What is the Irish Setter breed? Irish Red Setter: description of the breed, character, features and reviews History of the origin of the breed

Setter is a breed of pointing dog intended for hunting.

Translated from English the name means “squatting”, due to the special manner of working. They easily find game over large areas and They follow it like a cat, crouching to the ground so as not to scare away the prey.

The quartet of setters are classified in Group 7 Pointers, Section 2 British and Irish Pointers and Setters and has 4 types:

English Setter(the description of the breed is given in the FCI standard No. 2 of October 28, 2009, “English setter”) - the height of females is 61-65 cm, the height of males is 65-69 cm. Weight reaches 30 kg. Very active animals, real hunters. The color comes in two or three colors.
Irish red(the description of the Irish Setter breed is given in the FCI standard No. 120 dated 04/02/2001 “Irish red setter”) - a distinctive feature of this breed is the red color of its coat. The physique is dry. The height of males is up to 66 cm, females - up to 63 cm. Weight is 24-34 kg.
Irish Red and White Setter(FCI standard No. 330 of June 15, 2005 “irish red and white setter”) - differs from the Irish species only in color.
Gordon or Scottish or Black and Tan Setter(FCI standard No. 6 dated October 28, 2009 “gordon setter”) is the largest. Height ranges from 62 to 67 cm, weight up to 32 kg, color black with walnut or mahogany tan.

English, Irish and Scottish Setters

Irish Red and White Setter

The appearance of this group of breeds in England dates back to the 18th-19th centuries.

Irish Setter obtained by crossing Irish water spaniels, spring spaniels, Spanish pointers, English and Scottish setters; The name was given to the breed by the Ulster Irish Setter Club in 1876.

There is no doubt that english setter descended from spaniels. The honor of creating this breed belongs to Edward Laverack (1815-1877). The Settling Spaniel, which many modern authorities recognize as the ancestor of the English species of the breed, was used as early as the 16th century to detect partridges and quails. Through inbreeding and strict selection, Laverack received a line that, thanks to him, reached complete perfection in the 19th century and became the basis for the creation of the modern English setter.

Gordon- a true Scotsman, originally from Gordon Castle in Banffshire, family seat of the Duke of Richmond and Gordon. This is the only native Scottish gundog breed and was originally called the Gordon Castle Setter. The honor of creating the breed belongs to the owner of this castle, who in the late 70s of the 18th century improved it, using, in all likelihood, collies and bloodhounds.

Scottish (Gordon) Setter

Character, abilities, skills

Properties that all four setter dog breeds have in common:

Talented, reliable gun dogs.
Smart and confident.
Friendly and sociable.
They get along well with people, but can get into conflict with dogs.
Not suitable for the role of watchman.

These are first-class gun dogs, silently following the trail, created to search for feathered game.

Required Jogging for at least an hour every day to maintain physical fitness. The setter dog loves long walks in the fresh air and can do this, sometimes reluctantly.

They need constant training, especially intellectually. The characteristics of a setter dog say that without proper training he may grow up to be wayward and resistant to commands. If you use force in parenting, you will not be able to get a good-natured and obedient adult assistant.

It is better not to leave your pet alone with a small child. But on the other hand, dogs of this breed love to play with children and protect them.

By virtue of your natural instinct may behave inappropriately on the street towards birds and rodents.

They are not suitable as watchmen - they love everyone in the world!

English Setter

Only careful care of your pet will allow you to achieve a beautiful appearance for your dog. If you don't want dog hair all over the house, you'll have to Brush your pet regularly. Representatives of the Show class will have to be combed daily. This rule applies to all dogs.

Bathing should not be frequent, otherwise with detergents you will wash away the dog’s natural lubrication. If there is slush outside, it is recommended to wear special overalls, this way you will protect the wool and your apartment from contamination. If your pet does not participate in shows and exhibitions, then it can be trimmed in the belly and ears.

And yet, representatives of the breed drink a lot of water, this is partly due to their thick coat, so always take a water bottle with you on walks.

The setter is distinguished by good health.

Diseases to which there is a tendency - otitis media. How long does a setter live? With proper maintenance, they will please the owner for 10-12 years.

Irish Setter

Pros and cons, cost of a puppy

Advantages breeds:

Friendly.
Smart and quick-witted.
Unpretentious in food.
They are distinguished by their delicacy and practically do not bark.

TO disadvantages include:

They shed constantly, and not like other breeds seasonally. Therefore, you will have to constantly sweep a lot of wool out of the house. It is recommended to brush your dog outside from time to time.
Be prepared for long walks - they love long walking routes.
Not everyone can keep a setter on a leash. Especially if your pet notices a small bird or mouse in the yard.
Not suitable for the role of watchman.
They need constant physical activity and training.

Buy a puppy from trusted breeders or a special nursery.

If we talk about Russia, then there is National English Setter Club. The average price of a purebred puppy varies within 20-70 thousand rubles.

When purchasing a setter dog, remember that this is first and foremost. Therefore, if possible, create an opportunity for your pet to hunt game. Moreover they are very love water treatments. It would be great if where the dog lives there is a small pond where the pet can take a dip on a hot day.

Additionally, watch a short video that describes the Irish Setter breed:

Such a popular breed as the Irish Setter has its own characteristics that the dog owner must take into account when caring for, feeding, training and preventing diseases. The dog is very friendly, playful, prefers an active lifestyle. And despite the abundant fur, shedding is almost unnoticeable. And according to the conditions of detention, the animal does not cause any particular difficulties.

The breed was bred in Ireland, which is how it got its name. It is quite difficult to say which breeds were involved as the original ones. But there is evidence that, along with setters, these were pointers and spaniels. Irish Setters appeared around the middle of the 19th century.

There is evidence that initially they wanted to use the animals as working dogs, which is why the appearance of the Irish Setter is distinguished by well-built features and strength. The animal is excellent for hunting and long walks, because it is unpretentious and has great physical endurance.

Despite this, setters initially spread very slowly in Russia. They were brought in almost immediately after the creation of the breed, but due to their character traits and rather complex training, dog breeders could not be convinced of the value of the animals. Subsequently, the events of the 20th century completely delayed the spread of the breed, so in our country the Irish Setter has gained particular popularity in our days - since the 90s.

Interesting. The breed was officially recognized in 1876, and 6 years later a club for lovers of these interesting dogs was formed in Ireland.

What an Irish Setter looks like: description and photographs

This breed is also called the Irish Red Setter for its special, pleasant coat color. The tones are predominantly light brown, copper, crimson shades with fiery tints. Such a pleasant, largely original appearance contributes to the growth of the dog’s popularity - the Irish Setter looks very rich and at the same time quite democratic.

In appearance, the description of the breed is as follows:

Well built, with consistent proportions, with a slightly elongated body. The stand is high.
The head is small, the eyes are set close, the ears are large, hanging, soft.
The coat is long, but due to the almost complete absence of undercoat, it is hard to the touch. On the body the coat is much thicker and softer; there are featherings on all the paws and ears. The transition lines are smooth and harmonious.
In terms of color, not only classic chestnut options are possible, but also light and dark red. In any case, the color is solid with possible white undercoat.
Sometimes there are small white spots on the chest and paws.
The paws are elongated, small in width, strong, the toes are strong and closed.
The croup is wide and well developed.

Quantitative standards for the Irish Setter are presented in the table:

Dog character traits

When characterizing a breed, experienced breeders pay attention primarily to the animal’s temperament.

Irish Setters have a friendly disposition.

In the case of the Irish Setter, the character has its own unique traits:

The dog has a very friendly character - it is not characterized by aggression. At the same time, this does not mean that the animal is shy. In fact, the setter is not at all shy about meeting new people, pets and dogs.
The Setter is a very lively, playful dog. If the owner would prefer a calm relationship, it is better to choose among other breeds. The animal loves to play and is adapted to long walks, which is also important to keep in mind.
The Irish Setter gets along well with children, loves cats, but can chase them around the house because for him it seems like a fun game.
He loves swimming and other outdoor activities.
Temperamentally, it is suitable for keeping in city apartments, but it is advisable to take longer walks and give your pet a 2-3 hour walk at least once a week.
The setter loves to bring objects to the owner, so teaching such skills will not be difficult.

Education and training

At first glance, it may seem that this breed is not trainable at all, because the dog has a very lively, playful character.

Irish Setter training should be done in a playful way.

The setter almost never gets bored and tries to do something all the time, so training at first should start with the simplest commands:

"walk";

It is best to reinforce all these rules in a playful manner, then it will be much easier for the animal to adapt to the owner. In this case, the emotional mood of the owner is of great importance - it is better to behave very friendly with the pet, because the red setter feels well treated and always responds with affection to a kind attitude.

All basic commands are learned one at a time, and only after the set has been completely mastered can you move on to more complex moments. For example, you can combine already known commands and gradually add new ones. The result can be supported with treats - dog biscuits, cheese, dried fruits.

The Irish Setter does not tolerate violence: it is enough for him to give a command in a stern voice.

How to care for an Irish Setter

Ensuring proper maintenance of the setter is the most important condition for the health and normal development of the pet. The breed is easy to care for, but there are several important rules that are useful for every dog breeder to know.

Grooming

Owners often worry that the dog's thick coat will cause a lot of trouble during shedding. Shedding occurs twice a year, and most of the hair comes off from the body itself, and the paws hardly shed. During this period, you need to do wet cleaning more often, although in general the hair never comes out too much.

The main requirement is to brush the coat daily., because the beauty of a dog depends on this. In addition, this is a very good massage for the dog, thanks to which its health will always be good. And one more rule - the dog needs to be bathed 2-3 times a month, this perfectly strengthens the coat and also helps remove weak hairs.

As for grooming, many dog breeders do not do it. However, it is recommended to cut the fur on the paws once a year, otherwise the abundance of cover will somewhat spoil the appearance.

In order for your dog's coat to look well-groomed, it must be brushed regularly.

Interesting. The wool has practically no foreign odors, so the Irish Setter often sleeps even on the sofa.

Eyes and ears

The eyes are examined daily to prevent souring. You need to stock up on sterile cotton pads, which can be soaked in a weak tea infusion (without sugar) and wiped if necessary.

It is also advisable to inspect the ears every day and remove dirt with a regular damp cloth. Please note that the red setter is prone to ear infections and allergic reactions, so even with a small amount of pus or other signs of inflammation, it is better to immediately visit a veterinarian.

Ticks and fleas

At least once a month, your pet should be completely treated with a tick and flea repellent - special shampoos are usually used. It is advisable to inspect for ticks after every walk during the warm season. If an insect is found, you should immediately contact a veterinarian. Attempts to pull out a tick on your own often result in the sting remaining inside the body.

Claws and paws

After each walk, you need to inspect the paws and toes for damage and the presence of foreign objects. Otherwise, care is approximately the same as in the case of other breeds - just wipe the paws with a damp cloth and dry with a towel after each walk.

The Irish Setter's claws are periodically trimmed with a special nail clipper.

Nails are trimmed monthly. And at the same time, we should not forget about the fifth toe, located on the front paws above all the others - it does not contact the ground, so the claw practically does not wear off.

Features of the breed's diet

It is especially important to think through the diet in the first year of life, when the dog’s musculoskeletal system is developing.

According to the regime, you can follow the following sequence:

Up to 3 months they are fed liquid food and puree 6 times a day.
At 3 months, the number of meals is gradually reduced to 5.
From 4 months to six months they are fed 4 times a day.
Puppies over 6 months old can be fed three times a day.

The basis of the diet consists of the following products:

Raw meat - beef, chicken, lean lamb. The latter can be replaced with sea fish 2-3 times a week. This nutritional component should make up at least a third of the total daily volume.
Sometimes you can diversify the menu by partially replacing raw meat with heart, kidneys, lungs and beef tripe, but this should be done no more than 2 times a month.
No more than 2 times a week, you can additionally introduce raw chicken or quail eggs into your diet.
Buckwheat and rice porridge can be used as additional nutritional components. A small puppy can be given oatmeal and barley (up to six months).

The Irish Setter's menu includes meat, poultry, vegetables and fruits.

The following products should not be given:

Salted and fried meat.
Tubular bones (for example, chicken).
Legumes.
Pork meat in any form.
Spicy and sweet foods (any).
Sausage and smoked meats.
River fish.
Boiled potatoes.

There is no need to diversify the Irish Setter's menu too much - the dogs are unpretentious and can eat similar foods throughout their lives. It is important to avoid overeating and always keep clean, fresh water, which is changed 2-3 times a day.

Important. The amount of daily consumption should be based on a weight of 1.5 kg per adult animal.

How to protect your Irish Setter from diseases

The setter is in good health and is ready to spend almost every day on its feet, playing and having fun. Therefore, it is important to take preventive measures first of all. It is useful to know about the vaccination schedule and diseases to which this breed is predisposed.

As for vaccinations, the calendar is presented in the table:

The Irish Setter is predisposed to the following diseases:

otitis;
melanoma;
hypothyroidism;
allergies;

The Irish Setter may have ear problems.

The symptoms, clinical manifestations and treatment of each pathology are different, so the owner requires regular examination of the pet and basic knowledge of the signs of these diseases.

Attention. Representatives of this breed are always distinguished by their lively, playful temperament. Therefore, lethargic behavior, apathy, and fatigue in themselves are a symptom of deviation. It is better to visit a veterinarian in advance and begin treatment immediately.

When choosing a puppy, pay attention to its behavior and appearance features:

The small setter is placed in a normal stance, making sure that its neck is long enough and its shoulder blades are well laid back.
The paws should be straight, unbent, and the claws should be collected. In this case, the hind limbs stand at a clearly noticeable angle (100 degrees).
The expression on his face is good-natured, even funny, his eyes are even and not numb.
Behavior – very playful, lively, non-aggressive.

The price fluctuates within a very wide range - from 7,000 to 60,000 rubles. It mainly depends on the parents’ data, the availability of documents, vaccination certificates and other important indicators.

A dog is a devoted and affectionate friend. It's no wonder why so many people have pets. However, before choosing a puppy, it is necessary to study the characteristics of the breed in detail. Representatives of certain species differ not only in appearance, but also in character. Depending on this, they need specific care.

Energetic dogs are suitable for those who lead an active lifestyle. This is exactly what the Irish Setter is. History, character, breed standard - this and more will be discussed in this article.

Representatives of the species are distinguished by their majestic appearance. They look at their owners with intelligent eyes and a penetrating gaze. Surprisingly, the Irish Setter is able to win over a person who has not previously experienced love for animals. The uniqueness of this breed lies in its character. A cheerful disposition and independence are closely intertwined in him. Outwardly, the dogs look elegant, and aristocracy is clearly visible in their posture.

Irish Red Setter: History

The character and behavior of the dogs corresponds to professional hunters. After all, this is what is considered their main purpose. The name of the breed was first published in printed publications in the period 1570-1576. The scientist Caius, in one of his books, presented a detailed description of all British dog breeds. Setters also got there. The book “De Canibue Britannisi” is interesting because in it you can not only learn about the peculiarities of the appearance of animals, their character and habits, but also about the role they played in human life.

Setter is a kind of term that unites a certain group of hunting dogs. They had to be able to perform certain tasks - determine the place where the game is and point it out to the owner.

There is no exact information about the ancestors of modern setters. Previously, the group included different species, so spaniels, pointers, wolfhounds, and bloodhounds can be considered ancestors. Although it is not known for certain, it is most likely that by crossing these breeds a homogeneous type was obtained.

This species was identified as an independent species only in 1860, after an exhibition that took place in Newcastle (1859). The first Irish Setter Club was created in 1882, and the standard was approved three years later in Dublin.

It was most convenient to hunt with an Irish red and white setter. Individuals with this color were very popular in the 17th century. It was the white markings that made it possible to easily detect the animal in the thickets. However, according to the standard, representatives of this breed are also monochromatic. And it was difficult to hunt with such individuals. The owners could not see their pets at a great distance and were afraid to confuse them, for example, with a fox. But a way out of this situation was found - a white scarf. It was tied around the animal's neck. This has become a characteristic mark and guide for hunters.

Branded stand

Before we begin describing the Irish Red Setter breed, it is necessary to talk about one feature. It consists of a branded stand. It is thanks to her that setters look so impressive when hunting. When an animal smells game in the bushes or tall grass, it freezes in tension, taking a characteristic pose - leaning forward a little.

However, setters did not always behave this way when hunting. Previously, nets with weights were used to catch birds. Therefore, the dog, having found the game, had to lie down on the ground. This position saved her from being hit by sinkers.

Breed standard and description

The Irish Red Setter is a medium-sized dog. It has a proportional build. By constitution, individuals are strong with a high stand. Dogs have elongated, graceful paws. The withers are significantly higher than the croup, the top line is smooth without any sharp bends.

According to standards, the height of an Irish Red Setter (male) should be between 57-66 cm. The elongation index is 100-105. As with other breeds, females are smaller in size. Their maximum height reaches 63 cm. As for the index, it is higher - 102-107. Weight standards: minimum - 27 kg, maximum - 32 kg. Breeders discard those individuals that have a deviation in height of more than two centimeters.

Setters are distinguished by their small heads. Between the ears the skull is oval in shape, tapering slightly toward the back. A tubercle stands out clearly on the back of the head. The ears are large, drooping, and soft to the touch. All lines of the head are symmetrical. The transition from the forehead to the nose with a sharp bend in the area of the brow ridges. The latter are significantly raised, which is why they got such a characteristic shape. The muzzle is quite elongated, tapering slightly towards the nose. The lips fit tightly to the gums. The top one has a beautiful curve at the edge. If the mouth is closed, it hangs down, covering the lower one. The color of the lips is the same as the tone of the nose. The latter is quite wide. Can be pure black, dark red or dark walnut. If you look in profile, you can see a small hump on the bridge of the nose. However, there are also individuals who do not have it. Setters' eyes are expressive, close-set, with slightly raised rear corners.

The animal's fur is shiny. It's thick. The length is uneven. The hair is short on the head, withers, back and upper outer parts of the paws. It lengthens significantly on the chest, belly and tail. Individuals of this breed do not have an undercoat, so there will be no special problems with combing. The color is dominated by red shades - light or dark; there are also chestnut representatives of the breed. According to the standard, small white inserts are allowed.

Character traits

The red Irish Setter (solid or tan) is an affectionate creature. He has a cheerful disposition. Owners need to be prepared for the fact that even adults love to play. They are almost always energetic. For representatives of this breed, a person is their best friend. Dogs love children most of all, because they are more active than adults.

Setters are not only fun and playful, they are very perceptive. They are distinguished by their intelligence and intelligence, so they can sometimes show a wayward character. But you shouldn't expect aggression. The pets are quite obedient and friendly. He quickly becomes attached to his owner, but at the same time treats all household members with love.

When walking, the setter will be very active. He constantly runs around, showing curiosity about everything that comes his way. He loves to play, so you should immediately get some balls, sticks, and ropes. Dogs of this breed practically do not bark.

The sense of smell is very well developed in setters. Do not forget that this breed is primarily intended for hunting. Given their activity and playfulness, it is better to keep dogs in a country house so that they can run around to their heart's content. However, they will not be suitable for the role of a security guard, since due to their friendly disposition and love for people they will not be able to cope with the assigned tasks.

You can also keep setters in city apartments. But in such conditions, the owner must be prepared for frequent long walks without a leash. It will also be necessary to exercise your pet regularly. Only in this case will the dog be able to fully develop. But for those people who have limited time and are often away from home, it is better not to get dogs of this breed.

Hunting qualities

Do not forget that the Irish Red Setter was bred specifically for hunting game. Naturally, he already has hunting instincts at the genetic level. Moreover, they are clearly expressed even in individuals who have lived in apartments all their lives. First of all, this is manifested by energetic behavior. He searches only at a fast gallop. His unsurpassed instinct and graceful flexibility help him penetrate any place and find game (the dog can crawl even through dense thickets). Water is also not a problem for setters. They will dive with great pleasure, for example, after a duck.

Nuances of education

Breeders have long believed that the Irish Red Setter is very difficult to train. Some refused this idea altogether, considering the representatives of the breed unsuitable. However, the problem turned out to be not the dogs, but the wrong approach. If the training is done softly, but persistently and regularly, then it will be quite possible to achieve positive results. But you need to understand that this work will be difficult not only for the owner, but also for the pet itself.

The first problem is superactivity. It is she who prevents you from listening to the owner and understanding what he requires. Sitting in one place for a long time is a real challenge for setters. In order to achieve results in training, you need to learn how to quickly and clearly formulate commands. You cannot hesitate, otherwise your pet will lose interest and stop listening. It is important not to shout at the dog; you should also avoid aggressive notes in your voice. If the pet does not obey, then under no circumstances should you punish it. Only perseverance can achieve results.

You need to start training with basic commands. The first setter must learn the “place” and “don’t”. Then you can move on to “sit”, “walk”, “lie down”, “to me”, “next to me”. As for the last two commands, they need to be honed constantly, since the animal must run without a leash when walking. It is important that the training process must be consistent. That is, until one command is mastered, you cannot proceed to the second. Most of all, setters like to follow their owner’s instructions that involve running and speed, for example, “fetch.”

Health

The Irish Red Setter is generally in good health. Individuals are strong and rarely get sick. However, there are also weaknesses: liver sensitivity to toxins, intestinal problems, ear diseases. Given these nuances, the owner must know how to provide first aid. In order to avoid intestinal obstruction, the dog should not be exercised after eating. Therefore, your pet should eat after a walk, and not before it.

As with other breeds, puppies are vaccinated. This helps to avoid health problems.

Feeding

An adult Irish Red Setter needs to be fed twice a day. Can be increased up to three times. Everything will depend on the individual characteristics of the pet. But puppies should eat at least six times.

The diet can consist of both natural products and feed. If the owner prefers the latter option, then before choosing, you should consult a veterinarian. It will help you choose the most balanced food.

Vegetables and cereals are ideal as natural foods. The dog must eat meat raw (scalded with boiling water) or boiled. The daily dose is not less than 550 g for an adult. Once a week you can give sea fish, having previously cleaned it of bones.

Setters are not picky eaters. They will happily eat pasta and will not refuse cookies and other treats. Due to digestive problems, the dog should not be fed spicy, fried or fatty foods.

Before purchasing Irish Red Setter puppies, you need to find out if they have been vaccinated. If not, then visit a veterinarian and consult with him. He will tell you at what age this or that vaccination is given. Owners will have to follow the instructions exactly.

It is also necessary to regularly examine the animal's eyes and paws. If the claws do not wear off during a walk, they will need to be trimmed. This procedure is recommended to be performed once a month.

The ears are the weak point of individuals of this breed, so they need to be constantly inspected. If there is dirt, carefully remove it with a damp cotton swab. Setters have a very beautiful coat, but you will need to take care of it. Dogs are brushed daily. There is no need for a haircut, but you can bathe your pet once every two weeks.

Red and white color

Do not think that if your pet has light tan marks, then it does not meet the FCI standard. An Irish Red and White Setter will be considered purebred if the markings are located on the chest and lower paws (toes). Small white inserts on the head (crown and forehead) and directly on the muzzle are also allowed.

Purchasing a puppy

Before deciding to buy an Irish Setter, it is important to weigh the pros and cons. On the one hand, this is a good-natured creature and a loyal friend, but on the other hand, it is an active gamer. It is the latter that can become a big problem. If the dog is not given proper attention, it will get sick.

Under no circumstances should you purchase a puppy from random passers-by standing at the market. It is better to contact trusted breeders or a nursery. The Irish Red Setter is a purebred animal, so there are certain standards for the selection of individuals. This criterion is important for those who plan to attend exhibitions or engage in breeding.

Those who live in Moscow or the region are recommended to contact the Irish Setter MOOiR canine center. They have been breeding dogs for over 50 years. Individuals who are involved in breeding puppies are listed in the All-Russian Pedigree and Pedigree Book of Hunting Dogs (VPKOS). And animals with defects and mental disorders generally do not participate in breeding work. The price for an Irish Red Setter is, of course, quite high. Some puppies are asking more than $1000. However, they all have a pedigree, a veterinary passport, vaccinations and a brand.

The Irish Setter is a large, active and cheerful dog with a kind and peaceful character. Perfect for a young family leading a healthy lifestyle. For older people, such an active dog will become a burden.

As a companion dog, the Irishman scores 9 out of 10. Non-aggressive. Lives in a world where everyone is each other's friends and there is no hatred or malice. Attached to a person. Loves games and gets along well with children. 10 out of 10 cannot be chosen just because setters have character and some independence. It is impossible to achieve complete obedience; it always leaves the right to choose: agree to demands or not. At a certain age, the Irish Setter's hyperactivity leads to chaos in the house and theft of food. To prevent this from happening, give your pet the necessary attention, satisfying the need for movement with walks, and love endlessly.

History of the breed

Ireland is considered the birthplace of dogs. In the 18th century, the breed was bred for the purpose of hunting in marshy and steppe areas. As the years passed, they began to evaluate her based on her external appearance and present her at various exhibitions. The color was different. Previously, representatives of the breed were allowed impurities or not entirely pure color.

It emerged as an independent breed in the middle of the 19th century. Initially it was used exclusively for hunting. For a long time it was not considered as a family dog due to its unruly nature. Later, the breeders noticed the shortcoming and began making adjustments. Today the setter is devoid of aggressiveness.

Its popularity is due to different reasons in different countries. For example, in the United States of America, the boom in the Irish Setter as an ideal family dog began when two successive presidents, Truman and Nixon, were often seen in public with the playful red dogs.

As a hunting dog, the setter is perfect for hunting on water and in swampy areas. A fast, agile and resilient dog, it is with great joy that it takes part in hunting raids, drives and brings up game.

Breed standard

The Irish Setter is a harmoniously built medium-sized dog with a dry, strong type of constitution.

The body is narrow, dry, with a moderately developed muscular frame, smooth, curved lines. This applies to the abdomen, back, sternum, and head parameters. The paws are smooth, long, thin, the hind legs are set slightly wider than the front ones. The toes are tightly set, wide, and the claws are clearly defined. The elbow bends of the front paws are directed backwards. The ribs are rounded, evenly curved, the chest is deep, the groins are tucked. The muscles are not as well developed as in dogs of other breeds with similar height and similar parameters.

Irish Setter Personality

The Setter has a peaceful, good-natured, slightly peculiar character. Energetic and active, creates a similar owner. Deprived of aggression towards dogs and strangers, the Irishman takes everyone for a friend, without expecting a trick. Despite its large size, it will not be possible to make a watchdog and an intimidating guard out of an animal. Not suspicious of strangers. Quality is not embedded in genes.

Dogs of the breed are not distinguished by impeccable obedience; owners talk about extraordinary intelligence and the ability to subtly respond to what is happening around them. An intelligent, humane, soft and kind look gives the Irish Setter a certain aura of tenderness.

The dog is good with children. Never allow you to accidentally push or scare your baby. The setter gets along well with pets, especially if it grows up living together in a house.

The dog is fast, energetic, with excellent reactions. Not aggressive, friendly, obedient, loyal. He gets along well with children, rarely shows aggression, but in case of an attack he is able to show fighting qualities!

Irish Setter Care

The Irish Setter is an apartment dog. It is difficult to imagine a good-natured creature, loving family members with all its heart, in an enclosure or on a leash. Gone are the days when hunting was considered the breed's purpose. Today the setter is a family dog, pleasing to the eye with activity and love of life.

You will have to groom your dog's long hair daily. It is enough to comb the dog to prevent the appearance of tangles, and bathe as necessary. You cannot bathe your dog often; the coat is impregnated with a special fat that protects it from the external environment, making it waterproof. With frequent bathing, the layer is damaged and the coat takes on an unhealthy appearance.

Setters' ears, like floppy-eared dogs, require special care to prevent inflammation. The veterinarian regularly checks the condition of your pet's ears. The ears often suffer from all kinds of infections. The dog should visit a doctor once every 3 months.

Dogs of the breed are distinguished by good health and high tone. We list a number of diseases characteristic of the breed:

Bloating (volvulus);
Allergic dermatitis;
Hypothyroidism;
Epilepsy;
Melanoma;
Bone cancer;
Congenital idiopathic megaesophagus (enlargement of the esophagus);
Otitis.

Let us emphasize the main rules of care:

The dog is large and requires walks in the fresh air, active games, plenty of space and freedom of movement.
Walk at least twice a day, giving him plenty of opportunity to catch up. You should not give excessive loads, especially after meals.
Brush regularly, at least 2 times a week, otherwise tangled balls of hair will appear, disturbing the dog and worsening its appearance.
Bathing is preferably regular, infrequent, as needed. Ideally, once every 2-3 weeks. The exception is rainy weather, mud on the street - in the latter case, Irish Setter puppies and adults require washing after each walk. To ensure that the dog brings less dirt and does not freeze its paws, the hair between the toes is periodically shortened. Otherwise, it does not need regular haircuts. During shedding, the fur does not cling and falls to the floor. Regular cleaning will minimize its amount in the room.
In the context of the topic of caring for the Irish Setter, it is important to mention that these are clean dogs; you will need to monitor the cleanliness of the toilet, sleeping area and dishes.

The veterinarian will advise you on how to properly vaccinate your dog and comment on your pet’s need for pharmaceutical vitamins and mineral complexes.

What to feed

Dogs eat little, given their size, but the diet is not provided for the same type and ill-considered. An adult dog eats cereals, vegetables, and meat. In winter, a sufficient amount of fish oil is included in the diet. He loves meat and will not refuse pasta.

If you want to give your dog fish, make sure there are no bones that can injure the mouth, get stuck in the throat and cause suppuration.

You should not give your Irish Setter smoked meats, sausages, or too spicy foods. The ban applies to cakes and other store-bought sweets.

Currently, Irish setters have no equal in number of livestock among island-type pointing dogs. - a popular hunter in many countries of the world, including the CIS. Moreover, excellent working qualities are combined with amazing beauty. They say that “at work” among the swamps and fields she looks more beautiful than at any prestigious exhibition. And in their homeland, the red setter is considered a national treasure and treasured like the apple of their eye. Only in Ireland the majority of breeding lines are working - these are hereditary hunters.

	Training
	Mind
	Shedding
	Guard qualities
	Security qualities
	Popularity
	Size
	Agility
	Attitude towards children

History of the breed

The name of the breed first appeared in printed publications in 1570-1576. For example, in the study "De Canibue Britannisi" by Dr. Caius. In the book, the scientist provides an extensive classification of British dogs and describes how they helped people.

It is believed that the term “setters” hid a whole group of dogs used for hunting game. Her task was to find the location of the prey and attract owners there.

This included representatives of various breeds, from which over time a homogeneous type emerged. The ancestors of the Irish Setter include pointers, bloodhounds, spaniels and wolfhounds. However, this has not yet been confirmed. It seems that the ancestors of the breed will remain a mystery.

Freeze!

Why do setters look so beautiful when hunting? The secret is in their signature stance. Having smelled game in the thickets, the dog freezes, stretched forward, and waits with tension. It is interesting that previously setters lay down on the ground in front of the game, since the hunting technology was different. Birds were caught with nets - and the dogs had to lie down so as not to be scratched by the sinkers. By the way, the Russian word “cops” was formed from the verb “to lie”

Quirks of the rich

In 1805, Sydenham Edwards' British Encyclopedia of Canine Science was published. This is the first book where you can look at the progenitors of most breeds in Great Britain. In one of the illustrations you can see three dogs of different colors. They reveal the types of modern setters, including the Irish one.

In the 17th century, sport bird hunting became especially popular, so close attention was paid to hunting breeds. But only rich people were interested in them: they could afford to breed dogs and spared no expense on improving the livestock. It was thanks to Irish gentlemen that mongrel dogs turned into four-legged professional hunters.

Of course, the rich did not care about the appearance of their pets. Working qualities were the main thing! But many of the gentlemen kept detailed diaries about dogs. Here, information about the dogs’ training, their nutrition, behavior and skill was recorded in detail. And since 1973, traditional stud books with pedigrees and mating data have appeared.

With a scarf around my neck

Almost every lord had his own kennel. The breeds bred there were considered unique and inimitable - the rich man was proud of his pets. In addition, owners often had personal hunting grounds where dogs could develop their skills. We immediately weeded out weak, disobedient and stupid dogs who could not cope with the tasks.

In fact, the “one of a kind” pets differed only in color. In the 17th century, lines of red and white setters became especially popular, belonging to Lords Waterford, Gore, Dillon, Clencarty, de Freyne and the Earl of Lismore. It is said that the descendants of these pets lived in the 13th century and were adapted to hunting in the Irish moors and hills.

But the main reason for the popularity of red-piebald setters is different: they were clearly visible against the background of thickets during the hunt, which cannot be said about completely red pets. Single-colored dogs often had a white scarf tied around their necks so that they would not disappear from view. In addition, hunters were afraid from a distance to confuse a red setter with a fox.

What does "setter" mean?

The name of the breed comes from the English word set. In hunting slang it means “freeze, take a stance.” Therefore, all long-haired pointing dogs in Great Britain have long been called setters..

How the breeds were divided

The appearance and spread of red setters is associated with the exhibition activities of their owners. There was noticeably less game, so hunting no longer brought the same joy. But stately pets were still objects of adoration. It turned out that dogs with red coats look better and more attractive on the catwalk. Thus, in pursuit of fashion, the breed was finally formed.

The first exhibition took place in 1859 in Newcastle. At that time, British setter varieties, including Irish Reds, were represented in the same class. About 60 dogs took part in the show. But after a year, the breeds were divided by color, because there were too many individuals in each color. Each breed received its name from its small homeland.

In 1882, lawyer Cecil Moore, who was passionate about breeding Irish setters, created a breed club. The standard was approved in Dublin in 1885. It was made public a year later.

Found myself

The famous Palmerston Setter was born in 1862 in a kennel that was famous for its working dogs. He matured, but never showed his worth in hunting. The owner of the kennel, Cecil Moore, ordered the adult dog to be drowned because he did not expect victories from him. The dog was rescued by another breeder, Hilyard. He saw a dejected dog being led to the river, and bought it for next to nothing.

A couple of years later, Palmerston became the Champion of the breed. The rescued pet was not good at hunting, but had the ideal type that breeders had long strived for. He competed until his death and gave rise to several breed lines. And thanks to his son Garryowen, Irish setters became popular all over the world.

As happened with all service breeds, Irish breeding was divided into two branches: working and exhibition. To succeed on the podium, it was not necessary to shine in the hunting grounds and on the sports fields.

This lasted until 1910. Then in Ireland and England it was decided not to allow dogs without a working diploma to enter exhibitions. This recommendation has now been accepted by breeders in Belgium and Italy. The British Irish Setter Club developed testing rules for pets in 1998. And the standard now characterizes the breed as passionate about hunting.

Fatal mistake

In the 1930s, it became clear that a terrible mistake had been made when breeding Irish setters. Many dogs have developed progressive retinal atrophy. With this disease, the dog began to see poorly at dusk, and then completely lost its vision. Moreover, signs of eye disease appeared in puppies 12 weeks of age. It turned out that a recessive gene, the carrier of which was Rheola Benedict, a famous producer of that time, was to blame. It took several decades to identify carriers of the gene and remove them from breeding.

Conqueror of Hearts

The Irish Setter is not without reason called the most beautiful hunting dog. Imagine a pet with dark brown eyes, very smart, kind and expressive. It is well built, has an elongated body and long legs, allowing it to move quickly. When hunting, he moves freely and energetically, and his stance is expressive, without tension.

But for most modern owners, what is more important is not the hunting qualities, but the appearance of the pet. The calling card of the breed is its thick, long red fur. It sparkles and shimmers beautifully in the sunlight.

The standard does not allow inclusions of black in the pet's fur coat, but small white spots on the chest, throat, fingers and head are allowed. The tail, ears, chest and paws should have nice feathering with silky strands, while the hair on the front of the legs and head should be short.

Size

The height at the withers of an adult Irish Setter is 57-66 centimeters for males and 54-63 centimeters for females. Weight is about 32 kilograms for males and 27 kilograms for females (see full description of the breed -).

Lifespan

On average, Irish Setters live 11-16 years, but they are prone to cancer, epilepsy, eye problems - mainly bloat. This is a life-threatening condition that affects all deep-chested dogs, but especially setters.

Consequences of the war

Although Great Britain did much to maintain a working line of setters, there was no testing of the dogs' qualities during the First and Second World Wars. Many nurseries were ruined, so “Irish” with outstanding hunting qualities became less common. The breed line of show and domestic dogs has predominated ever since.

Irish Setter Personality

The hunting passion of the setter implies certain difficulties in its maintenance. This is a rather brave and energetic dog, so it is not suitable for those who like a measured and calm life. The pet needs jogging and games, long walks and trips to nature. To curb the independent spirit of the “Irish”, you will have to work hard.

With proper training, an obedient pet will be good-natured, affectionate and sympathetic. During trips, the pet will show calm and balance. And at home he will happily greet his owners after work and will be friendly with any guests. Thanks to its natural sociability, the breed gets along well with restless children and unfamiliar dogs.

For the same reason, setters do not make good guards. The pet will perceive all people without exception as friends. And he won’t be able to stand guard, because out of boredom and loneliness he’ll prefer to sleep and let any robber through. One plus: when the doorbell rings, many setters bark deafeningly - this can scare off a suspicious visitor.

Care and education

Since the setter is quite intelligent and good-natured, typical training with repetition and drill does not work. This independent dog does not like rough treatment and monotony. What is needed is a gentle approach and a system of rewards with food and loud praise. Classes must be regular.

It is also necessary to accustom the puppy to certain procedures from an early age. Long hair needs to be brushed regularly. But it is better to arrange bath days as rarely as possible in order to preserve the beauty of your hair. By the way, during shedding, which happens twice a year, you will not find the usual carpet of fur on the furniture, because Irish setters do not have a short undercoat.

Be sure to trim the fur between the toes. The hair here is the most delicate and thin. In an active pet, the fur on the paws quickly gets dirty and gets tangled. Not only do they cause discomfort, but they can also injure the pads.

The condition of the claws also needs to be monitored. The pet prefers to run on the ground rather than asphalt. It is quite possible that even with an active lifestyle, the claws will wear down rather slowly. Too long ones will interfere with movement and may grow into the soft tissue of the paw.

Floppy ears are often victims of ear infections, so it is recommended to check them twice a month. If the inside of the ear is pink and without a strong odor, then everything is fine. And to make caring for your ears easier, you can remove the hair from the inside and trim the outside. If the dog needs to be bathed, make sure that water does not get into the ear. It is better to cover it with cotton wool soaked in Vaseline oil.

In the presidential apartments

One of the most famous owners of the Irish Setter was US President Harry Truman. His pet, nicknamed Mike, settled in the White House immediately after his owner was appointed to a high post. Following Truman, Richard Nixon also fell in love with setters. The presidential dog, named King Timahoe, has greatly contributed to the growing popularity of the breed around the world.

Irish Setters are said to mature very slowly. Only by the age of two is such a dog considered an adult. But of all her relatives, she is the friendliest and most sociable. In addition, the breed is more trainable than other setters. It is not surprising that even American presidents appreciated it.

Price

Irish Setter puppies sold on average from 15,000 rubles. However, if his parents are winners of prestigious exhibitions, the cost may be from 40,000 rubles and above.

Breed photo

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