Irish Setter

The Irish Setter is distinguished by its eye-catching red coat and gregarious, active disposition. Due to its playful and loving nature, this breed—which was initially bred as a hunting dog—has grown to be a cherished family member.

Irish Setters, with their endless energy, do best in active homes where they can receive lots of exercise. They like being outside and being a part of the action, whether they are playing with kids or running in the park.

Irish Setters are gentle and sociable dogs that get along well with families and other pets despite their high energy levels. They are easy to train because of their loyalty and desire to please, but they require a lot of patience and positive reinforcement to succeed.

Breed characteristics

* Features of the breed Irish Setter according to owner reviews and the evaluation of Usatik.ru experts. Since the data is average, it might not correspond to the actions of a single person. Sadly, one cannot possibly consider every single one of a pet’s unique characteristics.

Brief description of the breed

What is the actual country of origin?

What is the country of origin according to the FCI?

When did the breed appear?

How long does it live?

How much does a male dog weigh?

How much does a female dog weigh?

What is the height (height at the withers) of a male dog?

What is the height (height at the withers) of a female dog?

How much does a puppy cost with documents?

What is the price of a puppy without documents?

Among the many dog breeds, there are undoubtedly some favorites that appeal to people all over the world due to their stunning looks, exceptional intelligence, and amiable personalities. An Irish Setter is a European beauty with opulent red-chestnut hair just like this.

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Irish Setter

• History of the origin of Irish Setters
• Irish Setter – description of the breed
• Popular colors of Irish Setters
• Character and habits of Irish Setters
• Interesting facts about Irish Setters
• Pros and cons of Irish Setters
• Breeding Irish Setters
• Caring for Irish Setters
• Diet of Irish Setters
• Diseases and health problems
• Irish Setter – price and how to buy correctly

History of the origin of Irish Setters

The Irish Setter breed was first mentioned in writing sometime in the middle of the fifteenth century. According to those sources, the word "setter" did not refer to a particular breed of dog but rather referred to a collection of animals that were involved in the hunting of wild birds.

It has not been feasible to identify with any degree of certainty which dog breeds are the progenitors of the contemporary Irish setter up until now. The fragmented information that has been passed down to us suggests that the genotype of the breed was formed in part by bloodhounds, spaniels, pointers, and even wolfhounds.

Stud books indicate that the second part of the eighteenth century saw the start of the intentional breeding of setters. Nevertheless, it took nearly a century for the breed to be recognized as a distinct type. Over the course of the following few decades, a number of Irish Setter fanciers’ clubs were established and the breed standard was authorized.

There have been instances of show varieties and mating hunting when Irish Setter breeding operations were just getting started. The puppies started to exhibit degenerate breed traits as a result of these experiments. Breeders put an end to these matings because they were worried about the situation.

Fascinating fact: It is well known that Americans favored show setters, breeding the traits associated with a show breed. As a result, American "production" Irish setters differ slightly from their European counterparts in appearance.

Furthermore, breeding hunting lines have long been a staple of Russian breeders. Additionally, breeding efforts were conducted quite actively. There were numerous elite kennels in the nation even prior to the revolution, with the highest level of support from princely families. Because purebred producers were brought to Russia from Europe, the breed continued to improve.

Nonetheless, the domestic setter population did not participate in international exhibitions since show qualities were not given special attention.

Irish setter – breed description

This scholar is extremely gregarious and always pleasant. He has faith in everything around him, including other living things like people, cats, and fellow tribesmen. The Irish Setter appears to have unlimited energy and doesn’t understand the concept of fatigue, as he is constantly active throughout the day.

The setter is first and foremost, of course, a hunter. But he does not prioritize viciousness, aggression, deadly grips, or an unbridled desire to dominate. He is a "gentleman" and intelligent individual with great hunting instincts. His presence, arrogant stance, and long, swift legs have always been a defining and exquisite characteristic of elite hunting.

The height at the withers is determined by the breed standard:

• For males – 58-67 cm;
• For females – 55-62 cm.

Setters’ medium-length coat is silky and smooth. It forms the so-called "fringe" on the belly, more prominent in show animals. They can also take pride in their red-chestnut hair’s unique satin sheen. Setters who work seem far more humble. Nonetheless, excessively lengthy curly hair is regarded as a trait that disqualifies the breed.

Fascinating fact: According to the breed standard, chestnut is the traditional coat color. It is acceptable to have a few small white spots on the forehead, chest, and neck. No, black.

The Irish Red Setter’s long, muscular limbs and proportionate body are what give it its unique characteristics. The dog is particularly lovely when it moves. holds his head high and gallops in a traditional manner. Strong paws in the back provide a brisk push, while the front paws perform a stunning high lunge.

The ears are one more distinguishing characteristic of the breed. They have a low planting position, dangle down the muzzle, are surrounded by silky wool, and are incredibly soft. Setters’ ears curled up in a tube or hanging burdock are regarded as disqualifying indicators.

The setter’s tail is either saber-shaped or straight. The tail has a broad base that narrows toward the tip. Compared to males, bitches’ tails are 2-3 cm longer. The tribal commission considers a tail to be defective if it is too bent or short.

The Irish Setter is a playful and amiable dog breed that is well-known for its gorgeous reddish coat. These dogs, who have a strong hunting heritage, are lively and intelligent, which makes them excellent companions for families who like being outside. They are excellent choices for homes with children because of their amiable nature and affection for people, but they do need regular exercise and mental stimulation to be happy and healthy.

Popular colors of Irish Setters

Irish setters’ ancestors were either red or white-red in color. Even "red spaniels" were used to refer to them. However, Irish breeders worked tirelessly to produce the breed’s distinctive reddish-chestnut coat color. Nowadays, Irish setter enthusiasts worldwide appreciate this color, which is thought to be the most popular.

The coat’s quality, structure, density, and hair thickness all affect how intense the color is. For instance, the hair on a setter’s legs, ears, and tail is typically less intensely colored than the hair on its body due to their thinner hair. Classic Irish setters typically have coats that range in color from red to red and red-chestnut.

The Irish setter’s color is also greatly influenced by the orientation of the breed. Show varieties are deserving of the moniker "red Irish Setter" because, as you are aware, their wool is a brighter shade. Working setters, however, are unable to match such a brilliant coat and intensity of color.

Dogs with white spots are permitted by breed standard if they are found on the tips of their paws, on the chest, or on the neck. If the spotting is more noticeable, your dog is an example of the Irish red and white setter, a unique breed.

Character and habits of Irish setters

The Irish setter’s disposition and habits are influenced by the breed’s emphasis on hunting. The dogs lack exceptional endurance, but they are enthusiastic, energetic, easy to lift, and well-mannered. A setter uses his highly developed sense of smell to detect prey and uses his hearing and vision only occasionally.

The animal cannot focus for an extended period of time on any one thing or activity due to his heightened temperament. Setters’ training is made more difficult by this feature. Their training is a difficult process that calls for the owner to have a lot of patience and a well-thought-out training schedule for the pet.

Puppies can already assess their environment for hierarchy as early as 3.5 months, so it’s critical to act quickly to set the status quo and avoid missing any opportunities. This will facilitate future communication between the owner and the pet. You can start basic command training and training the dog at this age.

Fascinating fact: Irish setters are independent and obstinate. As such, you should not expect them to obey orders with clarity and without question, such as those given by shepherds. Despite being obedient, they are less productive and frequently improvise when obeying orders. This needs to be considered in order to avoid overtraining the pet or discouraging them entirely.

Speaking with an Irish setter can be challenging, but it can also be very rewarding. Both the owner and the pet observe each other’s behaviors at the same time, and the setter attempts to be as crafty and intelligent as a human. If he refuses to obey, he shows how little he understands with such sincere remorse that a novice dog handler could follow the crafty dog and end the lesson. However, if the setter is caught in a trick, it is preferable to express your disappointment with his unwillingness to work rather than using force to get him to comply. The pet will return to classes and will not be permitted to continue the "circus" out of regret.

Such tricks should not be misused; an Irish setter owner must remain vigilant and resist the allure of a cunning companion. Your chances of producing a stubbornly lazy child will be reduced if you can strike a balance in this relationship.

The Irish setter is a very executive player overall. He plays with kids for a considerable amount of time without becoming aggressive, even when they treat him rudely. He gets along well with kids. He enjoys active games and long walks in the fresh air. They simply excel at lessening the pet’s desire for exploration. When the setter gets home, after running and walking all over the place, he or she will probably want to take a nap in a quiet corner. It will have to search for entertainment on its own, and it will surely find it, if you do not provide it with a way to release its excess energy.

An Irish setter is not someone you should try to turn into a security or home watchman. It is more suited for friendly conversation with strangers than for defense due to its natural friendliness, simplicity, and lack of aggression.

Interesting facts about Irish setters

An incredible and fascinating breed is the Irish setter. Dog lovers around the world appreciate it for its exceptional appearance, which is actively exploited for commercial purposes by marketers and advertisers, in addition to its professional hunting abilities, friendly nature, and high intelligence.

The Irish Setter has gained media attention due to its attractive appearance. We frequently see his picture online and on our TV screens. Ads with setters consistently receive excellent ratings, irrespective of the product category they are promoting. The Irish bus company also selected an image of an Irish setter for their logo.

It is known that on his visit to Ireland, US President John F. Kennedy received an Irish setter puppy, which ended up becoming his favorite. Sergei Lvovich, the father of A.S. Pushkin, also chose to own an Irish red setter as a pet.

In terms of intriguing breed-specific information, it’s important to remember that Irish setters have much faster metabolisms than other breeds. As a result, setters typically consume larger portions of food than other canines of comparable size and shape.

Irish setters make excellent companions and are used by rehabilitation centers around the world for home dog therapy and in nursing homes and hospices for individuals with disabilities.

Pros and cons of Irish setters

The sweet, handsome Irish setter appears to be a good fit for almost any owner. However, this is a cursory assessment. Actually, the person who owns such a dog ought to be someone who can determine the best method for raising a pet and who will have ample time to interact with it. You should consider all the advantages and disadvantages before choosing to purchase a puppy.

There are definite benefits to the breed:

1. Setters are friendly, non-aggressive and sociable. It is difficult to find a kinder breed. They are always ready for dialogue with the owner and are infinitely devoted to him;
2. The active and playful nature of the setter allows him to become an excellent "nanny" for the owner"s children and a wonderful companion for games;
3. The presence of other pets in the house does not create problems for the Irish setter. He gets along quite well with other animals in the same territory and sometimes even shows a kind of guardianship over others, feeling an increased responsibility from the position of an older and stronger comrade;
4. The Irish Setter is an excellent hunter. His main passion is birds and marsh game. And if this interest coincides with the owner"s, then a strong partnership tandem is formed, giving pleasure to both and strengthening the connection between a person and his pet;
5. Possessing extraordinary intelligence, the Irish Setter is capable of self-training and perfectly adapts to any life circumstances;
6. Care and maintenance at home of the Irish Setter are practically no different from other dog breeds. If you do not spoil him excessively, then in everyday life and food he is quite unpretentious.

There are certain drawbacks, though, and these need particular consideration:

1. The luxurious hair of the setter needs constant careful care, this is especially true for show-class dogs, but the hair of working setters also needs to be looked after, otherwise it will become matted, covered with tangles that will have to be cut out;
2. Trainability is not the strong point of the Irish setter. Due to his playful nature and irrepressible energy, he finds it difficult to concentrate on monotonous and boring lessons;
3. It is necessary to understand that the natural temperament of the setter does not allow him to sit still for a long time. He needs long walks, active games and physical activity. If the owner cannot provide the animal with these conditions, then it is better not to consider the Irish setter as a potential pet.

Breeding of Irish setters

Irish setter breeding is very active because there is a great demand for these dogs. But there are some requirements that must be met in order to produce superior offspring and stop the setter breed’s characteristics from deteriorating.

Once a bitch reaches the age of 15 months, she is officially deemed ready to breed. However, after the third heat—some setters have their first heat at age two—the dog should ideally be permitted to mate. It is necessary to consider this fact. Previous pregnancies can have a permanent negative impact on her health as well as the health of any puppies that may come after.

Important information: Male setters who are ready to breed must outperform the majority of their relatives in every way, and competition and exhibition certificates must unquestionably attest to this. When they are between the ages of two and four, they can mate.

When discussing the Irish Setter exhibition class, there are two distinct breeds of show dogs that stand out due to their superior qualities: the "Irish" with American and English registrations. The English have been successful in creating the breed’s classic form in all of its forms. Because American breeders have gone a little too far in enhancing the setter’s show qualities, the breed’s international representative now looks a little different from the traditional.

The emergence of different deviations from the standard in puppies can cause disappointments in the Irish Setter breeding process.

For instance, the following traits of the breed disqualify it:

• A wide or shortened head;
• Lop-shaped drooping ears;
• Too long and too curly hair;
• Slouching, humped back;
• Sickle-shaped and insufficient tail length;
• Lack of pigmentation on the lips, eyelids or nose.

Nowadays, Irish Setter owners primarily get their dogs as companions and rarely use them for hunting purposes. Nonetheless, a lot of breeders are content to follow their pet’s show career.

Caring for Irish Setters

Naturally, the primary cost of keeping an Irish Setter is covering the animal’s coat. It is not at all simple to achieve that renowned shine and shimmer. Show dogs, whose coats are significantly longer than those of hunting varieties, are an exception to this rule. Despite this, all setters have long hair, particularly on the abdomen. During walks, this type of wool inevitably gathers burrs, thorns, and dry grass, leading to constant dirtiness. In addition, it slips out and tangles in mats.

Because of this, you must be ready to thoroughly brush your pet’s luscious hair every day. Natural bristle brushes are typically utilized for this process. The more meticulously you brush your pet every day, the more pride they will bring to exhibits. A lot of breeders, who are very passionate about their dogs, take great care of their coats by using different oils and masks to get rid of dryness and brittleness in individual hairs, restore shine, and get the right length.

Apart from its hygienic purpose, washing an Irish Setter is also a form of aesthetic treatment, involving the use of specific detergents to hydrate the skin and a variety of conditioning agents to maintain the coat’s smoothness and shine. It’s important to comb the setter right before taking a bath because tangled, wet hair is much harder to style.

Fascinating fact: It’s a good idea to take your pet for walks in a special protective suit during muddy and rainy weather to avoid some of the grooming issues.

The remaining aspects of Irish Setter care can be categorized as standard and apply to the majority of breeds. This entails a routine haircut, nail trims, daily examinations of the teeth, ears, and eyes, and, if required, the use of specialized cleaners and products to clean them.

Unless the setter needs a little extra care with his hanging ears. Owing to the peculiarities of the structure, they have inadequate ventilation and need extra forced "ventilation" to prevent parasites and needless infections.

Diet of Irish Setters

An Irish setter’s long legs mean that it will be difficult for it to bend over to the bowl for every meal or a drink of water, not to mention dangerous. Keep this in mind when feeding your pet. As a result, setters require a unique bowl stand, which will probably need to be replaced once or twice as the pet gets bigger.

The food plan for an Irish Setter should be designed with its level of physical activity in mind. The dog’s diet should be higher in calories and more dense than that of a typical homebody if it goes hunting or engages in other forms of physical activity.

Food rarely causes setters to overeat; instead, it is merely used to sustain their strength. Simultaneously, the primary responsibility of the pet’s owner is to maintain a healthy balance in the food’s nutritional value and ensure that it contains all the essential vitamins and microelements. This is simpler to accomplish when using industrial feed; all that is needed is to select premium feeds with a fat content of 16% or higher.

If natural foods are preferred, then these would typically include offal, inferior meats, and red meat combined with buckwheat or oatmeal.

The following beneficial supplements can and should be added to an Irish Setter’s natural diet:

• Bone broth;
• Chicken eggs (no more than two);
• Fish fillet (preferably sea fish);
• Seasonal vegetables and fruits;
• Fermented milk products (no whole milk);
• Vegetable oil (about a teaspoon per serving).

A veterinarian should be consulted before administering vitamin supplements to a dog following a natural diet.

The Irish Setter, like all pets, should never be allowed to:

• Food from the owner"s table;
• Any sweets and pastries;
• Exotic vegetables and fruits;
• Fish and chicken bones;
• Fried, salty and too fatty food;
• Onions and garlic in raw form.

Diseases and health problems

Irish setters live for at least 12 to 15 years if their owner takes good care of their health and well-being. Additionally, the responsibility of the kennel owner generally determines the breed’s health.

The animals may not even exhibit genetically predisposed hereditary diseases if the breeder takes breeding seriously, tests the litter for genetic disorders, chooses mates carefully, and forbids inbreeding.

It is possible that the owner’s pets have major health issues if he is not overly concerned about such issues.

1. Otitis. The disease is associated with the structural features of the setter"s ears, which, with insufficient care and hygiene, are susceptible to infections and inflammations;
2. Dermatitis. Most often has an allergic nature, is caused by violations of the diet or diet;
3. Hypothyroidism. Thyroid dysfunction can be provoked by a sedentary lifestyle with increased fatty nutrition of the pet;
4. Epilepsy. A congenital disease that cannot be cured, but with the right approach can be brought under control.
5. Osteosarcoma. A tumor of the animal"s motor joints leads to significant lameness and is often visible. In some cases, it can be eliminated surgically or controlled with appropriate medications. Here, serious veterinary support is indispensable;
6. Idiopathic megaesophagus. This is a hereditary form of the disease, which is an expansion of the esophagus. The problem can be corrected surgically.
7. Pyometra. Purulent inflammation of the uterus in bitches. Occurs in dogs that have given birth, more often in those who have experienced an excessively multiple pregnancy;
8. Spinal cord pathologies. Congenital form.

Hereditary diseases are unavoidable, of course, but most setter health issues can be avoided with timely preventive exams at the vet, required vaccinations and dewormings, and careful attention to your pet’s well-being.

Feature	Description
Breed	Irish Setter
Origin	Ireland
Appearance	Elegant, athletic, with a distinctive red coat
Size	Medium to large, typically 25-27 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight	60-70 pounds
Temperament	Friendly, outgoing, energetic, and intelligent
Exercise Needs	High; requires regular vigorous activity
Grooming	Moderate; regular brushing to manage shedding and tangles
Trainability	Highly trainable but can be independent; responds well to positive reinforcement

The Irish Setter is a vibrant and loving breed of dog distinguished by its gorgeous red coat and amiable disposition. For those who can give it the time and care it requires, this breed, which thrives on companionship, makes an excellent family pet.

Irish Setters are ideal for active people or families who enjoy being outside because of their high energy levels and love of outdoor activities. They must exercise frequently to stay happy and healthy.

Irish Setters are smart and want to please people, but they can also be a little stubborn at times. They can become obedient and well-mannered companions with patience and constant training.

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