Irish Setter

Size: Large
Other Names: Red Setter, Irish Red Setter, Setter
Country of Origin: Ireland
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Sporting
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Sporting
United Kennel Club (UKC): Gun Dog
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Gun Dogs
The Kennel Club (KC): Gun Dogs
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Gun Dogs
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Gun Dogs

Height:

Male: 23-26½ inches; Female: 21½-24½ inches

Weight:

Male: 60-70 pounds; Female: 53-64 pounds

Color(s):

Rich chestnut red or mahogany

Coat:

Moderate length and flat on the body; short and fine on the head, front of legs, and tips of ears; the undercoat is abundant in cold weather

Description:

The Irish Setter's name in Gaelic is Madra rua or "red dog".  The Irish Setter was bred for hunting, specifically for setting or locating and pointing upland game birds.  They are a tireless, wide-ranging hunter, and well-suited to fields and wet or dry moorland terrain.  Using their excellent sense of smell to locate the mark (or bird), the Irish will then hold a pointing position, indicating the direction in which the bird lies hidden.

Temperament:

Irish Setters are well-known for their fun-loving and affection temperament, particularly with children, and will enthusiastically greet visitors.  They get along with other dogs and pets, and make a superb companion.  Irish Setters thrive on constant human companionship, and do not respond well to being left alone for extended periods of time.  Irish Setters enjoy having a job to do.  They are not a naturally aggressive breed, although they make excellent watch-dogs and will bark to alert their owner to the presence of strangers.

Training:

The Irish Setter is highly intelligent, and easily trained using positive reinforcement training methods.  Consistency in training is important, as they are a breed with a tendency to "play deaf".

Care & Grooming:

Irish Setters are an active breed, and require long, daily walks, and, when properly trained, off-lead running in wide, open spaces.  Lack of activity will lead to a bored, destructive, or even hyperactive dog.  The Setter’s coat requires frequent brushing to maintain its condition and keep it mat-free.

Shedding:

Moderate; the long red coat mats if loose hair is not brushed out.

Health:

Irish Setters may be prone to bloat, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, and hypothyroidism.  Do not exercise hard immediately after meals.

Lifespan:

12–15 years

Litter Size:

6–8 puppies