Irish Setter
Description
The Irish Setter is an aristocratic bird dog, who has a rich, lustrous red coat and an expressive face. Irish Setter is a friendly and amusing dog who enjoys children and make a good pet, gundog or watchdog. Irish Setter enjoys human companionship and may be boisterous at times. Sometimes known as “Big Red or the Red Setter” he has boundless energy and is full of high spirits. The Irish Setter is little lighter and speedier than the other setters.
Size of Male: Height: 23-26.5 inches Weight: 60-70 pounds
Size of Female: Height: 21.5-25 inches Weight: 60-70 pounds
Temperament
Irish Setters are energetic, intelligent, affectionate, high-spirited, and full of energy. Irish Setters have no guarding instincts, get along with other animals, and are good with children. Irish Setters are responsive yet sensitive. This breed can be giddy and high strung, while some are more reserved. It is very lovable and impulsive. While some are difficult to train, probably because of their independent spirit, given firm handling and plenty of exercise, these dogs can be a joy to own. Irish Setters are extremely swift, with an excellent sense of smell and are hardy over any terrain and in any climate. The Irish Setter is used for all types of hunting. It even works well on wetlands. Train this breed firmly at an early age to prevent development of bad habits, as this breed tends to pick up bad habits quickly. It is important to train for good house manners. These dogs are said to be easily housebroken. Both field lines and show lines make good pets, though the field lines are generally smaller with shorter coats and require a much higher activity requirement.
Living Conditions
The Irish Setter is not recommended for apartment life and does best with a large yard. Irish Setter is best suited to country rather than city life, as he has a high activity requirement and needs a lot of exercise. However as with other dogs, if you want to keep it in an apartment, make sure it gets enough exercise so as to allow it to stay healthy physically and mentally.
Upkeep
The Irish Setter needs exercise, and lots of it. A minimum of one hour of hard strenuous games and exertion a day is recommended for Irish Setter. Because of its energy, Irish Setter is not suited as an apartment dog. It can live outside in temperate or warm weather, but it needs warm shelter and needs to come inside in colder weather. It is such a sociable dog that it does best living with its family. The coat needs regular brushing and combing every two to three days, plus some clipping and trimming to look its best.
Health
Major concerns: Progressive retinal atrophy, Hip dysplasia, gastric torsion
Minor concerns: epilepsy, osteosarcoma, hypothyroidism
Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years