The Field Irish Setter: A Comprehensive Guide to the Breed

The Field Irish Setter is a versatile breed that excels in hunting and athletics. They were developed in the 19th century for their speed, agility, and strong prey drive.

Their medium-length coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling, and they shed heavily during shedding season. This makes them a great choice for active families who enjoy the outdoors.

Field Irish Setters are natural athletes, built for speed and endurance. They were bred to run long distances and make quick turns in pursuit of game.

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Irish Setters are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They love people and are always ready for a good time.

They're highly intelligent and easy to train, which makes them a great breed for first-time dog owners. With positive reinforcement and consistent training, Irish Setters can learn to obey commands and behave well in public.

Irish Setters are also highly affectionate with their family and are known to form strong bonds with their owners. They're often described as "demonstrably affectionate" and make excellent companion animals.

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However, Irish Setters can be a bit mischievous at times, and their high energy levels can lead to destructive behavior if they're not given enough exercise and mental stimulation. They require long, daily walks and off-lead running in wide, open spaces to keep them happy and healthy.

Here's a breakdown of the Irish Setter's temperament and personality traits:

Irish Setters are also excellent watchdogs and will bark to alert their owners to visitors or intruders. However, they're not naturally assertive and won't make good guard dogs.

Overall, Irish Setters are a wonderful breed for families and individuals who are looking for a loyal and loving companion. With their high intelligence, friendly nature, and energetic personalities, they're sure to bring joy and excitement into your life.

Irish setters are a resilient breed and generally don't have frequent health complications. However, like all purebred dog breeds, there are some inherent conditions to be aware of.

Common health problems for Irish setters include Progressive Renal Atrophy (PRA), Cancer, Epilepsy, Celiac Disease, Von Willebrand Disease, Hip Dysplasia, and Hypothyroidism.

To keep your red setter in top shape, it's essential to monitor their diet and prevent obesity. A protein-rich formula can provide the necessary fuel for field activities.

Irish setters are generally a resilient breed, but like all purebred dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues.

Progressive Renal Atrophy (PRA) is one of the conditions to watch out for, which can cause kidney failure in affected dogs.

Epilepsy is another potential issue, which can cause seizures in Irish setters.

Cancer is a common health problem in Irish setters, and it's essential to keep an eye out for any unusual lumps or growths.

Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder that can cause digestive problems in Irish setters.

Von Willebrand Disease is a bleeding disorder that can affect Irish setters, making it essential to monitor their bleeding habits.

Hip Dysplasia is a condition that can cause arthritis and mobility issues in Irish setters.

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones, which can cause weight gain, skin problems, and other issues in Irish setters.

Here are the common health problems to watch out for in Irish setters:

To keep your Irish Setter happy and healthy, regular exercise is a must. Aim for at least two 30-minute walks per day, and consider adding playtime in the yard or at the dog park.

Feeding your Irish Setter the right amount of food is crucial to prevent obesity and other health issues. The recommended daily amount is 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food, divided into two meals.

It's essential to keep an eye on your Irish Setter's weight, as they can be prone to bloat. Give them the eye test and the hands-on test to see if they're overweight, and adjust their food and exercise accordingly.

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Irish Setters need regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their beautiful coat. Brush them at least every other day, and consider using a slow-feeder dog bowl to prevent gulping down food too fast.

To keep your Irish Setter's ears healthy, check them weekly and wipe them out with a cotton ball moistened with a cleanser recommended by your veterinarian. Never stick cotton swabs or anything else into the ear canal, as this can cause damage.

Regular dental care is also crucial for your Irish Setter's health. Brush their teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and bacteria, and consider daily brushing for optimal results.

Trim your Irish Setter's nails once or twice a month to keep them short and neat. If you can hear their nails clicking on the floor, it's time for a trim.

The Irish Red and White Setter and Irish Setter are both energetic breeds that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

These dogs are built for hunting and love to run, so a daily walk or playtime in a securely fenced area is a must.

The Irish Red and White Setter's medium-length coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling, while the Irish Setter's flowing coat needs regular grooming to prevent shedding and matting.

Both breeds are prone to eye problems, so regular eye exams are crucial to prevent vision loss.

The Irish Red and White Setter's friendly and high-spirited nature makes them a great match for families with children, while the Irish Setter's energetic and efficient nature makes them a great match for active owners who enjoy the outdoors.

Irish Setters are generally healthier than Irish Red and White Setters, but both breeds can live up to 12-14 years with proper care and attention.

When it comes to the size of your Irish Setter, it's essential to know what to expect. The typical male Irish Setter stands 27 inches at the shoulder and weighs 70 pounds.

Females, on the other hand, are slightly smaller, measuring 25 inches in height. This size difference is something to consider when choosing a dog bed or crate for your furry friend.

Irish Setters are a medium to large breed, so they'll need plenty of space to move around and exercise. Make sure to provide them with a comfortable and spacious living area.

Their compact size makes them a great fit for families with smaller living spaces, but they still require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

To keep your Field Irish Setter happy and healthy, plan on at least an hour of vigorous activity each day.

A brisk walk, run, or endless game of fetch with tennis balls will keep them engaged and exercised.

Ideally, a fenced yard provides a safe space for them to roam and romp, but it won't replace the need for a daily walk or run.

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The Irish Setter is a breed that originated in Ireland to assist bird hunters, using their keen sense of smell to detect birds and "set" with their body nearly touching the ground.

They were developed in the early 1800s by breeding spaniels, English setters, and Gordon setters to create a bird dog that was eager, attentive, and quick.

The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1878, one of the first nine breeds to gain early recognition.

Today, Irish Setters are known for their striking red coats, which can range from a rich mahogany to a deep red.

Irish Setters have a beautiful, silky coat that's moderately long and comes in a range of red to chestnut colours.

Their coats require frequent brushing to prevent matting and keep them looking their best.

In terms of size, Irish Setters can grow to be around 24 to 28 inches tall, with males weighing between 65 to 75 pounds and females weighing between 55 to 65 pounds.

Their deep chests and small waists give them a lean, athletic build.

Irish Setters are known for their feathered coats, which can be found on their ears, chest, legs, and tail.

On average, an Irish Setter's life expectancy tends to be around 11 to 12 years.

The Irish Setter breed has a rich history that spans centuries. The breed was developed in Ireland in the 18th century by combining English Setters, spaniels, pointers, and Gordon Setters.

The first Irish Setters were often called red spaniels or modder rhu, a Gaelic term for "red dog." They came in a variety of colors, including white and red, and sometimes had small white spots.

By 1812, the Irish Earl of Enniskillen preferred solid red dogs and had none other in his kennels. Other breeders, like Jason Hazzard and Sir St. George Gore, also favored the red dogs.

The breed was first imported to the United States in 1875, with a dog named Elcho becoming a star in both the show ring and the field. The first Irish Setter registered by the American Kennel Club was Admiral, in 1878.

Irish Setters quickly gained popularity in the United States and became a favorite in the show ring, with 760 becoming conformation champions between 1874 and 1948.

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The Irish Setter breed is a medium-sized dog with a distinctive appearance. They typically stand between 25 to 27 inches tall.

Their weight ranges from 60 to 70 pounds, making them a sturdy companion. Their coat is medium length, with feathering on their ears, chest, legs, and tail.

Their lifespan is relatively long, ranging from 12 to 15 years. They are known for their affectionate, intelligent, athletic, gentle, and sweet-tempered nature.

Their origin is Ireland, where they were developed to assist bird hunters. They were bred to move swiftly over open terrain while retaining a patient demeanor.

The Field Irish Setter is a versatile breed that excels in various roles. They were originally bred for hunting.

Their high energy levels and strong prey drive make them well-suited for active families who enjoy outdoor activities. They require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Field Irish Setters are often used for hunting upland game birds, such as quail and pheasant. They have a strong instinct to chase and retrieve.

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Their strong nose and excellent tracking ability make them a valuable asset for hunters. They can be trained to follow commands and respond to hand signals.

Field Irish Setters are also used as therapy dogs and search and rescue dogs. Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them a great fit for these roles.

Their intelligence and trainability make them a popular choice for families who want a loyal and loving companion.

Irish Setters are a great match for active older children, but they can be too rambunctious for toddlers.

Always supervise interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party.

Teach your child never to approach any dog while it's eating or sleeping or to try to take the dog's food away.

Irish Setters are also good with other dogs in the household, especially if they're raised with them.

But, they might see pet birds as prey since those are what they are bred to hunt.

If you're considering bringing a Field Irish Setter into your family, here are some pros to think about.

They're incredibly friendly and affectionate, making them a great addition to any household.

Their high intelligence and eagerness to please also means they're relatively easy to train.

One of the standout features of the Field Irish Setter is their tolerance with children and other dogs.

Here are some key pros to consider:

These traits make them a great choice for families or for people who already have pets.