Irish setters are ancient gundogs that have been around since the 1800s, famous for their bright coats and cheerful personalities. Native to Ireland, setters are friendly, curious, and incredibly energetic. Whether you want to adopt one or wish to learn more about your pup, here’s a guide to all the Irish setter dog breed info, facts, and tips you must know:
Irish Setter Dog Breed Info: An Overview
Irish setters are among the most loving dogs today, making them popular pets. Aside from their fun personalities, they’re also famous for their flame-colored locks, grace, and athleticism! When living with this canine, you can be confident to have a happy and friendly furry companion — always eager to have a good time.
Initially bred as a bird dog, the setter kept its forefathers’ drive and neverending energy. Although you won’t see this breed in the field as much as other sporting pups, its hunting instincts remain strong! And once you’ve trained your setter to hunt, it’ll never need a refresher.
Although they’re technically ‘hunting’ dogs,’ Irish setters can come in two kinds — show and field. The former are stockier, sporting a thicker coat. But both meet the breed’s standards, referring to the official written description of how it should appear and act. Regardless of the canine’s size and fur, it should retain its innate abilities to be a gundog.Â
Fun personalities and impressive bodies aside, this breed is also famous for its intelligence. But as clever setters are, they’re also naughty and prefer being independent. And not to mention, they’re slow to mature! Therefore, you’ll need patience and consistency with your setter pup.Â
But as loving as this ancient hunting dog, not all setters will suit every modern home. After all, all its brimming energy will need at least an hour of exercise EVERY DAY! Hence, if you aren’t active or have limited space, consider getting a different breed.Â
Subjecting an Irish dog to those conditions can force it to develop separation anxiety or destructive habits.
What’s the Irish Setter’s History?
Irish setters were bred in Ireland in the 1800s as hunting dogs, assisting bird hunters in searching for and retrieving small pretty. Locals combined pointers, spaniels, Gordon, and English setters to create the red-haired beauty we all know and love today.
These majestic hunting dogs detected birds and flushed them out from their hiding holes, allowing the hunter to shoot them. And once hit, the setter will retrieve the bodies, bringing them to the hunter.
Initially, Irish dogs were red and white, but nowadays, they’ve become solid red. The AKC recognized this breed in the 1870s, making it one of the prestigious organization’s earliest dogs to get recognized. And as years pass, Irish setters have become one of the most popular dogs in the USA.
Nowadays, some owners still use the breed as a game dog. But most are living happily in sheltered homes with families.Â
Irish Setter Temperament and Personality
Irish/red setters have some of the best temperaments and personalities ever. They love being the center of attention, displaying joy and energy in everything they do. And matching their endless enthusiasm is mischievousness, making them good-humored pups!
But as fun as setter dogs can be, they have a rep for being incredibly stubborn. And this isn’t surprising since they like having their way. So, if you’re considering getting one but have young kids, be careful! After all, as friendly as an Irish pup is, it isn’t aware of its strength, easily toppling over small children and pets.
Fun aside, this breed also has impressive watchdog traits. And though Irish setters aren’t aggressive, they can be protective of their owners if needed.
Also, these hunting dogs are notorious for having immense exercise needs. After all, their energy will have to go somewhere eventually, making it difficult for many to keep up! Don’t think a casual walk around your block (even if it’s long) will satisfy your setter’s needs.
You’ll need to bring your Irish canine jogging, biking, or running with you, perfect for those with an active lifestyle.Â
Another downside to this breed’s personality is that it takes a long time to mature. As fun as it is to have a pup forever — not everyone will be able to live with adult Irish setter dogs with a puppy mentality! Many retain this mindset into their golden years, making it a little challenging to care for them.
Measuring an Irish Setter’s IntelligenceÂ
Another impressive yet unspoken Irish setter dog breed info is its high intelligence. This breed is brilliant and one of the few independent thinkers dogs. But this means you’ll have a more challenging time training the red-haired beauty. And you’ll need a massive dose of patience and a sense of humor.
The hunting dog may stubbornly resist if you instruct it to do something that doesn’t seem fun in its eyes. And it may take some persuasion to let your setter listen to and follow you. Luckily, many Irish dogs succumb easily to positive reinforcement and firm training.Â
Also, once your Irish puppy learns something, it’ll have it down cold, so ensure it gets it right the first time. For the best results, train your setter early, whereas it’s the most manageable and less hard-headed.
Begin training your pup the day you bring it home, even at eight weeks old! Avoid waiting until your setter turns six months, as you’ll be dealing with a more headstrong canine.
Whatever you’re looking for in an Irish setter, search for a pup whose parents have pleasant personalities and who has been socialized well since puppyhood.
Irish Setter Care
Whether you’re a new or existing owner, crucial Irish setter dog breed info you must embrace is care for your pup’s well-being and happiness. This red-haired beauty can live up to 15 years and beyond with proper care, love, and attention.Â
Here’s all you must know about caring for an Irish dog:
Living with One
The best living environment for Irish setters is an extensive fenced outdoor space with plenty of room to run around in. After all, they’re hunting dogs with a lot of energy to spare, making daily activities vital. And I want to emphasize having a fence or some kind of barrier in your yard or acreage.Â
Remember, this canine is originally a bird dog and can get distracted easily. So, it’s common to see many setters wandering off and getting lost. Therefore, as crucial as it is to bring your red setter outside, let it live indoors with YOU, and never leave it alone outside.
Exercise
Irish setter dogs require at least one hour of daily exercise, which you can do in various ways. Whether you let it run, play fetch with it, jog alongside it, or allow it to walk casually, it should be enough to tire it out.
But note that Irish pups have varying exercise needs. From eight weeks to 4 months, this breed only needs between 15 and 20 minutes of exercise once or twice a week. And you can do it at home or bring your young setter to a puppy kindergarten to let it socialize with others. Regardless, be careful not to overdo it’s young as it can have permanent adverse effects.
Meanwhile, from 4 to 6 months, it’s best to enroll your Irish pup into weekly obedience classes. It’ll let your young furry companion satisfy its exercise needs while training it to be less stubborn — a welcomed improvement. Besides that, it’s ideal for your puppy to undergo daily half-mile walks if it’s still active after its lessons.
Once your setter reaches six months to one year old, increase the activity time to 40 minutes. But continue limiting its walks to half a mile as it can strain the pup’s legs, affecting its growth.Â
However, once your Irish puppy surpasses one year, you can start subjecting it to hour-long or longer sessions. And these graduated increases will protect your setter’s developing bones and joints, making it stronger and healthier.Â
Training (General)
Irish setters are clever canines that are easy yet time-consuming to train. And if you need more firmness and consistency, this breed can be one of the most difficult to teach! Hence, it would be best if you displayed leadership and dominance to your setter to stop it from taking advantage of you.
But don’t do it using physical force as it can discourage the dog, making training it more complex. Instead, practice positive reinforcement and switch its routine now and then. Your main goal will be preventing your red-hair furry companion from getting bored. As long as you keep it entertaining and exciting, it shouldn’t be an issue to train the stubborn canine.Â
Hence, switch rewards and activities daily to retain your pup’s interest and let it understand YOU are the one in charge.Â
Housetrain
Housetraining Irish setter dogs is easy, and as you stay consistent and keep your pup on schedule, it should be able to do its business outside your home. But note that this process will take some time, like with any other breed. After all, even if your puppy understands where it needs to do its business, it might not be able to control its bladder well until it becomes older (often five months beyond).Â
Feeding
Considering the Irish setter’s enormous appetite, you can expect to feed it 2 to 3 cups of kibble daily. But avoid giving it one full meal as it risks your dog experiencing bloating. Therefore, always divide its food, at least into two meals, depending on how much your setter needs.
Different setters will have varying feeding needs, often depending on their size, age, build, activity levels, and metabolic rate. And, of course, the more active the pup is, the more food it’ll need than one who doesn’t move as much.
Besides that, the dog food quality also makes a difference in nutritional value. And, of course, the higher quality it is, the better it’ll nourish your red-haired companion.Â
Grooming
Grooming will take up most of your Irish setter’s care as its thick coat needs a lot of care. After all, it’s one characteristic that gives the breed its reputation as one of the most stunning. It has long and straight fur on most of its body, with silky feathering on its ears.
Irish show dogs require frequent trimming to emphasize their lean head and clean necks, showcasing their feet’s natural outline. But this is optional for field setters, and you’ll likely only need to trim them once every few months.
But it would be best to focus on brushing your Irish pup at least every other day. It keeps your setter’s coat pristine and mat- and tangle-free. Always check for build-debris or burrs, especially when it’s been outdoors.Â
You don’t need to worry about bathing your red setter, as it only needs baths a few times a year. So, unless it rolls in mud or something foul-smelling, you don’t need to bathe your gundog. But that doesn’t mean you can’t clean it more often — just be careful about what products you’re using to avoid drying its skin and coat.
Besides the coat, the ears are another body part you must pay attention to on your Irish setter. After all, breeds with floppy ears tend to be vulnerable to ear infections. But as much as possible, only wipe them with moistened cotton balls, and never stick cotton swabs in their ears!
To keep your setter dog’s teeth strong and healthy, brush its teeth at least twice or thrice a week. It helps remove tartar buildup, eliminating the bacteria lurking inside its mouth. But if possible, do it every day to prevent gum and dental disease, keeping your pup’s pearl whites — white.
Regardless if it’s brushing your Irish dog’s coat or teeth, it’s crucial to make the experience positive. So, remember to praise and reward your red-haired companion when it behaves well. Not only will you make it easier for yourself, but you will also be laying the groundwork for hassle-free vet visits.Â
Common Health Issues of Irish Setters
Thanks to their strong forefathers, setters have become naturally healthy dogs. Still, like all breeds, they’re vulnerable to a few health conditions. And though not all will contract these diseases, it’s still best to be aware of this Irish setter dog breed info.
Here are the most prevalent health conditions common in Irish setters:
🩺 Hip DysplasiaÂ
Hip dysplasia is the most widespread hereditary condition in Irish dogs. And it’s an ailment where your setter’s thighbone doesn’t fit well into its hip joint. As a result, it can experience extreme pain and lameness on a single rear leg or both of them. But as debilitating as this condition is to your pup, signs and symptoms aren’t apparent!
That’s why many owners find about their setters having hip dysplasia a tad late, often discovering it when their aging gundog has developed arthritis! Official x-ray screening for this bone condition is available from the OFA or the PennHIP.
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for hip dysplasia, so it’s crucial to see if the pup you’re getting comes from healthy parents. Ensure they’ve gotten tested for the bone condition and are free from it. But besides that, it can also get triggered by environmental factors, like fast growth from an unbalanced diet.
🩺 Panosteitis
Another bone disease affecting Irish pups is panosteitis, targeting the limbs. It can cause lameness in one or more legs, swelling your pet’s bone. Luckily, it’s temporary, lasting up to 6 months max, and is manageable with pain relievers. But this can be incredibly debilitating, causing periods of pain throughout.
🩺 Hypothyroidism
It refers to the dangerously low hormone levels produced by your dog’s thyroid gland. And it can cause the following:
- Rapid weight gain (obesity)
- Mental dullness
- Droopy eyelids
- A plummet in energy levels
- Irregular heat cycles
- InfertilityÂ
- Brittle or coarse fur
- Thinning hair
- Tough and dark skin
Luckily, hypothyroidism among this breed is treatable with daily medication. And though it’ll go on throughout your red-haired companion’s life, it’ll be able to have a whole and happy life like any other setter.
🩺 Canine Leukocyte
Another inheritable abnormality for Irish pups is canine leukocyte, affecting its white blood cells’ capabilities in fighting infection. And it can impair the dog’s immune system, making it more vulnerable to immunological complications.Â
Many setter breeders are trying to combat and erase canine leukocytes from their breeding lineage, conducting DNA tests to prove their setters are in excellent health and free of the dangerous gene.
🩺 Epilepsy
Red setter dogs are prone to Epilepsy, a mental disorder that can cause mild to severe seizures. It can either be hereditary or triggered by medical conditions such as metabolic disorders or infectious diseases affecting the brain. And the surefire sign of Epilepsy in setters is seizures, exhibited by unusual behavior like running around (like it’s being chased), hiding, and staggering.Â
Although it’s scary to see your red-haired companion get seizures, the long-term prognosis for the breed is excellent. And even if it doesn’t have a cure, you’ll be able to control the symptom with medication.
🩺 Osteochondrosis DissecansÂ
Osteochondrosis Dissecans is another orthopedic condition common in setters, often caused by improper cartilage growth in the joints. And it typically happens in the dog’s elbows but can also occur in its shoulders. Often, it causes stinging paint on the joints, preventing your pet from bending its elbow.Â
You can detect this in setter pups as young as 4 to 9 months. And you can prevent this bone condition from worsening by feeding your gundog ‘growth formula’ food in moderation, as it might contribute to its development.
🩺 Progressive Retinal AtrophyÂ
You can detect this condition years before your canine shows signs of blindness. And though this is incurable, it shouldn’t affect your Irish pup’s life much. After all, your red-headed furry companion can use its other senses to compensate for its sudden vision loss. And blind setters can live fully and happy lives like good-sighted dogs!Â
🩺 Hypertrophic OsteodystrophyÂ
Excess protein and calcium consumption can cause hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD). It’s common among setter puppies aged 4 to 8 months. Aside from lameness, other symptoms of this medical condition include the following:
- Sudden onset of fever
- Appetite loss
- Joint inflammation
- Depleted energy levels (refuses to walk)
HOD is challenging to diagnose, so ensure your vet knows the condition and that it can affect your Irish setter dog. They may suggest combining antibiotics, steroids, and pain relievers. It’s crucial to check your canine with the vet fast if you suspect HOD, as it can be fatal.
🩺 Gastric TorsionÂ
Gastric Torsion or bloating is a dangerous medical condition that affects sizeable and deep-chested breeds. And this is especially the case if they get fed one huge meal daily, eat fast, slurp a large amount of water, and do strenuous activities after eating.
Bloating in canines happens when their stomach gets distended with excess gas and air, twisting the gut. As a result, your setter will be unable to belch or bar to rid itself of the excess air in its stomach, constricting the blood flow to its heart. And this, in turn, drops your pet’s blood pressure, forcing it into shock.
You can suspect gastric Torsion if your red setter displays the following symptoms:
- Excess drooling
- Restlessness
- Depressed
- Lethargy
- Sudden weakness
- Fast heart rate
- Retching without barfing anything
- Distended gut
Once you see these symptoms on your setter, please bring them to the vet ASAP, as simple bloating can be fatal to the breed.Â
Regardless, you can avoid most of these medical issues by finding a reliable breeder who’ll show you legitimate health clearances for both parents of your setter pup. These prove that adult dogs have gotten tested for and got clear of certain conditions. And for this breed, you should see health clearances from the OFA and CERF.
Finding an Irish Setter
Here is the Irish setter dog breed info and tips you need to keep in mind when finding one:
Picking an Irish Setter Dog Breeder
Finding a reputable and quality breeder is the key to scoring the correct setter pup. An excellent producer will match you with the right puppy, complete with health certifications, screening out as many issues as possible. And they’ll be more interested in placing the young setters in loving homes than profit.
Moreover, they’ll always welcome concerns regarding the young Irish dog. And they’ll always come back at you with a question about what you want in the pup and what you can provide for it. Reliable breeders will always be able to brief you about the breed’s history, explaining why their puppies are considered pet quality while others are not, discussing what issues affect the species, and what you can do to help.
Besides being open and accommodating to all concerns regarding your young pup, remember to choose a breeder that abides by the ISCA’s principles of integrity. Its clause bans the sale of dogs via pet stores or calls for the breeders to sell their puppies only with a written contract.Â
Never entertain breeders who only seem interested in how fast they’ll be able to unload the setter pup on you. After all, those offering these precious dogs in specific ‘deals’ or ‘without paper’ practice unethical procedures.
Also, note that buying a young Irish setter from websites offering immediate shipment of the puppy is risky, leaving you without recourse if you don’t get the dog. And for your safety, here are more red flags to watch out for when choosing a breeder:
- They have many litters crammed in a tight space.Â
- They accept online payment.
- Let’s select a ‘puppy.’Â
As convenient as these things are, they’ve only sometimes gotten associated with reliable breeders.Â
Before anything else, consider what your adult Irish puppy might like and see if it meets your routine halfway. After all, as enjoyable as pups are, they often take plenty of time and effort before becoming an adult.Â
Although pups are a hot topic among breeders, adult Irish setters are also as lovable. And you can purchase retired show setters or at least know when a new member of their family is coming.
Adopting a Pup From a Rescue Organization or a Shelter
1. Take Advantage of the Internet
Check out the local animal shelters or nearby rescue groups with Irish setters ready for a forever home. And you’ll be able to use it to ask specific requests, like giving you housetraining TMI.Â
2. Talk to the Local Experts
Begin by conversing with the pet pros in your area, sharing your desire and passion for protecting the dog, including dog walkers, groomers, and the vet. And luckily, many reputable rescue organizations or shelters are upfront with health issues the setter may have. You can trust them to become valuable resources for advice, allowing for better care for your pup.
3. Always Lay Out Your Concerns
Here are crucial Irish setter dog breed info concerns to ask before adopting one from a group or a shelter:
- What’s the puppy’s energy level?
- Does it work with other members?Â
- How old are you?
Remember to have a fair contract with the breeder when getting an Irish pup. And as soon as you get your puppy, bring it to the vet ASAP for an easy checkup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What crucial Irish setter dog breed info must I know before adopting or buying one?
A: Irish setters are energetic pups that need daily exercise, often at least an hour of activity. Hence, if you need more time to get ready to keep up with the active life of this breed, look elsewhere. Not meeting the gundog’s needs will leave you with a destructive and hyper pet.
Q: Are training Irish setters difficult?
A: Training a setter can be challenging due to their high intelligence and innate stubbornness. But as long as you establish your dominance over the pup and practice positive reinforcement, you shouldn’t have issues letting it pick up basic training. Whether sitting, staying in place, or coming to your house, you should be able to coax your Irish dog in no time.Â
Q: Does an Irish dog shed a lot?
A: Irish/red setters are average shedders but do it throughout the year. And this breed loses hair the most during seasonal changes, blowing its coat to adapt to the weather. Due to this, you’ll need to groom your setter pup often, needing daily brushing.Â
Q: Can an Irish/red setter protect me?
A: Despite being independent dogs, setters protect their loved ones, making excellent watchdogs. But as incredible as this breed is at watching, don’t expect it to be the same with guarding! After all, setters are famous for being incredibly kind before anything else.
Q: Do Irish setter dogs make excellent family dogs?
A:Â Irish dogs make excellent family dogs thanks to their sweet temperament and energetic personalities. These red-haired beauties also get along with children and other dogs or pets, making socialization easy. But be wary. After all, this breed is more significant than your average dog!
Final Words
Delving into Irish setter dog breed info, facts, and tips can help you better care for your red-haired pup. And now that you know more about this ancient breed, you’ll be able to ensure your pet’s health and well-being — prolonging its lifespan indefinitely! But before anything else, don’t forget to enjoy your time with your setter, creating core memories and gaining a furry life companion.
