Irish Setter

The Irish Setter profusely feathered silky coat comes in rich shades of chestnut to mahogany, sometimes with splashes of white on the chest and feet. The coat on the head, front of legs, and tips of ears should be short and fine and on all other parts of the body and legs of moderate length. The Setter's ears are triangular, thin, soft to the touch, long and low set, and the legs are long and muscular. The dog is slightly longer than tall. The length of the muzzle should be equal to half of the length of the entire head.

The precise origins of the Irish setter are obscure, but the most reasonable theories consider this breed to have resulted from a blend of spaniels, pointers, and other setters — needed a fast mostly the English. Irish hunters working, a keen-nosed dog that was large enough to be seen from a distance. They found their dog in the red and white setters produced from these crosses. The first kennels of solid red setters appeared around 1800. By the mid1800s, Irish setters had come to America, proving themselves as effective on American game birds as Irish ones. The breed increased principally in popularity as a show dog, however, and later as a pet. It eventually rose to a place among the most popular breeds in America in the 1970s.

The Irish setter was bred to be a tireless and enthusiastic hunter, and it approaches everything in life with a rollicking, goodnatured attitude, full of gusto. Given a daily outlet for its energy, it makes a pleasant companion. Without ample exercise, it can be overly active inside or become frustrated. It is an amiable breed, eager to please and be part of its family's activities. It is good with children but can be too rambunctious for small children.

Daily brushing and combing of the soft, flat, medium-length coat are all that is required to keep it in excellent condition. This breed is an average shedder. Trimming of feet and throat may be needed.