Irish Red & White Setter
Group 3: Gun dogs
Height: 63 – 69 cm
Energy Level: Moderate to high
Original Function: Setting, retrieving
Lifespan: 10 – 15 yrs
Recommended for: Active people & families.
About This Breed
The Irish Setter’s ancestry involves the English Setter and the Gordon Setters. The red and white variety is less popular than the red Irish setter; this is why the Irish Setter is sometimes known as the Red Setter. Setters were bred to “set” or locate game birds and then remain still while the hunter shot or netted the birds.
This breed is full of energy and high in spirits. They are very affectionate sometimes overbearingly so. They can be a challenge to train, as they are easily distracted, the effort is rewarding to both dog and owner. Training should be firm but never harsh.
General Characteristics
Appearance: A strong, robust dog of medium size, athletic rather than racy.
Temperament: Happy, good natured and affectionate.
Characteristics: Biddable, highly intelligent, good worker.
Colour: Clearly particoloured, i.e. base colour pearl white, solid red patches. Mottling or flecking but not roaning permitted around face and feet and up foreleg to elbow and up hindleg to hock.
Coat: Finely textured with good feathering. Slight wave permissible but never curly.
Grooming: Low-maintenance, regular brushing, nail and ear care. Regular grooming as a pup is a useful tool in the bonding experience, leading to trust when training begins.
Exercise: plenty of exercise is needed, daily walks and off lead running.
Health: This breed is generally sound but some can be prone to bloat, eye problems, hip and elbow dysplasia and epilepsy.