Is an Irish Setter the Right Dog for You?
Irish Setters are typically affectionate, playful, and love being around people. They are known to be great family pets and get along well with children and other animals. They are also known for their high energy and strong hunting instinct, so they may have a tendency to chase small animals.
The origins of the Irish Setter
can be traced back to the 1700s, a time when hunters were in need of faster bird dogs due to the development of flintlock firearms. These new firearms required dogs that could cover more ground quickly and efficiently. As a result, breeders began crossing Spaniels with native Irish dogs, which eventually gave rise to the Irish Setter. This new breed possessed the speed, agility, and endurance needed for hunting birds in the Irish countryside.
The Original Irish Setter
was known for its distinctive red and white coat. Over time, three different color variations emerged: solid red, red and white, and red with white dots. In 1885, the first Irish Red Setter club was established in Dublin, Ireland, and a standard for the breed was written. As the breed evolved, the Irish Setter and the Irish Red and White Setter were recognized as two distinct breeds.
The Irish Setter Dog Breed
is called Madra Rua in Gaelic which translates to “red dog”. They are also sometimes called red setters because of their beautiful coat coloration, which ranges from deep mahogany to rich chestnut.
In Landmark Research on Modern Dog Breed
development, the Irish Setter has been shown to share the most DNA with an ancestor of the following breeds:
Gordon Setter
English Setter
Brittany
The Irish Setter has a unique
gait, often referred to as the “setter’s stride.” This distinctive movement involves the dog raising its front leg high and swinging it forward in a graceful motion. This gait not only adds to the breed’s elegance but also serves a functional purpose. The setter’s stride allows the dog to cover ground efficiently, with long strides that enable them to move quickly and gracefully across various terrains. It is powerful combination of style, agility, and efficiency.
According to FCI Breed Standard
the Irish Setter can reach up to 27 inches in height and up to 70 pounds in weight. Accepted coat colors are:
“Rich chestnut with no trace of black; white on chest, throat, and toes; or small star on forehead or narrow streak or blaze on nose or face not to disqualify.”
The Irish Setter was recognized
by the American Kennel Club in 1878. It was one of the first breeds to be recognized along with the:
1878 – Pointer
1878 – Retriever (Chesapeake Bay)
1878 – Spaniel (Clumber)
1878 – Spaniel (Cocker)
1878 – Setter (English)
1878 – Setter (Gordon)
1878 – Setter (Irish)
1878 – Spaniel (Irish Water)
1878 – Spaniel (Sussex)
Growing Up Irish Setter
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How Fast Can an Irish Setter Run?
The AKC Conducts Dog Racing Trials each December in Orlando, FL. called the Fast CAT Invitational. This is a 100 yard race where dogs run individually chasing a lure. The average running speed by Irish Setter’s is about 23 mph. The fastest recorded speed by a Irish Setter was by a dog named Mcauley My Cup Runneth Over at 27.26 mph!
The Irish Setter is prone to
hypothyroidism. Among all dog breeds, they rank 23 for autoimmune thyroiditis, a health issue in which the dog’s body does not produce enough thyroid hormones. This can lead to various symptoms, including hair loss, sluggishness, loss of appetite, and muscle loss.
Irish Setter Temperament and Personality
The CBARQ Dog Temperament Research study, conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, is a giant study of over 300 dog breeds and 60,000 individual dogs. In this study, the Irish Setter ranks 31 out of 124 breeds in prey drive. If a squirrel, cat, rabbit or other small animal crosses their field of vision, there is a very good chance they will give chase.
In this Same Research
the Irish Setter ranks VERY low (118 out of 124 breeds) in displaying aggression towards their owners. They also rank very low in showing aggression towards other unfamiliar dogs. Aggression is defined as a dog’s reaction when another person or canine enters their personal space/territory. It can be trough barking, growling, bearing teeth or, in extreme cases, lunging or biting.
Irish Setter Humor!
In the Landmark Book
entitled, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, professor Stanley Coren researched and documented the intelligence of over 130 different dog breeds. In his book, the Irish Setter ranks 35th out of 138 breeds in working/obedience intelligence. Essentially this means they will learn new commands in 15 to 25 repetitions and obey first commands more than 70% of the time. This puts them in the “above average working and obedience intelligence” category. In contrast, the most intelligent breeds will learn the same command in 5 repetitions or less!
Irish Setter’s Have an Average
lifespan of 12-15 years, with 15+ years not being uncommon. They are generally slow to mature and can remain in that awkward adolescent stage for 2 to 3 years. Some common health conditions that affect this breed include:
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Hypothyroidism
Irish Setters make great
therapy dogs and tend to get along well with everybody. They are widely known as good-natured, highly trainable, energetic dogs that enjoy human interaction. Because of their genuine good nature and love of human companionship, they may not make the best guard dogs and may be prone to separation anxiety.
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Quick Facts About Irish Setters Infographic
Facts About Irish Setters-Final Thoughts
Irish Setters are not only intelligent dogs but also make ideal companions for pet owners who are looking for an active and energetic breed. With their stunning red coat and friendly temperament, they are sure to turn heads wherever they go. They are known for having a calm demeanor and make great therapy dogs, in fact, they do a great job of sensing an owner’s emotions in difficult times. These dogs thrive when provided with sufficient exercise and mental stimulation, making them well-suited for various dog sports. Regular grooming is essential to maintain their beautiful coat, but it is a small price to pay for this great breed. If you are willing to invest time and effort into providing them with a lot of exercise and consistent training, Irish Setters can be a good fit for people of all ages looking for a healthy, active, and loving companion.
