Irish
Setter
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 Description:
Irish Setters are an elegant breed with a long
and lustrous Mahogany coat. The breed is intelligent,
playful, loving and high spirited. These dogs
were developed in Ireland in the early 18th century
specifically for hunting birds. Irish Setters
are swift in the field and have excellent hunting
abilities.
Early ancestors of this breed had red and white
coats, however, by the 19th century, a solid red
Irish Setter first appeared and became most desirable.
Today in the United States, Irish Setters typically
have a sold red or Mahogany coat. This solid coat
is the only acceptable type in the show ring according
to the AKC, although the Standard does not penalize
for a small amount of white on chest, throat or
toes, or a narrow centered streak on skull.
The Irish Setter breed was first imported to the
United States in the 19th century. These dogs
quickly became popular and remain so today, not
only in the US, but all across the world. Irish
Setters are recognized as being "one of the
most beautiful of all dog breeds".
Height: At withers,
the height for an Irish Setter is 25 inches (64
cm) for bitches and 27 inches (69 cm) for dogs.
Weight: The weight for an Irish Setter
is approximately 60 lbs (27 kg) for bitches and
70 lbs (32 kg) for dogs.
Coat Type:
The Irish Setter's coat is moderately long, silky
and glossy. The hair is short on the head and
forelegs. Daily brushing or combing is necessary.
The Irish Setter is an average shedder.
Color: The color
of the Irish Setter's coat is Mahogany - deep,
reddish brown.
Temperament:
Irish Setters are playful, energetic and high
spirited. They're also affectionate and great
with children and they make a wonderful companion.
Irish Setters are very intelligent and can be
housetrained quickly and easily. Owners must be
firm, yet patient and always loving, never harsh
or cruel especially when training. This breed
has a very high energy level therefore should
be exercised often - especially so they can run,
play and stretch their legs. Irish Setters have
a strong hunting instinct and will take off on
a scent so they should be kept in a secure area
when out to play. This breed is slow to mature
- both physically and mentally.
Health Problems:
Irish Setters are generally a
healthy breed. However, there can be health concerns
which include: hip dysplasia, progressive retinal
atrophy (PRA), epilepsy, boat, skin allergies,
entropion, hypothyroidism, hyperosteodystrophy,
bone cancer and CLAD (Canine Leukocyte Adhesion
Deficiency. The average life expectancy for an
Irish Setter is between 11 - 15 years.
Special Interests:
• Irish Setters' ancestors were originally
bred to be red and white.
• In Gaelic, the name 'Irish Setter' translates
to Madra rua or "red dog".
• In the United States, the Irish Setter
was initially called the Irish Red Setter.
• Irish Setters are commonly recognized
as being one of the most beautiful of all dog
breeds.
• The Irish Setter breed is believed by
most to have been developed from a mix of Irish
Water Spaniel, English Setter, Irish Terrier,
Pointer, Spaniel, and also just a bit of Gordon
Setter.
Classifications:
AKC: Sporting Group
ANKC: Group 3 - Gundogs
CKC: Group 1 - Sporting Dogs
FCI: Group 7 Section 2: British and Irish Pointers
and Setters
KC: Gundog
NZKC: Gundog
UKC: Gun Dog | 
