Irish Red and White Setter

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The Irish Red and White Setter derives from the same stock as the Irish Setter and it is believed by many that the Irish Setter was developed from the Red and White.  In the early days of dog showing the two breeds were shown in the same classes and the  Irish Red and White Setter can be traced back to the kennels of Lord Rossmore of Monaghan;  on occasion he is still referred to as the Rossmore Setter.

The Irish Red and White Setter has recently been re-introduced to the UK and he is steadily gaining a following.  He is similar in many ways to his solid-coloured cousin, the Red Setter, and his principal difference apart from the colouring is his head which is a good deal stronger and lacks the prominent occiput.  His followers would argue that he is closer to his working roots than the Irish.

His coat is described as pearl white with solid red patches and the feathering is not as luxuriant as the Irish which gives him a much cleaner outline without specialist grooming.  The general appearance is of a strong and powerful dog, athletic rather than racy who looks as though he could do a day's work if asked.  There are no height or weight limits specified in the Breed Standard, balance is all.

He is a happy, good-natured dog who will fit in well with a family who can offer him sufficient attention and exercise.  Intelligent and biddable he needs to be focused and given given some challenges.

To read the Kennel Club Breed Standard for the Irish Red and White Setter click here.

Selected Books

The time to make sure that this is the right breed for you is before you bring him home; if you and Red and White are to be happy together there is plenty of research to be done.  Even if you do not intend to work him, having an appreciation of Gundog Training will help you understand why he behaves as he does. 

In addition to learning what kind of behaviour is specific to Gundogs, understanding your dog, and what his motivations are on a more general level can save a lot of confusion and misunderstandings for both you and him. Many mistakes can be avoided, and quick solutions reached if you have the basics of puppy training to guide you through all the early settling in difficulties.  It helps, too, to have some idea of basic healthcare so you can make informed judgements about whether a visit to the vet is necessary or if there is a simple remedy.  For example, many cases of upset tummies are best cured by 24 hour starvation.  The books we have chosen will be able to guide you as to whether your dog can be treated at home, or a visit to the surgery is necessary.

Irish Red and White Setter Breed Clubs

IRISH RED & WHITE CLUB OF GB
IRISH RED & WHITE CLUB OF SCOTLAND
THE SOUTHERN SOCIETY FOR IRISH RED & WHITE SETTERS

Irish Red and White Setter Rescue and Rehoming

Contact a Breed Club. They should be able to give you information about dogs requiring homes and procedures for re-homing; if you are in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own Setter, please go through breed rescue. They will not be judgmental and are best able to find the right permanent home for him.

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