Are you planning to adopt an Irish Setter? Do you want to know the Irish setter good and bad side to make a well-informed decision? Or are you simply curious about this breed?
The Irish Setter or Irish Red Setter is a dog known for its beautiful, long coat of reddish-brown fur. The breed originally hails from Ireland, where they were used as hunting birds and other small game. Over the years, however, they have become popular family companions due to their friendly, loving temperament.Â
While generally a loyal and affectionate pet, there are some pros and cons to owning an Irish Setter that you should consider before adopting one.
Irish Setter Temperament
Irish setters have a wonderful gregarious temperament. They’re intelligent and sensitive and form strong attachments with their owners, resulting in their natural desire to please. Moreover, Irish setters are known for their high energy levels, often playing games and running in the yard with children.Â
They’re far more outgoing than the Gordon setter and the English setter, although they may be a bit less bold than the white setter. However, all these breeds share similar traits, such as loyalty and instinctual protectiveness of their family. Thus an Irish setter can be an ideal companion for active families who love them back as much as they love their people!
Irish Setter: The Good Side
If you already have an Irish Setter or are considering adopting one, you’ll be happy to know they have some excellent traits. The following attributes make them a great choice for many families:
✅ Highly Trainable
What makes the Irish Setter breed highly trainable? Are there any particular challenges to training an Irish Setter? If you’re looking for a dog that can learn quickly and easily, the Irish Setter is the best choice.
The Irish Setter puppy is highly trainable for many reasons. Firstly, their intelligence and eagerness to please their owners make them great students. Additionally, the breed has an impressive memory capacity, so they can quickly pick up on commands and tricks. As long as you are patient and consistent with your training methods, Irish Setters will learn quickly and effectively.
✅ Loyal and Affectionate
Irish Setters are one of the most loyal and affectionate breeds of dogs. Not only are they devoted to their human companions and protective of their families, but they also have a gentle and friendly disposition that makes them ideal companions for adults and children alike.Â
Utilizing both their intelligence and athletic drive, Irish Setters also make great family pets that love to exercise, play and show off their goofy personalities. They truly do make a loving addition to any household where they can be treated with respect, given socialization from an early age, and get plenty of love in return – something you can expect from this kind-hearted breed.
✅ Make Good Watchdogs
As a popular family dog, it’s not surprising that the American Kennel Club identifies Irish Setters as loyal, devoted companions. But did you know this dog breed can also be an excellent watchdog?Â
Exhibiting remarkable awareness and alertness, Irish Setters make excellent watchdogs, able to sense and respond to potential threats around them. And while they may appear spirited and playful in nature, their vigilant attention to detail never falters, giving owners the peace of mind they desire when it comes to safety.
✅ Highly Adaptable
Do you live in an apartment? Do you have a large backyard with plenty of space to run around? No matter the size of your home or the environment, Irish Setters are highly adaptable and can make any place their own.
Whether you’re an active individual looking for a companion to join you on hikes or runs outdoors or someone who enjoys the comfort of home life with plenty of cuddle time indoors, the Irish Setter will readily adjust to accommodate your lifestyle. This makes it an excellent pick for families, too, since it can provide entertainment in both indoor and outdoor activities.Â
So don’t hesitate- if you’re looking for a dependable doggy companion that is always up for anything and willing to adapt, the Irish Setter is the breed for you!
✅ Good Natured
Irish setters are renowned for their good nature; they love being around people and enjoy making friends. They also get along with other animals, which makes them particularly suitable around households with multiple pets. Like any breed, Irish setters need plenty of training and positive reinforcement from an early age.
Once trained, however, these four-legged bundles of joy make great companions that will stay loyal to you for life. Something about the whimsical setter personality will have you laughing all day long. It’s no wonder these dogs have made such a strong presence in popular culture!
They may sometimes be mischievous or boisterous, but beneath this exterior lies a heart full of unconditional devotion, making it easy to forgive them for these moments – and who could resist a big wet nose smooching you?
Irish Setter: The Bad Side
Unfortunately, Irish Setters have their share of drawbacks. So, if you’re someone who can’t handle a lot of energy, look at another breed. Not just that, but there are a few other things to be aware of when owning an Irish Setter.
❎ StubbornnessÂ
Are you up for a challenge? The stubbornness of an Irish setter can often be its downfall. Despite the bright intellect and loyalty that may accompany this breed, their tenacious streak can quickly lead to difficulties. If not properly trained from a young age, an Irish setter’s refusal to obey commands can be especially problematic for owners as these dogs mature.Â
They are known for having a bit of an independent streak, making it difficult to train them with traditional methods. Plus, they have an amazing capacity for making up their own minds about things – with or without your consent! As such, training calls for a lot of patience and creativity.Â
❎ Expensive GroomingÂ
The beautiful Irish Setter coat requires regular care and maintenance, which can be expensive for the owner. Brush your dog thrice a week and bathe it every few months to prevent matting and clumping in the fur. You should do regularly trimming to keep the fur tidy and neat. Therefore, regular visits to the groomer are a must, as this breed of dog needs professional attention to look its best.
❎ Shedding
The gorgeous Irish Setter coat can come with a few drawbacks. The magnificent double-coated breed naturally sheds not just during the spring and fall when they blow out their coats to make way for new growth but year-round as well.Â
Depending on how often you brush your pup, you can expect a dusting of red hair covering furniture, floors, and even clothes all around your home – which can sometimes be less than ideal!
Vacuuming regularly is recommended if you want to keep your home fur-free!
❎ Exuberant Jumping
There is nothing quite like seeing an Irish Setter dog leap with joy. Their enthusiasm for life and boundless energy are infectious as they leap up and down, seemingly without effort, their tail wagging excitedly with each jump. However, this can become a problem behavior in an untrained dog, leading to poor manners and accidental injury to itself or others.
In order to curb this activity, early training is essential. Once they understand the rules of engagement with humans, Irish Setters are more likely to control their exuberant jumping – and you’ll have a happy pup that obeys your commands.
❎ Separation Anxiety
While all dogs may show signs when their family members leave, Irish setters tend to become particularly anxious or engage in explicit behaviors like pacing, drooling, barking/howling, and destruction. Unfortunately, this behavior can become difficult to manage and have severe consequences if not properly addressed.
Providing your pup with plenty of mental and physical stimulation throughout the day can help keep them occupied while you’re away and ensure they have enough exercise time. Additionally, leaving them with something familiar (like a toy or blanket) and having a routine for when you leave can help them feel more secure.
With proper Irish setter training, socialization, and guidance, you can manage an Irish Setter’s tendencies, so they don’t interfere with their owners’ lives.
❎ Needs Plenty of Exercises
Are you an active person? Irish Setters were bred to be active, so they must get plenty of exercise. An ideal amount for an adult dog is two long walks a day or one walk and some play time in the backyard. This breed also loves swimming, agility courses, and other activities that will keep them entertained and give them mental stimulation.
Without enough exercise and stimulation, Irish Setters can become bored and destructive, so it’s important to give them plenty of opportunities for physical activity.
❎ Breed Specific Health Concerns
All dogs are prone to certain health problems, and Irish Setters are no exception. This breed is particularly prone to the following:
Dental disease: Irish Setters may suffer from oral diseases such as gum disease, bad breath, abscesses, and infections. Furthermore, they’re known to retained puppy teeth and require frequent dental check-ups.
Hip dysplasia: As with all large breeds, Irish Setters are susceptible to this joint disorder which can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis.
Elbow dysplasia: This joint disorder can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis.Â
Von willebrands disease: This bleeding disorder can be passed on to puppies from their parents.
Behavioral changes: Irish Setters may suffer from anxiety or fear-related issues that can lead to aggressive behavior.
Canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency: A genetic predispositions that can lead to infections, skin problems, and difficulty fighting disease.
Degenerative myelopathy: A neurological disorder that can cause muscle weakness and paralysis.
Though typically healthy and hearty, it’s important to be aware of these possible health issues before deciding to adopt an Irish Setter. Be sure to ask the breeder about the pup’s health history and schedule regular vet check-ups to ensure that your furry friend is in good shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need pet health insurance for my older setters?
A: Yes, pet health insurance can be a great way to protect your older setter from unexpected veterinary bills. It’s important to research different policies and make sure you understand what is covered and excluded.
Q: Is a crate necessary for an Irish Setter?
A: A crate can be a valuable tool when training an Irish Setter, but it is not necessary if you plan to supervise the pup at all times. If you do choose to use a crate, it should be large enough to allow the pup to stand and turn around comfortably but small enough to prevent them from having too much space.
Q: Can a Golden Retriever and Bull terrier go well with an Irish setter?
A: Yes, an Irish Setter can do well in a multi-dog household as long as proper introductions and boundaries are set. Golden Retrievers and Bull Terriers are both friendly breeds, so they should get along nicely with an Irish Setter. It’s crucial to establish the hierarchy early on and keep an eye out for any signs of aggression.
Q: Why is hair loss so common in Irish Setters?
A: Hair loss is common for the breed due to their dense, double coat. Regular grooming and brushing can help minimize hair loss and promote healthy skin and coat.
Q: Does an Irish setter rescue make a good pet?
A: Absolutely! Irish Setters are loyal and loving companions, so an older rescue can make a wonderful addition to any family. It’s important to research a rescue setter’s background and ensure they’re compatible with your lifestyle before bringing them home.
Final Words: Is An Irish Setter Right For Me?
Ultimately it comes down to whether or not an individual feels ready and able enough to handle the needs of an Irish Setter before welcoming one into their home, as every owner should remember that each pup is special in its own way – traits range accordingly depending on their genetics but how they’re raised will largely shape how they turn out later down the line! So take your time researching the specifics about this particular breed before making any decisions; consultation with experts or experienced owners may also be beneficial.
