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Irish Setter

The Irish Red Setter is an exceptionally glamorous dog with his richly gleaming chestnut coat and handsome kind looks. The Irish Setter was developed during the 19thC, probably by selective breeding from the Irish Red and White Setter in order to create a self-coloured dog. It is claimed that, ironically, the solid coloured dog was hard to distinguish in dead grass and bracken and so a white handkerchief was tied to his neck to assist in spotting him.  The Irish Setter was trained to find game for netting and then for the gun, and although not used so commonly for working he still has the true instincts.

In 1835 the Irish Setter was described as rare and in the Dublin Show of 1874 there were more classes for the Irish Red and White Setter, and it was not until 1876 that he became known, separate from the Red and White,  as the Irish Red Setter.  The breed club was formed in 1882, and since then the breed has gone from strength to strength.

Like many of the larger breeds he has a long puppyhood; he is full of boundless energy and naughtiness, until he suddenly emerges like a butterfly as a beautiful, affectionate member of the family, and you can almost always leave your slippers in the kitchen in the knowledge that they will (probably) still be there when you next look.

An Irish Setter must be a poor representative of the breed not to look like a quality dog; it is true that some are terribly narrow all through, whereas they should be well-boned and powerful in his hindquarters, but they do have a real air of class and refinement.

Plenty of time and exercise is vital; they have a lot of energy which must be channelled and they are demanding of your time and attention, but you will be amply rewarded for your investment in them.  Unusually, there are no height or weight restrictions in the Breed Standard; they are simply required to be "racy, balanced and full of quality". 

The coat is reasonably easy to manage; the body coat should be flat and the feathering silky and straight.  To give him his correct outline his throat needs to be kept tidy and the ears neat, which is probably the most difficult part of his presentation without obvious trimming.

A lovely dog, not a breed to be taken on lightly, but if you can give him the time you will be amply rewarded.

To read the English Kennnel Club Breed Standard, click here.

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Selected Books

The time to make sure that this is the right breed for you is before you bring him home; if you and Setter 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.

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Irish Setter Breed Clubs

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Irish Setter Breed Rescue and Rehoming

Contact a Breed Club. They should be able to give you information about Setters requiring homes and procedures for re-homing; if you are in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own dog, 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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Irish Setter Breeders

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If you are looking for a puppy contact the Breed Clubs and the Breeders listed and visit the puppyfinder website where there is a great deal of information on hereditary conditions.  If you are a Breeder and wish to advertise your puppies puppyfinder is an excellent showcase.