Irish Setter

As the name suggests, the Irish Setter originates from Ireland, where these dogs served as falconers’ assistants. Hundreds of years later, the Irish Setter (also called the Red Steer) retains the exuberant energy and pleasing demeanor needed to find and mark the position of game for his master.

Personality

Sociable, lively dogs with the vitality and intelligence to match
Boundless energy that must be released via activity and exercise; otherwise will be both destructive and unhappy
Excellent with other animals, although because of their exuberance and size, might inadvertently crush a small friend in play

Size

55-70 pounds
24-28 inches at the withers (shoulders)

Lifestyle

Need an active family with older children, as small,young children and elderly adults are not a suitable match for this large, energetic, sometimes rowdy breed
An extremely exuberant dog that requires plenty of exercise – not a good match for those seeking a couch potato
Suffer from extreme separation anxiety if left alone too long, and will become both irrational and destructive as a result
These comedic dogs have a long puppyhood and slow maturity rate; they’re not for those seeking a perfectly behaved dog
Best suited for large homes in the suburbs given their above-average exercise needs and propensity to knock things over with their tails and bodies in apartments
Given their welcoming nature, they are not ideal watchdogs

Training

Independent but intelligent, they respond best to patient, positive, kind-hearted training
Their original purpose was to mark positions for falconry, so they are used to exercising their own judgment; being told what to do goes against their grain and can be a challenge

Exercise

These high-energy dogs requires plenty of daily exercise both on and off leash, as they love to run in open spaces
Must be properly trained for the “recall” command since they can be difficult in returning when off leash
If they don’t receive receive adequate exercise, they will be both destructive and unpleasant

Coat

Deep red, with a touch of white or apricot markings
Their long, silky coat requires daily brushing to keep it smooth and untangled

Care

The hair around their ears needs to be combed daily as they tend to absorb food, mud and muck
The inside of their ears should cleaned with ear wipes two to three times per week
Given their inclination to bloat, they do well with a few small meals during the day rather than one large one

Health

Susceptible to hip dysplasia; mega-esophagus (a dysfunctional esophagus due to lost muscle tone); degeneration of the light receptor cells in the eyes; epilepsy; skin allergies; thyroid problems; and a tendency to bloat

Lifespan

12-14 years

Rescue

Visit Save Our Setters to find an adoptable Irish Setter

PHOTO: Grzegorz Polak

i Love Dogs, Inc.

i Love Dogs, Inc.’s three websites – ilovedogs.com, ilovedogfriendly.com and findavet.us – provide information and up-to-the-minute news to keep pet parents aware of all things dog. A premium canine vitamins and lifestyle company, i Love Dogs is famous for its line of diamond dog collars. The name says it all — at i Love Dogs, we are committed to the health and happiness of our canine companions.