Irish Setter

About the Irish Setter

The rich solid mahogany coat of the Irish Setter is easily it's most recognizable feature. This distinctive member of the Sporting Dog group has long been the pride of Ireland, even though it's exact origins have been lost somewhere among the mists. It's commonly believed the breed results from breeding pointers with spaniels during the 18th century.

Personality Traits

The Irish Setter is well known for it's high energy, and exuberant personality. In fact, these dogs seldom meet a stranger, and therefore don't make the best guard dogs. An Irish is always looking for someone to have a good time with, and he's not all that particular about who. Unfortunately, it's these wonderful high spirits that both draw us to Irish Setters and then wear us out again.

Unless you give these dogs plenty of space and activity, all that pent up energy will be funneled into other, less desirable behaviors. If you're into lots of physical activity and you're looking for a canine companion to share it with, this dog may be the right breed for you. However, if you want a quiet companion to share your evening with after a day at the office, this breed isn't right for you. Most Setters don't begin to settle even slightly until two to three years of age.

Trainability

Irish Setters may be excitable dogs, but that doesn't mean you can't train them. You simply have to use positive reinforcement methods instead of punishing infractions. These dogs require great patience and consistency for basic training such as house breaking, but it can be accomplished.

Every Irish Setter should be taken through obedience training as a matter of fact. This is essential to gain and maintain some control over your pet, and should then be reinforced positively for the rest of his/her life.

Perhaps the very best activity for Irish Setters and their owners to get involved with is agility training. Agility utilizes the Irish Setter's main strengths; speed and energy. If you've ever had the opportunity to see an Irish work the weave poles at breakneck speed and fly over the next jump, you know what we're talking about. This kind of training shows this breed off at its best.

It goes without saying that Irish make fine pointers in the field having been naturally bred for it.

Irish Setter Grooming

Irish Setters actually require a surprisingly low amount of grooming. A weekly brushing, especially around the fringe areas and foot feathering, and a monthly bath will do in most cases unless you take your dog into the fields. Then frequent brushing and extra flea and tick maintenance will be necessary. Because of their large size, many owners opt to take this breed to the grooming shop instead of attempting bathing on their own.

Health Issues

A healthy Irish Setter can be expected to live about fourteen years, however there are some health issues that affect this breed.

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA Blindness), a degenerative disease of the eye.
• Canine Leucocyte Adhesion Deficiency (CLAD), a canine immune disorder.
• Canine Hip Dysplasia, a degenerative disease of the hip joint ball and socket.
• Bloat, also referred to as Torsion, a painful twisting of the stomach that cuts off the blood supply, trapping gas and acid. Usually fatal without surgery, and the exact cause is not yet known.

It should be commended that responsible breeders have a great deal of testing done on their stock and resulting progeny, so do not expect to pay less than $500-$800 for a well bred pup with a health guarantee.

External Links

• Irish Setter Breeders Club
• Irish Setter UK & Ireland Website
• Irish Setter Club of America

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