely lost, rendering the dog disabled.

Typically, only one joint is affected due to improper formation of the joint sac. The animal will start limping, and later may lose its ability to move independently. Unfortunately, elbow dysplasia currently has no cure.

A number of other joint-related issues occur less frequently, but it’s still essential to keep a close watch on your dog: osteodystrophy can arise from an improperly balanced diet for your pet. At the same time, an excess of calcium or phosphorus can sometimes lead to kidney problems. Are you considering this? There’s a vast selection of advertisements on the Zoonica map across the cities.