Temperament and Care of The Irish Setter

Image of the Irish Setter

The Irish setter is a breed of dog that comes in three different coat colors red, blue, and wheaten. The red coat is a dark mahogany with a black undercoat, the blue coat is a bright steel blue with a black or grey undercoat, and the wheaten coat is a mixture of orange and red with a black or grey undercoat. Regardless of their coat color, all Irish setters have a red or orange nose and black tips on the ears and tail. The average size of an Irish setter is 60-70 pounds for a male and 50-60 pounds for a female.

Interesting Facts about the Irish Setter

- The breed was developed in the 19th century in Ireland, where they were bred to hunt red grouse and other types of game birds. - During the Irish Rebellion of 1921, the Irish setter was a popular breed among those who fought against the English. This is thought to have contributed to the decreasing numbers in the breed.

- The first Irish setter was brought to the United States in 1887 when a couple named Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Moore imported an Irish setter named Ceper from England.

- The Irish setter is a sporting dog with a strong instinct to hunt. Owners must be careful to control their dog during exercise, as they can easily become distracted by small rodents or other small animals.

- Irish setters can be prone to hip dysplasia, a condition that occurs when the head of the femur is not completely enclosed in the hip socket.

- The Irish setter’s long, silky coat requires weekly brushing and occasional bathing.

Origins of the Breed

Irish setters are bred from setters bred in Ireland in the 1800s for hunting. The breed is a crossbreed of the Irish water spaniel, the curly-coated retriever, and the black and tan Bracco Italiano. Originally, only red-colored Irish setters were bred, though blue and wheaten colors were later introduced. The Irish setter is a sporting dog with a strong instinct to hunt. They were originally bred to hunt red grouse and other types of game birds.

Temperament and Care

This breed is generally friendly and well-mannered. Good with children, they do very well in families with other animals. With their silky long coat, regular brushing is a must. These dogs are prone to problems such as hip dysplasia. Protect their long ears from the cold and consider using cotton swabs to clean their ears as often as once per week. Keep this breed on a regular exercise schedule. They have a high energy level and need lots of time outdoors to stretch their legs. If kept indoors, they will become bored, which can lead to destructive behavior and excessive barking. This breed is an average shedder. Their long coat requires weekly brushing, but owners can also use a rubber brush to remove loose hair more quickly.

Unique Features of the Breed

- Good with Children: This breed is generally friendly and well-mannered. Good with children, they do very well in families with other animals.

- Excellent Hunter: The Irish setter is a hunting dog by nature. They are not recommended for households where small animals are present.

- Elegant: This breed is generally friendly and well-mannered. They do very well in families with other animals, and they are very elegant in their appearance.

- Sensitive: The Irish Setter is a hunting dog by nature. They are not recommended for households where small animals are present. They are very sensitive and should be trained with a gentle hand.

- Strong Build: This breed is generally friendly and well-mannered. They do very well in families with other animals, and they are very elegant in their appearance. They have a strong build, and they are very muscular.

- Strong Instincts: The Irish Setter is a hunting dog by nature. They are not recommended for households where small animals are present. They are very sensitive and should be trained with a gentle hand. They have strong instincts to hunt, and they will chase small wildlife if given the chance.

Pros and Cons of Owning an Irish Setter

PROS: This breed is generally friendly and well-mannered. Good with children, they do very well in families with other animals.

CONS: This breed is a hunting dog by nature. They are not recommended for households where small animals are present. They are very sensitive and should be trained with a gentle hand. They have strong instincts to hunt, and they will chase small wildlife if given the chance.

Conclusion

The Irish setter is a beautiful, elegant and graceful dog that has been bred for hundreds of years to hunt. With their long, silky fur, they are a high-maintenance breed, which means they are not the best choice for someone who wants a low-maintenance dog. If you are interested in adding an Irish setter to your family, make sure you are ready to provide regular exercise and brush out their long, silky fur at least once a week.