Irish setter?

Question

Just a quick question. One of my dogs is an irish setter (purebred, retired show dog.) I'm always amazed at the number of people that don't recognize the breed. They are not a popular breed anymore (yay!) Does anyone else here have one, or have you had one? When was the last time you saw an I.S.? Would you recognize one if you saw it?

I'm involved with I.S. rescue (foster, transport.) Even though the breed is rare we always have them in rescue. It's a shame.

Answer 1

Heyyyyy!!! Yes, I have one! You're right, they're NOT a popular breed anymore (Yay, yay, and double YAY!!!).

I'm also frequently astonished that people don't recognize mine for what he is. I'm even MORE amazed when people who DO know what he is feel perfectly free to approach me and say "well, dang ... ain't they just about the most dumbest, most stupidest dogs ever?" When this happens, I say to myself, "OK ... this is an opportunity to educate people ..."

Of course, that's after I bite my tongue really hard and smile!

Mine is also from champion show-lines ... and I waited 20 years to be able to own this wonderful dog. And wow, did I get lucky ... his temperament is as beautiful as his appearance. Everyone has "their breed" ... and the Irish is my breed!

I'd love to hear more about your dog ... email me if you like!

Answer 2

I know the breed and have since I was a very small child. I have a neighbor that raises the Irish and the Gordon Setters. Her's are field dogs and hunting dogs. She doesn't show in conformation.

Added: I don't think we should call people names just because they don't know all the breeds. Not everyone is that 'into' dogs as some of us are. I would hate to be asked to name several varieties of Parakeets because, while I know there are many kinds, I don't know what they are called. I don't think that makes me stupid, just not aware or educated on the Parakeets.

Answer 3

When I was a kid,a friend of my parents had two.They were the old time kind,with bigger builds and blockier heads,and they were smart.They were Florida dogs and they would swim to an island by themselves,dodging gators and rattlesnakes,and they would come up here to Ohio every summer with their owner.They would stay wherever he went,off leash,along with a Chessie named Kip.They were magnificent-looking dogs and very calm.On the other hand,my brother's girlfriend also had one and he was a nutcase.Mac was hyper and not very bright.Oh,he was beautiful,but just not well-bred,I guess.That was a long time ago,too.I like an Irish setter,though.I wonder why they aren't more popular? But sure,I would recognize one.I've been reading dog books since I was about 4 years old.

Answer 4

The Irish Setter demands a lot of patience when young.... I would go with the Gordon Setter.

Answer 5

Yes my best friend had 2 irish setters,they were the prettiest color,dark red, and a nice coat.But not the brightest. i guess it was the breeding.after so much inbreeding you are going to get some mentally challenged ones.
And yes i would definately recognize an irish setter when i see one.

Answer 6

ive only ever seen a couple in person. but what i found amazing was that i talked to someone the other day (im a trainer) who had a question about their 7mo old irish setter. they said it had BROKEN two different metal crates (like ripped the bars apart) when they were gone. so they started leaving it out in the house, and it was pooping while they were gone. they said to me, straight faced "oh, well, when we come home and find it, we take him, put him in his crate with his poop, and leave them together for like an hour as a punishment."

i was aghast. but no matter. poor poor irish setter.

Answer 7

I think people are just slowly becoming stupider anymore lol

I learned as a little kid that the "red" haired dog was an irish setter.

Answer 8

Yep, I'd recognize one. You're right, I haven't seen many recently.

There are still many pbs and mixes in rescues and shelters across the US however. :(

http://search.petfinder.com/search/search.cgi?pet.Animal=Dog&pet.Breed=irish+setter&pet.Age=&pet.Size=&pet.Sex=&location=93108

Answer 9

My mother owned two before i was born. We have pictures of them in the photo album and yes I would recognize them and you are right.. I hardly ever see that breed anymore.

Answer 10

You have a very good point - you don't see them much anymore. I have seen them before and would definitely recognize one if I saw one, but I don't see them as frequently as I see Labs or German Shepherds. Not even as frequently as Dalmatians.