History of origin
From about the XNUMXth century in Europe, for hunting steppe and upland game, they began to select the largest and most active dogs capable of doing a stance. For the most part, the selection was made among spaniels, which already at that time had proven themselves well in poultry work. Gradually, high growth began to be fixed genetically – this is how the ancestors of the setters appeared. However, it should be understood that in those days people did not pursue certain exterior signs, then everything was decided by working qualities, in particular, the ability to search for and raise game, and then bring lined prey.
Initially, setters had different colors, but bright red dogs, clearly visible against the background of green foliage, enjoyed special love. It was they who in the middle of the XNUMXth century became the founders of the breed of Irish setters.
Pranksters often notice that the Irish, among whom, perhaps, the largest percentage of red-haired people in the world (only their kindred Scots can compete with them), it is no coincidence that they bred dogs with a fiery coat color, but one way or another, the Irish Setter is today rightfully recognized as one of the most beautiful breeds of hunting dogs.
Breed description
The Irish Setter is a harmoniously built large dog, which is the epitome of activity and beauty. The muzzle is rectangular, dry, the lips are tightly pressed, the ears are hanging. The body is not too massive, the build is lean, without friability. The tail is set low, never carried over the back. The coat is silky, of medium length, may be slightly wavy on the ears, and reaches its greatest length on the tail, belly and “trousers”. The eyes are of medium size, the look is lively and attentive.
The color is exclusively red – from bright gold to rusty and fiery red. White markings in color are allowed in some countries, but English sources point to them as a fault. Black hair is unacceptable.
Height at the withers averages about 60 cm – males can exceed this mark, females usually fall a little short.
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Character
The Irish Setter is a true family friend. He loves children very much and is ready to play with them all day long. These dogs are sure that all people are brothers, and other animals are friends. Exceptionally smart, sociable and kind setters are happy with everyone, so they are unlikely to be suitable for the position of a security guard. Unless the thieves are scared away by the considerable growth and sociability of the setter. Agree, not every person will gladly accept hugs from a dog smiling in all its fangs, more than 60 cm tall at the withers.
But still, one should not forget about the hunting instincts, and although today Irish setters are increasingly being brought in as family friends, they will run after ducks in the park with great pleasure. And for the neighbor’s chickens too. However, things will not go further than the pursuit game – murder is not inherent in the nature of these good dogs.
The Irish Setter is very sociable and cannot stand loneliness, but at the same time he needs space to realize his indefatigable energy, so this breed is better for those who have their own yard.
Care and maintenance
The Irish Setter is not the most difficult breed to keep, but it is worth considering their active nature, so the more walks, the better. In addition, these dogs are very fond of swimming, they will be happy to splash not only in the park lake, but also in a dirty puddle, so you should keep an eye on this.
Their beautiful reddish-brown coat does not need clipping, but it is still worth combing it from time to time. But bathing these hunters will be required only in case of emergency.
Like all hunting dogs, the Irish Setter is quite self-sufficient and can sometimes decide that at the moment he needs to go about his business, so make sure that he does not jump out of the apartment or jump over the fence of your site, as he may not return soon.
And, of course, you need to understand that the Irish Setter is primarily a hunting dog, so it is better to get them for those who plan to go out into the forest with a gun from time to time.
Education and training
It is believed that the Irish, like all setters, are quite difficult dogs to train. This is only partly true. The fact is that, due to their lively temperament and high activity, it is somewhat difficult for them to concentrate on one subject for a long time, so the setters are constantly distracted by everything, especially if the training takes place on the street. But at the same time, these dogs have a lively, flexible mind, they are very human-oriented and happy to do what is asked of them. So when working with these dogs, just notice when your four-legged friend is once again distracted by a flying butterfly or a woman walking by with a stroller, and draw attention to yourself with a snap of your fingers, a word, or even a piece of food. Well, of course, be patient.
Particular attention should be paid to a common problem among hunting dogs – the tendency to pick up scraps on the street. Wean your puppy off this as soon as possible. Well, and, of course, teach him to walk beside you and reckon with you, otherwise in the future you risk not coping with a dog that is larger than a German shepherd.
Health and disease
Active, cheerful and mobile, the Irish Setter rarely gets sick, unless, of course, he leads a healthy lifestyle: he moves a lot, walks and does not overeat. It is difficult to single out any diseases peculiar to this particular breed. In childhood, it can catch distemper or enteritis, so it is worthwhile to vaccinate a puppy against common diseases in time. Allergies are also not uncommon among Setters.
And, of course, do not neglect the treatment of parasites, this is especially important for dogs that spend a lot of time in nature.
Thus, with proper care for the health (including psychological) of your shaggy friend, he will live 13-14 years of a calm and happy life.
Word to the breeder
Shares with Healthy Food Near Me Evgenia Novikova, breeder of Irish Red Setters since 1997, Glamor Dolls kennel, Moscow: “The Irish Red Setter is a breed that many have dreamed about since childhood, but were afraid to start, remembering that it belongs to the hunting. This is true, but … The Irish Red Setter is one of the island breeds of pointers, which is primarily a companion dog. In the first place they have the service of man and only then the passion of hunting.
The Irishman was bred solely to help a person in search of a bird. Where the key is search. He should not, as many people think, catch, crush, grab her … He should, with a stance that he has innate, point to the place where the bird hid, and drive her out on command under a shot. He does not need to chase or run after her. It is forbidden.
Thus, we want to dispel the myth once and for all that it is necessary to walk long and hard with an Irishman through forests and fields. This is required to do no more than with any other breed, even with a Yorkie. During the hunting season, the Irish Setter always loses weight, his beautiful hair is torn out and broken on thorns and grass. Few are willing to make such sacrifices. The Irish Red Setter is a wonderful urban companion dog, defiantly beautiful, eye-catching and leaves no one indifferent. And do not confuse it with greyhounds, in whose blood it is the pursuit of a hare or a fox for the purpose of killing.
Popular questions and answers
For questions about the content of the Irish Setters, we asked to answer zoo engineer, veterinarian Anastasia Kalinina.