Check out More at BrooklynsCorner.com
Dogs 101 — IRISH SETTER — Top Dog Facts About the IRISH SETTER
The Irish Setter is an elegant mahogany-colored dog in the Sporting group, as popular in shows as it is as a hunting companion. While its immediate ancestors find mention in literature from the 16th century, the Irish Setter itself is of a more recent vintage. It is widely accepted that it came about from a blending of a number of spaniel and pointer breeds with the English and Gordon setters, carried out in the 19th century by Irish hunters looking for a fast dog that had a keen sense of smell and that would be visible from long distances. The solid red-colored dogs began appearing around 1800, and within a few decades had become very popular not only in their native Ireland, but in England and USA. Its remarkable color also prompted breeding with emphasis on looks rather than hunting ability, even though in recent years dedicated breeders have taken steps to retain the breed’s dual abilities. The Irish Setter today remains the most easily identifiable among all the setters, and a popular pet across the world.
Time for some Ruff Trivia:
— While Irish Setters today are known for their solid red color, the original dogs of the breed came in a mix of red with another color. Which one?
o A: White
o B: Black
o C: Gray
What do you think, give it your best guess in the comments below before we get to the answer! Hang on tight and we’ll get back to this Ruff Trivia Question toward the end of the video.
The adult male Irish Setter has an average height of 27 inches, with the female slightly shorter at 25 inches. The male’s weight should be around 70 pounds and the female’s around 60 pounds. The characteristic red or chestnut-colored coat is silky, moderately long and straight. The undercoat is abundant in winter to protect the dog from cold. There is also longer feathering on ears, back of legs, belly, chest and tail. The head is long and lean, with delicate chiseling along the muzzle, around and below the eyes and along the cheeks. The ears are set well back and low.
Grooming:The Irish Setter’s coat requires brushing twice a week, with occasional trimming, to keep it clean and looking elegant. Show dogs might need some additional care, but it is not a difficult dog to maintain. Pendulous ears need regular checking for dirt buildup. Trimming of nails and brushing of teeth have to be regular.
Temperament:The Irish Setter is a highly affectionate and social dog that enjoys being around people. It gets along well with all humans, especially kids, and is friendly with other dogs and pets too. With smaller animals, some Setters might tend to play the hunter, but this behavior can be controlled with training. The dog’s spirited nature, combined with its size, means its interaction with small children should be monitored. Irish Setters are not very assertive, and are not recommended as guard dogs. On the other hand, their caring nature makes them perfect for use in therapy.
Training:Because of its playful nature, long training periods can easily bore an Irish Setter. Short, positive training sessions are thus better suited for it. It is a very active breed, requiring at least an hour of strenuous exercise everyday in a fenced open space. For the same reason, it is not advised to keep it in apartments, though leaving it alone in the yard is not recommended either.
Health:The life expectancy for an Irish Setter is 12 to 14 years. Progressive retinal atrophy and canine Leukocyte adhesion deficiency are two commonly occurring health problems to detect which genetic tests have been developed. Other ailments seen are hip dysplasia, cancer, epilepsy, entropion, bloat, hypothyroidism, osteosarcoma, von Willebrand’s Disease and celiac disease.
Not just an eminently good-looking dog, the Irish Setter is also blessed with strength and a loving nature. Built to hunt for long periods, it is best suited for families that enjoy the outdoors.
Find out if the Irish Setterwould be a good addition to your home. Now you can visit Brooklyn’s Corner.com to take our quiz and find out which dog would be the best match for you.
Music by Kevin McLeod — Royalty Free
