Irish Setter

Irish Setter Dog Picture
Photo ©2005 Cinco & Big Paws Only

Standard Irish Setter Characteristics

About the Irish Setter

The Irish Setter, also called the Red Setter, was created in the 1700's in Ireland as a game retrieving dog.

Today, the Irish Setter is used mainly as a companion dog.

This breed is known for their endless energy and untiring ways. They are very spirited and tend to be somewhat mischievious.They need to be handled with a firm hand from a young age as they tend to pick up bad habits very quickly. They can be difficult to train if the right incentives are not given but they do not respond well to harshness. They love to be around their family and are very affectionate with their owners. Since these dogs have a great sense of smell they can pick up scents from distances far away, they are not to be trusted off leash. Once they begin to track a given smell they will not come when until the trail comes to an end.

Lengthy and sleek describe the body of the Irish Setter. Their dark brown, almond shaped eyes are set far apart while their triangular ears are set low and far back on the skull. Their muzzle is deep and very chiseled showing off the black nose and strong thin jaws.They have a thin, slightly arched neck which mirrors the slightly arched, thin tail that is feathered throughout.They have long, strong legs that join their small feet with well arched toes.Their mahogany or chestnut colored coat is short and fine throughout the head and front of the legs. There is a lot of feathering on the ears, backs of the legs, thighs, tail and chest. Along the back the hair lays flat and straight.

These dogs are prone to bloat, epilepsy, allergies, eye problems, dysplasia and auto-immune diseases.

Irish Setters are not recommended for apartments because of the immense amount of exercise needed to satisfy them. They do best in a home with a large yard where they can run and frolick throughout the day.