Irish Setter?

Question

I'm thinking of getting an Irish setter for my next dog, in the past I've had an english springer spaniel & currently I have a dachshund. What can I expect from an Irish Setter. They are beautiful dogs w/ lots of energy - I know that so far.

Answer 1

The Irish Setter, also known as the Red Setter, is a breed of gundog and family dog. The term Irish Setter is commonly used to encompass the Show-bred dog recognized by the AKC as well as the field-bred Red Setter recognized by the Field Dog Stud Book.

Appearance

An Irish Setter after swimmingThe coat is moderately long and silky and of a deep red color, and it requires maintenance. This includes shedding that occurs quite a bit and will stick to anything that touches it and constant brushing to keep mat free. The undercoat is abundant in winter weather. Irish Setters range in height from 25 to 27 inches (64-69 cm), males weigh 60 to 70 pounds (27-32 kg) and females 53 to 64 pounds (24-29 kg). The FCI Breed Standard for the Irish Setter stipulates males: 23 to 26.5 inches (58-67 cm), females: 21.5 to 24.5 inches (55-62 cm).

Temperament
This happy, playful breed is known for its joie de vivre and thrives on activity. It loves to run in open spaces. It is faster and has more endurance than other setter breeds.

In general, Irish Setters are friendly, enjoy human company, and actively look for other dogs with which to play. They are affectionate and like to be petted. Irish Setters are excellent with children. Due to the breed's need for frequent activity, this is an inappropriate dog for inactive families or apartment dwellers. Irish Setters are not aggressive, although can bark to protect the area from strangers. Possibly due to their stubbornness and resistance to obedience training, they have been marked as being stupid, but are really quite intelligent.

[edit] Irish Setters are a moderately healthy breed. Like almost all dog breeds, they are prone to certain genetic disorders:

Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Epilepsy
Entropion
Hypothyroidism
Hyperosteodystrophy
Bloat
Osteosarcoma
Von Willebrand's disease
Patent ductus ateriosus

History

Irish Setter - Pointing

Early Irish Setters were white with red blotches on their coats, but today the Setter's coat is a rich mahogany color. The Irish Red and White Setter is more closely related to those early Setters.

The Irish Setter's name in Gaelic is Madra rua or "red dog". Originally, the Irish Setter was bred for hunting, specifically for setting or pointing upland gamebirds. They are similar to other members of the setter family such as the English Setter and Gordon Setter. Irish Setters are extremely swift, with an excellent sense of smell and are hardy over any terrain and in any climate. The Irish Setter is used for all types of hunting. It even works well on wetlands.

Today, the Irish Setter is more commonly found as a companion and family pet.

Appearance
The modern Red Setter is smaller than his bench-bred cousin. While show dogs often reach 70 lb, the working Red Setter is generally around 45 lb. The coat is less silky and the feathering is generally shorter. The color is lighter, with the working dog found in russet and fawn colors. The Red Setter often has patches of white on his face and chest as the Irish Setter of old did.

Temperament
The Red Setter is a happy, biddable dog. He is readily trainable and reportedly learns quickly. Most Red Setters do not retrieve as readily as many of the versatile breeds do but can be taught to retrieve to hand. The Red Setter makes a loving house companion and is reportedly good with children.

Answer 2

The March Issue of Dog Fancy has a feature on them, the Mastiff, and the Affinpincher. Its a good article about the Irish Setter, and should answer your questions.

Answer 3

I've read that they are sometimes mistaken to be very stupid because of their stubborness, but are actually very smart. I live in a rural area where stray dogs are thrown off occasionally and we actually had one show up at our house a few months ago. I wanted to know more about her breed so I found some info on the net. I also read that they are not agressive, but will bark. She is very sweet and loving. She's about 10 months old and we have taught her to sit and shake. If you have kids or another dog, I think they are great for that.

Answer 4

The Irish setter was the most popular dog in the US in the 1920's & were the victims of overbreeding due to their popularity & it is difficult to find a good line unless you are willing pay handsomely for it. They are a breed that requires a lot of grooming due to the length & density of their coat. Obtain a copy of "Dog Fancy" mag & peruse the ads for various breeds (there are many). Good luck.

Answer 5

My dad had two of them...he said they are smart, but they act dumb on purpose...and they are very stubborn and do what they want...hope this helps a little...

Answer 6

You've pretty much answered your own question.