The breed of Irish Red and White Setters is renowned for its grace, vigor, and amiable disposition. This dog stands out in any crowd thanks to its eye-catching red and white coat. It makes a wonderful family pet in addition to being a great hunting companion.
This breed is reasonably easy to train because it is intelligent and eager to please. To stay happy and healthy, though, you do need to get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Irish Red and White Setters make excellent outdoor companions for active families or individuals.
Characteristic | Description |
Origin | Ireland |
Size | Medium to large, 55-61 cm in height |
Weight | 20-32 kg |
Coat | Silky, medium-length, white with red patches |
Temperament | Friendly, energetic, and intelligent |
Exercise Needs | Requires lots of daily physical activity |
Lifespan | 12-15 years |
Good with Families | Yes, especially with children |
Training | Can be stubborn, but responds well to positive reinforcement |
A gregarious and active canine breed, the Irish Red and White Setter is distinguished by its unusual red and white coat. This breed, which was initially developed as a hunting dog, is smart, devoted, and an excellent family friend. They are best suited for active households because they require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Irish Red and White Setters can flourish in both family and hunting environments with the correct upbringing and training, exhibiting their affectionate and playful disposition.
- General characteristics of the breed
- Comparison with the Irish Red Setter
- Pros
- Cons
- History of origin
- Description of appearance
- Head
- Body
- Limbs
- Wool and color
- Character traits
- Education and training
- Use in hunting
- Nutrition
- Health
- How to buy a puppy
- Reviews of the Irish red and white setter breed
- Video on the topic
- A dog as fast as the wind Irish red setter is faster then wind
- Irish setter. Begging for treats.
- Games with the Irish setter Irish red setter plays with Collar puller maxi
- RED WHITE SETTER
- 370. (25) Irish red and white setter History Boy
- Irish red and white setter
- Irish red and white setter
General characteristics of the breed
Because speckles and small spots are possible, members of this breed are sometimes referred to as Irish red and white setters. Even so, the name that is officially recognized matches the red and white color of these dogs. The Irish pointer is the second name.
This is the perfect dog for a hunter; it is tenacious in its pursuit of game and picks up on its owner’s cues. It’s a great companion for long walks, nature excursions, and athletes alike.
Parameters | Characteristics |
---|---|
name | Irish red and white setter (English. Irish red and white setter) |
country | Ireland |
FCI classification | pointers |
use | hunter |
life expectancy | 10-13 years |
height | males 62-66 cm, females 57-61 cm |
weight | 25-34 kg |
Comparison with the Irish Red Setter
As suggested by the names, these breeds differ in more ways than just color. Working dogs bred for hunting are red and white setters. Red: more frequently used as a show dog and companion. Because red and white setters are more noticeable in the field throughout the year, hunters frequently select them. Compared to red setters, these dogs are somewhat bigger. They have greater vigor and resilience. and serene and submissive by nature.
The images illustrate how the breeds differ from one another:
Pros
Among the best bird hunters are red and white setters, who have excellent working instincts. However, hunters aren’t the only ones who like them. People adore this breed as a companion. Ultimately, its delegates possess these benefits:
- beautiful, elegant;
- non-conflict, not prone to dominance;
- sociable, get along well with all people;
- love children, are patient with them;
- cheerful, playful;
- good-natured, never show aggression;
- affectionate, sensitive;
- smart, quick-witted, easy to train;
- loyal, become attached not only to the owner, but also to all family members;
- clean, do not smell like a dog, do not shed much.
Cons
Not everyone is a good fit for this breed. It is advised that hunters, athletes, and those who enjoy an active lifestyle purchase it. The dog requires frequent exercise, including walks lasting at least two hours each day. Setters also have additional drawbacks:
- impulsive, emotional, gambling;
- prone to escape;
- need early socialization;
- have a hard time with loneliness;
- not suitable for the role of guard or bodyguard.
History of origin
For a very long time, the setter’s ancestors have assisted people in their pursuit of birds. Prior to the invention of firearms, hawk and falcon hunting was done with snares. The dog, though, didn’t change. It pursued the bird and, upon locating it, froze in a recognizable position. These dogs were known as setters for this reason. Their breeding has been regulated since the 17th century, with the goal of choosing the toughest, smartest, and most resilient individuals.
Red-spotted white setters were more common among hunters in Ireland. They were easier to spot against the autumn foliage and grass background, making it harder to mistake them for foxes. However, there were more dogs with solid red coats at an Irish setter exhibition at the end of the 1800s. They were better-made and had a more impressive appearance. Red setters were thus bred by breeders.
Red-and-white dogs were practically extinct at the start of the 20th century. A few people made it through in isolated parts of Ireland. Red and white setters were brought back to life in the 1940s by enthusiasts who founded a breed club. However, the breed was not well-known until the 1970s, when cynological organizations started to recognize it. In 1989, it was registered with the FCI.
Description of appearance
The medium-sized Irish Red and White Setter is a stunning canine with a balanced build. Its build is powerful and muscular, but it’s elegant rather than rough. It stands 60–66 cm tall on average and weighs no more than 32 kg.
Head
The head is sizeable in relation to the body. The occipital protuberance is hardly noticeable, and the skull is convex. The superciliary stop and arches are distinct. The nose has a large lobe, wide nostrils, and a straight bridge. The muzzle appears rectangular from the side and is elongated rather than narrow. The bite is correct, and the jaws are strong. The lips are thin and dry.
Large, dark, and widely spaced eyes. The form is oval and has a small convexity. Ears are long, thin, and narrow. Near the cheeks, they are hanging, somewhat low and set back.
Body
The neck is medium in length, muscular, and has a beautiful curve without dewlap. The belly is tastefully tucked up, the back is straight, and the chest is large and deep. The low-set tail maintains the back’s line. tapering towards the tip, but thick at the base. maintained at a slight elevation.
Limbs
The front limbs have robust bones and are straight. The elbows and shoulders are angled back, and the shoulder blades are strong. The muscles and joints of the hind legs are strong and well-defined. The toes are arched, the paws are compact, and hair grows in between them. The dog takes off quickly and powerfully with its legs. Gallop steps are followed by trots.
Wool and color
The coat is medium length, thick, and straight. less extensive on the head. Long feathers on the limbs, tail, ears, and chest. They may have a small wave to them. The coat feels smooth and thin to the touch. The expression of the undercoat is flimsy.
The standard states that only white with red spots is acceptable for breed representatives. They are always found around the eyes, on the cheeks, and on the ears. can appear in a variety of sizes on the body at random. The spots’ boundaries should be visible, and the colors should be vivid. There are tiny white spots; these are fine on the muzzle or lower limbs but undesired elsewhere on the body.
The description of the appearance is enhanced by photos:
Character traits
Irish red and white setters are kind and have a well-balanced temperament. They are gregarious, people-oriented, and require attention. These are loving, perceptive dogs that pick up on their owner’s emotions and intelligently respond to vocal tones. They are sensitive and always willing to lend a hand with any activity or game. They are able to communicate effectively with anyone.
These caregivers are kind, patient, and patient with children. Never offend; good for a teenager’s first pet. When it comes to sports and other active games, they become loyal friends. Only because of their innate hunting instinct, which views birds as prey, are they peaceful around other pets.
These setters love everyone, so they cannot be watchmen because of their lack of aggression. By barking, they can alert their owner to the approach of strangers. But they are amiable to everyone and do not display suspicion or trepidation.
These dogs’ personalities can be summed up as follows:
- gambling;
- tireless;
- cheerful;
- sociable;
- friendly;
- emotional;
- calm;
- affectionate;
- curious;
- decisive;
- smart;
- loyal.
Education and training
These setters are perceptive, intelligent, and simple to teach. They pick up behavior norms and commands quickly. However, lessons ought to be consistent and engaging. These dogs are docile but mature slowly; at 3–4 years old, they still exhibit puppy behavior and enjoy playing and being mischievous. They can also be obstinate, particularly men.
To maintain the puppy’s interest, training should be changed up. Nothing should divert him since setters are naturally inquisitive and gambling-oriented. Treats, praise, and rewards should be given to your pet more frequently. Physical punishment and rudeness are prohibited. Training won’t be an issue if you are persistent, patient, and treat the dog with love and calm.
Use in hunting
The primary purpose of Irish red and white setters is to hunt birds. They have to locate the game and let the owner know where it is. In addition, the dog finds and retrieves the bird after raising it for shooting.
These dogs’ upper sense of smell is highly developed. They are robust and swift. They search with a wide "shuttle" and run at a light gallop. They labor methodically and thoughtfully. They listen intently and comply. Upon spotting a bird, the Irishman assumes its signature pose, clenching his body, tucking in one front leg, and lifting his tail. The game is indicated by the head with the neck extended. Although setters need to be trained to find and recover injured animals, these traits are innate.
It is possible to hold a red and white setter in a private home or apartment. You must consider the characteristics of this dog, which include its need for frequent exercise and continuous human interaction. As a result, it shouldn’t be kept alone or locked in an enclosure for an extended period of time, and it’s even worse to tie it up with a chain. It should be considered when free walking on the property that members of this breed have a high jump height and are likely to get away.
It is required to take setters for walks twice a day for a total of two to four hours. Active games and cerebral activities are ideal for walks. It’s best to take the dog for more frequent walks in the outdoors. Setters require warm clothing in the winter months because their undercoat is weak.
Serious care is not needed for these dogs. Their coat is thin, not thick, and doesn’t shed much. To comb it once a week is sufficient. Make use of a brush, a slicker brush, and a comb with long teeth. The hair on the paws, under the tail, and close to the ears should be routinely trimmed because they get dirtier and tangle more easily in these areas. The dog’s belly hair can be trimmed if it is not shown. Some hunters shortened it to avoid having to pick up trash afterwards.
A setter’s coat can effectively self-clean, so bathing them is not required. If you store it indoors, you can give it a once-monthly wash with a specific shampoo. You must wash your paws after walks. After walks in the outdoors, brush off grass blades and twigs and examine the dog for skin damage and parasites.
The pet’s dangling ears require frequent care. They should be checked once a week or following outdoor excursions. Wipe with cotton pads dipped in a special lotion to remove dirt and sulfur. It is the same with the eyes. If enough walking is done, the claws will eventually wear down on their own, but they may need to be trimmed.
Nutrition
The diet of a dog determines its level of activity and health. Being inconspicuous, red and white setters don’t require a lot of food. However, they need to choose their food wisely. A mature dog is fed in tiny portions twice a day. This is best done after a walk; to avoid volvulus, do not allow the pet to move around too much after eating. It is not advised to eat anything before going hunting.
Dry food is preferred by many owners because it is more convenient, particularly when venturing outdoors. Food should be at least premium quality, free of artificial additives, and contain vitamins and minerals. Fat content is 16% and protein content is at least 30%. That the food is meant for hunting breeds is desirable.
Lean meat and porridge should be the setter’s diet when feeding naturally. You can feed them cereals like buckwheat, rice, and oatmeal, as well as meat, poultry, and rabbit. Fruits, vegetables, dairy, vegetable oil, and greens are all beneficial.
Health
Setters still maintain excellent health and a robust immune system, even after the breed was brought back from a small population. When given the right care, they hardly ever become ill. The average lifespan is 10–11 years, but some people reach 13–14 years. This breed’s members are susceptible to the following illnesses:
- joint dysplasia;
- volvulus;
- otitis;
- von Willebrand disease;
- cataracts;
- blood pathologies.
How to buy a puppy
Currently, the breed’s population has nearly recovered, and all cynological organizations recognize it. However, it is mostly found in Europe. Red and white setters were first seen in Russia a few years ago. Although the breed is rare, they can now be found in Moscow or the southern part of the nation.
A puppy typically costs between thirty and forty thousand rubles. Purchasing a dog from a foreign nursery is preferable, even though the cost will be higher—$1000. However, there is more proof that it is a purebred. Purchasing a puppy for hunting is advised in Europe, where working dogs are bred specifically for the purpose.
You should consider the build, color, and ear set of the breed when selecting a puppy. It is crucial that it is healthy—free of parasites, eye discharge, and patches of baldness on the coat.
The picture depicts the puppies’ appearance:
A fascinating video about this breed of dogs:
Video: Irish setters’ way of life
Video: The Top 10 Facts About Irish Red and White Setters
Irish red and white setter in a video
The perfect hunting dog is the red and white setter. However, he will make a great friend for an adolescent and companion for an active owner.
Reviews of the Irish red and white setter breed
The Irish Red and White Setter is a delightful breed distinguished by its eye-catching appearance and amiable disposition. This dog, with its lovely coat and energetic disposition, is a great companion for both active individuals and families. They are a delightful addition to any home because of their amiable nature, which enables them to get along with kids and other pets.
In addition to being extremely attractive, these setters are also very smart and eager to please. The best way to make sure they acquire polite manners and behavior is through consistent training and socialization. They do well in both urban and rural settings when given the right direction.
In conclusion, the Irish Red and White Setter is an amazing breed that possesses intelligence, beauty, and a loving nature. This breed can offer happiness and companionship to your life, whether you’re searching for a devoted friend or an energetic family member.