Origin and Appearance

The Irish Setter, known as "sotar rua" in Irish, is a breed of gundog and family dog that originated in Ireland. The coat is moderately long, silky, and features an undercoat that is abundant in winter weather, with a fine top coat. This undercoat, especially, helps the dog stay insulated in varying temperatures. The Irish Setter's coat also feathers in places such as the tail, ears, chest, legs, and body, a trait that adds to their distinctive appearance.

Irish Setters range in height from 61 to 71 cm (24 to 28 inches) and in weight from 29 to 34 kg (65 to 75 lb) for males, and from 25 to 29 kg (55 to 65 lb) for females. The FCI Breed Standard for the Irish Setter specifies that males should stand between 58 to 67 cm (23 to 26.5 inches) tall, and females between 55 to 62 cm (21.5 to 24.5 inches) tall.

The breed is known for its deep chest and small waist, which not only contributes to their hunting efficiency but also their overall health. The original references to the 'Setter' in literature date back to 1570, with the breed's working behavior resembling the modern Irish Setter, although the early setters were likely a type of setting spaniel, now extinct.

Temperament and Behavior

The Irish Setter is characterized by a friendly and gentle temperament, as stated by the UK Standards. This active breed requires long, daily walks and off-lead running in wide, open spaces to maintain its high energy levels. The breed is also known for its intelligence and playfulness, making it a great companion for families and individuals looking for a lively and engaging pet. Their social nature is further demonstrated by their adaptability to various roles, from hunting companions to therapy dogs.

Irish Setters are widely used as therapy dogs in schools and hospitals, where their calming presence and gentle nature help create a relaxed environment. The breed's adaptability to various roles, from hunting companions to therapy dogs, highlights its versatility and social nature. Their friendly disposition and ability to form strong bonds with their owners make them a popular choice in many different settings.

Despite their high energy levels, Irish Setters are also known for their affectionate nature, often forming strong bonds with their owners. This bond is further strengthened by their desire to please, making them easy to train and willing to engage in a variety of activities that challenge their minds and bodies.

History and Development

The Irish Setter has a rich history that dates back to the early 18th century, with the de Freyne family of French Park being among the first to keep detailed stud records in 1793. This meticulous record-keeping was crucial for the breed's development and helped maintain the integrity of the bloodlines. The breed's preference for a solid red color became evident by 1845, with the Irish Setter Club in Dublin drawing up the breed standard on March 29, 1886, which included a 100-point scale for physical attributes. This standardization was pivotal in defining the breed's appearance and temperament.

The American Field Dog Stud Book, established in 1874, was the oldest pure-bred registry in the United States and played a significant role in the breed's development. The Llewellin Setter, bred using bloodlines from the Lavarack breeding of English Setter and native Irish Setters, was one of the early crosses that influenced the breed. This cross was an attempt to improve the breed's speed and stamina for hunting.

In the 1940s, concerns about the breed's disappearance from the field led to an outcross with red and white field champion English Setters, resulting in the modern Red Setter. This outcross was aimed at preserving the breed's working abilities and has been a subject of controversy among breed enthusiasts. Despite the controversy, it was an important step in ensuring the breed's survival and maintaining its hunting prowess.

Working Characteristics

The Irish Setter was bred for hunting, specifically for setting or locating and pointing upland gamebirds. They are tireless hunters, well-suited to fields and wet or dry moorland terrain. The breed's excellent sense of smell allows them to locate the mark, or bird, and hold a pointing position, indicating the direction in which the bird is hidden. This skill is highly valued in hunting, as it enables the hunter to approach undetected.

The breed's working characteristics have made them popular in field trials and hunting, where their intelligence, energy, and agility are highly valued. Their keen eyesight and swift movement make them adept at navigating challenging terrain and locating game. Despite the breed's transition to show dogs and therapy work, the Irish Setter remains a capable and enthusiastic hunter, with many still participating in field trials and hunting activities today.

Their natural instinct to serve and protect can be harnessed in this capacity, demonstrating the breed's versatility beyond hunting and companionship.

Health Considerations

The Irish Setter has a life expectancy of around 12.9 years, which is slightly higher than the average for purebred dogs. However, the breed is predisposed to certain health issues, including gluten intolerance, a naturally occurring genetic disorder that affects the small intestine and can lead to malnutrition and diarrhea if not managed properly with a gluten-free diet. Owners must be vigilant about their dog's diet to prevent these issues.

Atopic dermatitis is another health concern for Irish Setters, which can cause skin irritation and discomfort. This condition is often seen in dogs with sensitive skin and can lead to chronic skin issues if not properly managed.

Other health concerns include hip dysplasia, which can lead to joint pain and mobility issues, and eye disorders such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Despite these health considerations, the Irish Setter remains a popular choice for those looking for a loyal, energetic, and affectionate companion.

Notable Irish Setters

Throughout history, several Irish Setters have gained notoriety. King Timahoe, the pet of Richard Nixon, was a 56th birthday gift from his White House staff in January 1969. King Timahoe became a symbol of the breed's loyalty and companionship. Plunkett, the only Irish setter depicted in George Earl's mythical painting "A Field Trial in the Eighties," is another notable example. Plunkett's image has become synonymous with the breed's elegance and grace in the hunting field. Milford, owned by Emperor Alexander II of Russia, also highlights the breed's historical significance and popularity, as the emperor was known for his passion for hunting.

Care and Maintenance

Regular baths may be necessary to keep the coat clean and healthy, but excessive bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils.

Exercise is a crucial aspect of an Irish Setter's care. These dogs require at least an hour of vigorous exercise each day, such as running or playing fetch, to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Mental stimulation is also important, as Irish Setters are intelligent and can become bored or destructive if not challenged.

Training is another essential part of an Irish Setter's care. Socialization is also key, as Irish Setters are sociable dogs that benefit from exposure to various people, dogs, and environments from an early age.

Buying an Irish Setter

The Irish Setter is not suitable for those looking for a laid-back pet, as they require an active lifestyle to thrive. Potential owners should be prepared for the time and resources needed to care for this energetic breed.

The Irish Setter is a long-term investment, both in terms of time and resources. Potential owners should consider the breed's life expectancy and the potential for health issues when making the decision to bring an Irish Setter into their home.