Irish Setter – Red Setter Dog Breed Information, Puppies & Breeders 

Are you considering adding an Irish Setter to your family? These beloved dogs are known for their stunning beauty, athleticism, and affectionate personalities. Whether you’re an active individual or a family looking for a loyal companion, an Irish Setter may be the perfect addition to your household. Before making a decision, it’s important to understand the breed’s characteristics, needs, and personality traits to ensure that they will fit well with your lifestyle and expectations. In this article, we will provide you with an overview of the Irish Setter breed to help you make an informed decision about whether this breed is right for you.

Breed Category: Gundog
Country of Origin: Ireland
Average Size:58-67 cm
Average Weight:25-32 kg
Average Life Span: 11-15 years
Grooming Requirements: High
Exercise Requirements:High

History and Origin

The Irish Setter is a breed of dog that originated in Ireland. It is a medium to large-sized dog that is known for its beautiful red coat and friendly personality. The breed has a long and interesting history that dates back to the 18th century.

The exact origin of the Irish Setter is not known, but it is believed to be a cross between several breeds, including the Irish Water Spaniel, the English Setter, the Gordon Setter, and the Irish Terrier. The breed was developed to be a hunting dog that could work in the rugged terrain of Ireland.

The Irish Setter was first recognized as a breed in the late 1800s. It quickly became popular in Ireland and England, and was later introduced to the United States. The breed was used primarily for hunting, but also became a popular show dog.

In the early 1900s, the Irish Setter became one of the most popular breeds in the United States. It was featured in movies and television shows, and was often seen as a symbol of wealth and status. However, the breed’s popularity declined in the 1960s and 1970s due to health issues and overbreeding.

Today, the Irish Setter is still a popular breed, but is not as common as it once was. The breed is known for its friendly and outgoing personality, and is often used as a therapy dog. It is also still used for hunting, and is a popular show dog.

In conclusion, the Irish Setter is a breed of dog that has a long and interesting history. It was developed in Ireland as a hunting dog, and quickly became popular in England and the United States. Although its popularity has declined in recent years, the breed is still loved by many for its friendly personality and beautiful red coat.

Size and Breed Category

The Irish Setter is a medium to large breed of dog that is known for its striking red coat. They typically stand between 58-67cm tall at the shoulder and weigh between 25-34kg. Their long, lean bodies are built for speed and agility, making them excellent hunting companions. Irish Setters are classified as a sporting breed, which means they were originally bred for hunting and retrieving game birds. They are known for their high energy levels and require plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy.

In terms of breed category, the Irish Setter is classified as a gundog. This means that they were specifically bred to assist hunters in finding and retrieving game. They are known for their excellent sense of smell and their ability to work in a variety of terrains. Irish Setters are also highly trainable and make great family pets. They are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, and they love nothing more than spending time with their human companions. Overall, the Irish Setter is a versatile and athletic breed that is well-suited to a variety of lifestyles.

Fur Length and Colour

The fur of the Irish Setter is typically long and silky, with a slight wave to it. The fur on the ears, chest, legs, and tail is feathered, giving the dog a regal and elegant appearance. The fur colour is a rich mahogany or chestnut, with some dogs having white markings on the chest, feet, and face. The fur is dense and provides excellent insulation, making the Irish Setter well-suited for cold weather. The fur requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, and to maintain its silky texture.

The colour of the Irish Setter’s fur is an important characteristic of the breed. The mahogany or chestnut colour is deep and rich, with a glossy sheen that catches the light. The colour is uniform throughout the body, with no patches or spots. The white markings on the chest, feet, and face are a distinguishing feature of the breed, adding to its beauty and elegance. The colour of the fur can vary slightly depending on the individual dog, with some dogs having a slightly lighter or darker shade of mahogany or chestnut. Overall, the colour of the Irish Setter’s fur is a defining characteristic of the breed, adding to its charm and appeal.

Termperament and Trainability

Irish Setters are known for their lively and energetic temperament. They are friendly and affectionate dogs that love to be around people. They are also very playful and enjoy running and playing outdoors. However, they can be quite stubborn at times and may require firm and consistent training to ensure they behave appropriately. Irish Setters are also known for their high energy levels and require plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They are not suitable for apartment living and require a large outdoor space to run and play.

In terms of trainability, Irish Setters can be quite challenging to train. They have a strong will and can be easily distracted, making it difficult to keep their attention focused on training. However, with patience and consistency, they can be trained to follow basic commands and even perform more advanced tricks. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, work best with Irish Setters as they respond well to rewards. It is important to start training early and to be consistent with the training to ensure the best results. Irish Setters also benefit from socialization with other dogs and people to help them develop good behavior and manners.

Known Health Conditions

Irish Setters are a breed of dog that are known to be prone to certain health conditions. One of the most common health issues that Irish Setters face is hip dysplasia. This is a condition where the hip joint does not develop properly, leading to pain and discomfort for the dog. It can also cause arthritis and mobility issues later in life. To prevent hip dysplasia, it is important to ensure that Irish Setters are not over-exercised as puppies and that they maintain a healthy weight throughout their lives. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can also help to catch any signs of hip dysplasia early on.

Another health condition that Irish Setters are susceptible to is bloat, also known as gastric torsion. This is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off blood supply to the organs. Symptoms of bloat include restlessness, drooling, and a distended abdomen. It is important to seek veterinary care immediately if bloat is suspected, as it can quickly become fatal. To prevent bloat, it is recommended to feed Irish Setters smaller, more frequent meals and to avoid exercise immediately after eating.

Openness to Strangers

Irish Setters are known for their friendly and outgoing nature towards strangers. They are a breed that loves to socialize and make new friends, whether it be with humans or other dogs. Their welcoming personality makes them a popular choice for families and individuals who are looking for a companion that is easy to get along with. Irish Setters are also known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners, making them a great addition to any household.

When it comes to meeting new people, Irish Setters are not shy. They are always eager to greet strangers with a wagging tail and a friendly lick. This trait makes them a great choice for families with children, as they are patient and gentle with kids. However, it is important to note that Irish Setters are also energetic and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They thrive in environments where they can run and play, and they enjoy participating in activities such as hiking, swimming, and agility training. Overall, Irish Setters are a breed that is known for their sociable and outgoing nature, making them a great choice for anyone looking for a friendly and loyal companion.

Playfulness Level

The Irish Setter is a highly energetic and playful breed of dog. They are known for their love of play and their ability to keep their owners entertained for hours on end. Whether it’s playing fetch, chasing after a ball, or simply running around in circles, the Irish Setter is always up for a good time. They are also highly social animals and love nothing more than spending time with their owners and other dogs.

Despite their playful nature, Irish Setters can also be quite mischievous at times. They are known for their love of digging, chewing, and exploring, and can sometimes get into trouble if left unsupervised. However, with proper training and socialization, they can make excellent family pets and are sure to bring a lot of joy and laughter into any home. Overall, the Irish Setter is a fun-loving and playful breed that is sure to keep their owners on their toes.

Suitability as a Pet for Children

Irish Setters have a friendly and outgoing personality, making them a great choice for families with children. They are energetic and love to play, which can help keep children active and engaged. However, they do require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Irish Setters are also known for their intelligence and trainability, making them a good choice for families who are willing to invest time in training and socialization. Overall, Irish Setters can make wonderful pets for families with children who are willing to provide them with the attention and exercise they need.

Exercise Needs

Irish Setters require a significant amount of exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. As a medium to large breed, they need at least 60-90 minutes of daily exercise, which should include both physical and mental stimulation. This breed is known for their high energy levels and love for running, so activities such as long walks, jogging, and hiking are ideal for them. Additionally, they enjoy playing games such as fetch and agility training, which can help keep them mentally stimulated and prevent boredom. It is important to note that Irish Setters should not be left alone for long periods of time, as they may become destructive or develop separation anxiety.

In addition to regular exercise, Irish Setters also benefit from training and socialization. This breed is intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. However, they can be stubborn at times, so consistent and positive reinforcement is key. Socialization is also important for Irish Setters, as they can be wary of strangers and other dogs if not properly socialized from a young age. Early exposure to different people, animals, and environments can help prevent fearfulness and aggression. Overall, Irish Setters thrive in active households where they can receive plenty of exercise, training, and socialization.

Suitability for a Multi-Pet Family

Irish Setters have a reputation for being friendly and sociable animals. They are known to be good with children and often make great family pets. When it comes to other pets, Irish Setters can generally get along well with other dogs and cats if they are socialized properly from a young age. However, as with any breed, there may be some individuals who are more prone to aggression or dominance issues. It is important to introduce Irish Setters to other pets slowly and carefully to ensure a positive relationship.

Housing Requirements

Irish Setters require a spacious and comfortable living environment that can accommodate their energetic and playful nature. They need a house with a large yard or garden where they can run and play freely. The yard should be securely fenced to prevent them from escaping as they have a tendency to wander off. The house should have enough space for them to move around and stretch their legs. They also need a comfortable bed or crate where they can rest and sleep peacefully. Irish Setters are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so the house should be well-insulated and equipped with heating and cooling systems to keep them comfortable in all seasons.

Irish Setters have a thick and shiny coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and shiny. They need a dedicated grooming area with a grooming table, brushes, combs, and other grooming tools. The house should have a designated area for grooming that is well-lit and ventilated. Irish Setters are also prone to ear infections, so their ears should be cleaned regularly. The house should have a quiet and calm area where they can receive regular ear cleaning and other grooming procedures without distractions. Irish Setters are social animals and require regular exercise and interaction with their owners. The house should have a designated play area where they can play with their toys and interact with their owners.

Summary

Irish Setters have a friendly and outgoing personality, making them a great choice for families with children or other pets. They are highly energetic and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. With proper training and socialization, they can make excellent companions and are known for their loyalty and affectionate nature. However, their high energy levels and need for attention may not be suitable for everyone, and potential owners should carefully consider their lifestyle and ability to provide for the needs of this breed before bringing one into their home.

Irish Setter – Red Setter Dog FAQS