Irish Setter Dog

Irish Setter (Red Setter)

Irish Setter Characteristics: The spirited and eager Irish Setter is a breed of large dog classified as a member of the Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1884). The Irish Setter, is characterized by its elegant, imperious appearance with a long, lean head and an alert but gentle expression. Other characteristics include brown, medium sized, almond-shaped eyes; low, set back, pendulous ears; a long, low set tail and a graceful, lively gait. The temperament of the Irish Setter can be described as Energetic, Affectionate, Independent.

The coat type of the Irish Setter is described as straight, fine, glossy coat in mahogany coat color.  Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Irish Setter demonstrated the desired traits of a Gun Dog and is known by its nick name the "Red Setter". The origin of the Irish Setter dog breed was in Ireland where it was developed in the 1700's.

Fast Facts about the Irish Setter: The following facts provide fast information about the Irish Setter breed. Size: Large *** Breed Group: Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1884) *** Nick name: "Red Setter" *** Origin: Ireland *** Male Height: 26 - 28 inches (66 - 71 cm) *** Female Height: 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm) *** Male Weight: 65 - 75 pounds (29 - 34 kg) *** Female Weight: 55 - 65 pounds (25 - 29 kg) *** Coat Type: straight, fine, glossy coat *** Coat Colors: mahogany coat color *** Litter Size: 7-10 puppies *** Health Problems: Bloat, Epilepsy, Hip Dysplasia *** Lifespan: 12-14 years *** Hypoallergenic: No

Irish Setter Breed Group and Dog Type - Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1884): The Irish Setter is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1884).

Other names for the Irish Setter: The Irish Setter is known by the nickname of the "Red Setter". Other names for this breed of dog include the Red Setter, Irish Red Setter, Red Irish and Sotar Rua (Celtic for Red Setter)

Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Irish Setter" derives from the dog's country of origin in Ireland and its role of a hunter by which the dog crouches, or sets itself down near game birds to show their location to the hunter.

Irish Setter History and Origin: The country of origin of the Irish Setter breed was in Ireland during the 1700's as a hunting dog. The ancestors of the Irish Setter are the Irish Terrier, the Irish Water Spaniel, the Pointer, the English Setter, and the Gordon Setter.  These early setters were also shorter the leg, which suited their crouching posture when working with hunters by setting down in front of game, preventing the escape of the quarry, until the hunter was alerted and could throw a net over the animal or game bird. This style of hunting radically changed in the 1770's with the development of firearms. Hunters needed a 'gun dog' to locate game for 'wing shooting' hunters who shot game birds, such as pheasant, quail, partridge, grouse or duck, whilst they were in flight.

John Willoughby Cole, the 2nd Earl of Enniskillen (1768–1840) was instrumental in the development of the Irish Setter. The appearance of the Irish Setter changed to a longer legged dog that to cover broader grounds to find the scattered birds. The first Irish Setter dogs were dominantly red and white colors but the deep, rich red color of the Irish Setter became the standard by 1800. This caused a problem because the Irish Setter could be mistaken for a fox and mistakenly shot. Hunters began to tie a white cloth around the neck of the Irish Setter to prevent such accidents occurring. The Irish Red Setter Club was established in 1882 and members published the first breed standard in 1886. The Irish Setter was exported to the United States where it gained popularity as an active Bird Dog. The Irish Setter was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1884.

Irish Setter Modern History: The modern history of the Irish Setters moved on and the breed is now used as a family pet and companion. The Red Wing Shoe Company manufactures famous working boots using Red Russet leather, the same color of an Irish Setter hunting dog using the slogan "the hunting boot that never quits". For additional information about Setters also refer to the English Setter and the Gordon Setter.

Irish Setter - Big Red (1962 Movie): The 1962  movie 'Big Red' is a Walt Disney American family adventure film based on a 1945 novel by American author Jim Kjelgaard that featured an Irish Setter called 'Big Red'. The heart warming movie starred Walter Pidgeon and the Irish Setter proved to be a great favorite with both kids and adults

Irish Setter Height: The Irish Setter breed is classified as a large sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 26 - 28 inches (66 - 71 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm).

Irish Setter Weight: Not surprisingly for a large sized dog, the weight of an Irish Setter male dog is 65 - 75 pounds (29 - 34 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is 55 - 65 pounds (25 - 29 kg).

Irish Setter Coat Type: The coat type is described as straight, fine, glossy coat.

Irish Setter Coat Colors: The distinctive colors of the Irish Setter dog breed include Mahogany, Chestnut and Red coat colors. N.B. The term "Red" refers to reddish shades of orange, brown, and tan colors. Mahogany is a strong reddish-brown whereas Chestnut is a medium reddish shade of brown

Irish Setter Grooming - HIGH Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Irish Setter are categorized as high in order to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The high grooming needs of the Irish Setter is considered to be high-maintenance and requires almost daily brushing and combing. Dog Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears.

Irish Setter Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 7-10 puppies. Irish Setter puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Irish Setter puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder.

Irish Setter Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of the popular Irish Setter dog breed is described as Spirited, Energetic, Affectionate, Independent and Eager.

Irish Setter Exercise Requirements - HIGH Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is high. The Irish Setter requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately one to two hours each day. This large, powerful dog has a long, graceful, lively gait with strides of a moderate length and requires a brisk walking speed or jogging by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements.

Irish Setter Diet: Fully grown Irish Setters should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat.

Irish Setter Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Irish Setter breed include Bloat, Epilepsy, Hip Dysplasia. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Irish Setter dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No.

Irish Setter Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Irish Setter breed is 12-14 years.

Irish Setter Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Irish Setter breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Irish Setter names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male Irish Setter dog names are: Alroy *** Brennan *** Gara *** Ardal *** Kegan *** Mccoy *** Dylan *** Conal *** Benen *** Clancy *** Egan *** Gannon.

Irish Setter Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Irish Setter names are Maddy *** Lola *** Honey *** Cassie *** Ailin *** Briana *** Tegan *** Sorcha *** Tawny *** Dana.

Fast Facts about the Irish Setter: The following facts provide fast information about the Irish Setter breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1884) *** Size: Large *** Country of Origin: Ireland *** History / Date: 1700's *** Male Irish Setter Height: 26 - 28 inches (66 - 71 cm) *** Male Irish Setter Weight: 65 - 75 pounds (29 - 34 kg) *** Coat Type: straight, fine, glossy coat *** Litter Size: 7-10 puppies *** Irish Setter Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Irish Setter Lifespan: 12-14 years ***

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