Overview
The Irish Setter is a graceful, deep-chested gundog from Ireland, famous for its rich red coat. It was developed to range widely over fields and moorland, find gamebirds by scent and then freeze in a pointing stance.
Today it is just as often a family companion and show dog. Owners can expect a cheerful, people-loving dog that needs plenty of space, activity and company.
History
Setting dogs are described in English writing as far back as the 1500s, though those early dogs looked quite different from today's breed. Irish breeders began keeping careful records in the late 1700s, and over time a preference grew for solid red dogs, replacing the red-and-white ones that were common earlier.
The first written standard was approved in Dublin in 1886 and has changed little since. In the United States the breed split into a show-bred type and a smaller, lighter field-bred Red Setter, after outcrossing was used in the mid-twentieth century to restore working ability.
Appearance
The Irish Setter is a tall, racy dog with a long, refined head, deep chest and a slim waist. Males typically stand around 58 to 67 cm in the FCI standard, with American show dogs often a little taller, and weigh roughly 29 to 34 kg.
The coat is silky and moderately long, with soft feathering on the ears, chest, legs, belly and tail. The colour is a rich chestnut or mahogany red. Working Red Setters are lighter in build and often show white patches on the chest and face.
Temperament
Irish Setters are famously exuberant, affectionate and fun-loving. They greet nearly everyone as a friend, which makes them poor guard dogs but delightful family companions. Many stay playful and clownish well into adulthood.
They are intelligent but can be easily distracted and slow to settle, so training needs patience, consistency and a light touch. They do not enjoy being left alone for long hours and may become destructive when bored.
Care and exercise
This is an active breed that needs vigorous daily exercise, ideally including off-lead running in a safe area where it can use its nose and stretch its legs. Mental activity such as scent games or field work helps keep it content.
The silky coat should be brushed several times a week to prevent tangles, especially in the feathering, with regular checks of the ears. Feeding in measured portions can help, as deep-chested dogs may be at risk of bloat.
Health
Irish Setters are generally robust, with a typical lifespan of around 12 years. Known concerns include hip dysplasia, bloat (gastric torsion), certain inherited eye diseases and ear infections. A gluten-sensitive bowel condition has also been recorded in the breed. Health testing of breeding stock is recommended.
