Are you having second thoughts about which breed you will get? Yes, I’m talking about Irish Setter and Red Golden Retriever. These two breeds are incredibly adorable that you’re planning to get them both but still needs to choose only one at the end of the day. That is why in this blog, I will help you identify the characteristics of a Red Golden Retriever and an Irish Setter. I will also discuss their common health issues so that you won’t be surprised after years of bringing them home.
Let’s start with the Irish Setter! Keep on reading, and don’t forget to share your stories and experiences at the end of this blog. Enjoy!
🐶IRISH SETTER🐶
The Irish Setter is a captivating dog with a long flowy red coat. This and their friendly, energetic disposition make them the perfect companion for any owner. From hunting to showing, the Irish Setter has been used for many purposes in its history, but it’s also an excellent pet for modern families who want a loyal and loving friend to come home to. If you want to learn more about this breed, let’s get started!
🟢 General description
Irish Setters are medium-sized dogs that are around 17 to 20 inches tall and weigh 50 to 70 pounds. They also have a life span of 10 to 13 years. This lifelong expectancy is excellent if you want a longtime companion.
Irish Setters have a double coat with a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat that is red, liver, or orange-red in color. The hairs on the head are usually darker than those on the body. Then, their nose is generally black but can be brown or pinkish in color as well. Also, their eyes are typically dark brown in color, though they may also be hazel or even blue-grey in some cases, depending on whether they inherited any traits from their parents’ genes or not.
🟢 History
The Irish Setter has a long history and was initially bred as a hunting dog. They’re often kept as companions these days, but that doesn’t mean they’ve forgotten their roots!
The breed originated in Ireland, where they used them for hunting small game-like hares and squirrels. They were also known to be used for flushing out birds from dense undergrowth while the hunters shot them down with their rifles. Today’s Irish Setter is very energetic and active. However, it can get along well with other pets and children if appropriately trained at an early age. Their cleverness makes them comfortable to train as long as you have plenty of time on your hands!
🟢 Temperament
Irish Setters are friendly and energetic, which makes them well-suited to life with a family or other dogs. They’re playful, so kids of all ages will enjoy having an Irish Setter as a companion. Irish Setters are also excellent with cats and other pets. This only shows that they are indeed loyal and loving dogs, but they can have some health problems that may intervene in these playful minds.
🟢 Maintenance
It would help to brush Irish Setter puppies regularly to remove dead hair and distribute the oils in their coats. This will also help keep their skin healthy and prevent dryness, which can cause scratching and other problems.
Next, brush the teeth often with a veterinary-approved pet toothpaste or baking soda paste (1 part baking soda to 1 part water) to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Be sure not to use human toothpaste because it contains fluoride, which is toxic for Irish Setters!
Lastly, regularly check ears for wax buildup. If there’s too much wax, you may need a vet’s assistance removing it safely. Don’t forget to check their eyes regularly for opacity or discharge. Both are signs of infection, so clean them gently with saline solution if needed.
🟢 Socialization
Irish Setters are loyal and friendly, making them good companions. They get along well with youngsters and other pets, too!
At the same time, they are intelligent and easy to train, which makes them excellent hunting dogs (or just family pets). They’re also very affectionate toward people! You’ll be the only one who can say your Irish Setter is anything but loving. However, they can be somewhat noisy when they bark at strangers or strange noises in the yard because they’re so friendly and gentle-natured.
🐶HEALTH ISSUES OF AN IRISH SETTER🐶
Irish Setters are known for their affection and loyalty. In fact, they can become so attached to their owners that they don’t like to be left alone. The Irish Setter is also an active dog, which makes it a great companion for people who hike or jog. However, as with any species of dog, some potential health problems may occur in this breed. Read on to learn about these potential health issues and how you can help keep your pet healthy.
🟢 Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is a disorder that affects the elbow joint. The cause of this problem is not known, but it’s thought to be genetic in nature. The cartilage of the elbow joint becomes swollen and painful as it deteriorates over time. This can result in lameness, which may become chronic if left untreated.
This bone issue is most common in Irish Setters and other large-breed dogs, especially those weighing more than 25 pounds at maturities, such as German shorthair pointers and Belgian sheepdogs.
🟢 Heart Murmurs
The Irish Setter is prone to heart murmurs, which are a type of heart disorder. This can be induced by several different factors: congenital disabilities, infections, inflammation, or even exercise. However, it’s important to note that some dogs with murmurs never experience any symptoms and are perfectly fine despite their irregular heartbeats. In other cases, the condition may worsen if left untreated and may lead to complications such as arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) or congestive heart failure.
Suppose your Irish Setter has been diagnosed with a murmur. In that case, there are many treatment options available depending on how severe the case is and whether or not there are other issues present in addition to this condition. If nothing else works for your dog, then surgery may be necessary, but only after other less invasive treatments have been tried first!
🟢 Bloat/Gastric Torsion
Bloat is a serious illness that can be fatal. It occurs when an Irish Setter’s stomach twists, making it difficult for blood flow to reach the stomach and intestines. When your pup eats too much food at one time, runs around after eating, or gulps large amounts of water down (like during exercise), it is at an increased risk of bloat. Your veterinarian may advise that you feed your puppy smaller meals throughout the day instead of one or two large meals per day in order to reduce the risk of bloat.
🟢 Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a genetically inherited disease that causes vision loss and blindness in Irish Setters. The condition causes the cells of the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your dog’s eye) to deteriorate over time, eventually leading to total blindness in most cases. It is possible for dogs with PRA to lose their vision slowly as they age in some breeds. However, this can take years or decades and usually does not happen until after six months of age.
The severity of PRA depends on which type you have been diagnosed with:
>>Early-onset progressive retinal atrophy (EOPRA)
This form begins at birth or within 30 days of birth and progresses rapidly over one year. The earlier you notice signs that something is wrong with your puppy’s eyesight, the better chance he has of maintaining good visual function throughout his life.
>>Juvenile onset progressive retinal atrophy (JOPRA)
This form typically appears between four months and two years old but has also been reported at three weeks old in some Irish Setters.
🟢 Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a common disease in Irish Setters, and it affects the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is found in your pup’s neck, and it produces thyroid hormones that help regulate a number of bodily functions. Your Irish Setter may develop hypothyroidism when this gland isn’t producing enough hormones. The most common causes of hypothyroidism are underactive (or non-functioning) glands that produce too little hormone.Â
Now that we’re done with Irish Setter, it’s time to jump to Red Golden Retriever!
🐶RED GOLDEN RETRIEVER🐶
When you’re looking for a dog to add to your family, it’s crucial that you know what kind of pup might be exemplary for you. In this section, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Red Golden Retriever so that you can decide whether or not this breed is suitable for your situation!
🟤 General description
Red Golden Retrievers are a breed of dog that is different from other Red Golden Retrievers. Red Golden Retrievers are bred from Irish Setters, Border Collies, and Labradors. They were first bred in the UK and later imported to Canada, where they became famous.
A Red Golden Retriever has red hair with white markings on its face, legs, and chest area. They have medium-length coats that shed minimally due to being bred for hunting ducks and upland game birds.
🟤 Physical characteristics
A Red Golden Retriever is very similar in appearance to a standard Red Golden Retriever, with the exception that its fur has a reddish hue. The breed’s coat is long and silky, which makes it perfect for outdoor activities like swimming. These dogs have floppy ears and dark eyes, as well as an elongated snout that gives them their distinctive look.
Red Golden Retrievers’ physical descriptions are a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever. They have the same long, silky coat and floppy ears as their purebred cousins. However, unlike purebred Red Golden Retrievers, they have dark eyes and longer snouts than most Red Golden Retrievers. The breed’s reddish coat may come in shades of red or mahogany with some variations in coloring throughout its body.
🟤 Size
The proportions of a Red Golden Retriever are determined by the size of its purebred parents, which are similar in weight (around 60 pounds). As such, you can expect an average male to weigh about 80 pounds, though some breeds may be smaller or larger. Female dogs tend to be barely smaller than males and will likely weigh somewhere between 55 and 65 pounds.
🟤 Life expectancy
The life expectancy of a Red Golden Retriever is about 10-15 years. This depends on the care it receives, as well as its genetics. However, this does not mean that your Red Golden Retriever will not need regular grooming and other care throughout its life to ensure that your dog is healthy for as long as possible.
As your Red Golden Retriever ages, it’s essential to make sure that you care for it properly. This includes exercising, grooming, and feeding the dog, as well as taking it to see the vet regularly. In addition, you should consider training your dog or hiring a trainer if necessary. You’ll also want to find good groomers and pet sitters who can help when you’re not available at home with your pet.
🟤 Socialization
Red Golden Retrievers are gentle, intelligent dogs that make good pets. They are also great with children and other animals, so you can expect your Red Golden Retriever to get along well with your family and other pets in the home. Red Golden Retrievers are excellent for families with small children because of their gentle temperament, but they can also be exceptionally protective of their owners if necessary.
Red Golden Retrievers love to be around people, so if you have time for a dog who adores nothing more than spending time alfresco with you, then this is the perfect breed for you! It’s essential to give them lots of attention, though, because they do need to exercise regularly, so they don’t become overweight, which can cause health problems later on down the road!
🐶HEALTH ISSUES OF A RED GOLDEN RETRIEVER🐶
Whether you’re looking to adopt a Red Golden Retriever or you’ve just welcomed one into your home, it’s essential to be aware of any health conditions they may encounter. Although the Red Golden Retriever is a beautiful and intelligent dog, they’re also susceptible to specific health issues with age. As with all dogs, it’s essential to be aware of these conditions so that you can address them early and ensure that your pup lives as long, happy, and healthy a life as possible!
🟤 Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is considerably common in large breeds, especially in purebreds. Red Golden Retriever is no exemption to this bone condition. Hip dysplasia is a congenital disorder that causes the hip joints to be malformed. It can lead to arthritis and pain in the hips and legs. Lastly, keep in mind that hip dysplasia can be treated but not cured.
🟤 Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is a disease that causes the elbow joint to become arthritic. This condition can be painful and make it difficult for your dog to walk or run normally. Elbow dysplasia is hereditary, which means it’s passed on from one generation of dogs to another.
The signs of elbow dysplasia include:
- Limping or appearing lame in one leg;
- Difficulty extending their legs when standing up;
- Reluctance to play with toys or run around;
🟤 Heart Disease
Heart disease is the most common cause of death in dogs. It occurs more often in large breeds, but it can affect any dog, regardless of size and breed. If your Red Golden Retriever has heart disease, he will require ongoing monitoring by a veterinarian. Heart disorder can lead to congestive heart failure or other complications that may require medication or surgery. Your Red Golden Retriever may also experience arrhythmias (heart rhythm issues) or develop heartworm disease as a result of his condition.
To help prevent these conditions from developing:
- Keep your pup’s weight at a nutritional level by feeding him smaller meals throughout the day instead of one large meal once per day. You should also make sure he gets plenty of exercise every day. Around 30 minutes per day is ideal for his size and age group (unless instructed otherwise by his vet).
🟤 Cancer
Cancer is a broad term for a large bunch of diseases that can affect any part of the body of a Red Golden Retriever. It starts when cells in a specific area begin to grow uncontrollably. There are many sorts of cancer, some more serious than others. Keep in mind that cancer is not contagious. But! It can be caused by genetics, lifestyle, environment, or all three together.Â
Cancer treatment focuses on reducing symptoms and improving quality of life while treating the disease permanently, so it doesn’t come back. But if not diagnosed early, your Red Golden Retriever is at risk of mortality at a young age.
🟤 Skin Conditions
Skin conditions are expected in Red Golden Retriever and can be caused by a number of factors. In some cases, skin conditions are genetic (an inherited trait). In other cases, they’re caused by allergies or environmental factors such as parasites or food sensitivities. If you witness any changes in your pup’s skin or coat, it’s essential to consult with your vet right away so that the problem can be adequately addressed and treated quickly. Skin disorders can be challenging to treat, as well as expensive!
🟤 Other underlying conditions
The Red Golden Retriever is prone to severe health conditions, as are all dogs. Though there is no way of knowing if a Red Golden Retriever will develop any of these conditions, it’s essential to understand the symptoms and how they can be prevented or treated.
Treatment alternatives vary relying on the severity of the condition and your buddy’s age. They may include medication and surgery (if necessary).
If you’ve made it through this article, you’re probably on the fence about whether or not to buy a Red Golden Retriever. It’s important to consider that all dogs are susceptible to specific health conditions, but no dog is entirely immune from them. If you think owning a Retriever is right for you, then do your research and find out how these diseases affect the breed before making any decisions.
🐶IRISH SETTER VS. RED GOLDEN RETRIEVER🐶
Dogs are known as “man’s best friend” for a reason: they’re the perfect companion, quickly trained and eager to please. Whether you live in a cabin or an apartment, have kids, or are single, practically anyone can benefit from having a four-legged friend by their side. But what kind of dog is right for you? There’s a lot to contemplate when choosing the ideal canine companion: size, temperament, care requirements, and other factors all play an essential role in finding your dream dog. To make this process easier, I’ve compiled some helpful tips for two of the more popular breeds out there: Irish Setters and Red Golden Retrievers!
🟡 Life expectancy
>>Irish Setters are medium-sized dog breeds that live about 12-15 years on average.
>>Red Golden Retrievers, another famous family pet, have an average lifespan of 10-12 years.
🟡 Exercise
Overall, Red Golden Retrievers require more daily exercise than Setters at about 60 minutes, twice a day. They should also be taken on long walks at least three times per week and played with or trained every day. This is because they’re very energetic, intelligent dogs that thrive on being active and interacting with their owners. Setters are not quite as vibrant as goldens and can get along fine without as much activity. However, they still need regular exercise to remain healthy and happy.
🟡 Personality
As a family dog, Red Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly and gentle demeanor. They are an excellent pick for families with children. Also, they have a tendency to bark more frequently than other breeds. They can be more active than Setters but not as energetic as Border collies or Australian shepherds.
Irish Setters are known for their energetic personalities and love of human attention. Irish Setters are energetic, playful, and affectionate with their owners. They love to be around somebody and will often follow them from room to room or even outside if allowed to do so. The Irish Setter is also very loyal to its owners and tends not to bark unless there is a reason for it (such as a stranger in the home).
🟡 Playfulness
As mentioned, Irish Setters are known for their active personalities. They love to play and are generally very friendly and fun-loving, making them great family pets or companions for single people.
Red Golden Retrievers are also well-known for their friendly nature. These dogs will be equally happy at a dog show as they would be jumping in the pool with you on a hot summer’s day! They make great family pets or companions for single people as well.
🟡 Socialization
Both breeds are keen to please their owners and tend to be very friendly toward strangers. However, they have different personalities and temperaments. For instance, both breeds love to swim and retrieve objects, but Irish Setters are more energetic than red goldens and require more daily exercise for about 1 hour, two times a day. Golden Retrievers are more sedate and consistent in behavior, making them great for families with children who want a dog that is even-tempered and easygoing all the time.
🐶BOTTOM LINE🐶
There you have it! Now that you already know the differences and slight similarities between the Irish Setter and Red Golden Retriever, I hope that you won’t be confused about what dog is playing in your backyard. Both breeds are great for companionship. So, the decision is still yours on which dog best suits your type of house, climate, and other considerations.
Irish Setter and Red Golden Retriever are both active and playful so expect to have a lot of playtimes and get ready to be pumped up! You will not surely regret getting either one of these breeds. As long as you understand how to take care of them properly, you will have the best buddy in your life.
If you chose Irish Setter, here’s how to properly groom your chosen breed. Just click here!
