Irish Red Setter
Other names: Red Setter, Irish Setter
Originating in Ireland, Irish Setters first appeared as gundogs. Their popularity soon spread, not only because of their enthusiasm as working bird dogs, but also because of their stunning, mahogany coats. This breed is very friendly and excel in many activities and canine sports. With a high energy drive, this dog is quite boisterous and bold too. He loves anything to do with sporting birds and has a strong hunting instinct.
Key facts about the Irish Red Setter
Origins and history
The Irish Setter, as his name suggests, comes from Ireland. The breed was developed there during the 18th century, when Gordon Setters, Pointers, Spaniels and English Setters were likely combined. Some of the first of the breed were known as Red Spaniels, or the Gaelic version of red dog, “Modder Rhu”. Many setters with either solid red coats or red sprinkled with tiny white dots were bred during this time.
The first Irish Setter imported from Ireland to the United States in 1875 was named Elcho. This famous dog was a star, not only in the hunting field but also in the show ring. Likewise, in 1878, Admiral was the first of the breed to be registered by the American KC. During the 60’s and 70’s, popularity rose for this breed of dogs, notably due to Big Red, a famous Irish Setter who had a movie and books named after him. The dog’s popularity remains stable in present times.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 7 - Pointing Dogs
Section
Section 2 : British and Irish Pointers and Setters
Physical characteristics of the Irish Red Setter
Adult size
Female : Between 22 and 24 in
Male : Between 23 and 26 in
Weight
Female : Between 40 and 51 lb
Male : Between 44 and 55 lb
Coat colour
The coat colour ranges from mahogany to a deep, chestnut red shade. Often a small amount of white on the dog’s chest.
Type of coat
Long for the Irish red and white Setter and mid length for the Irish Red Setter.
The coat is short around the head, medium length on the dog’s body with longer feathering on the chest, belly, back of the legs and the ears.
Eye colour
Brown to dark.
Description
This active dog has a long, lean head shape, with an oval, domed skull shape. The dog’s body is longer than it is tall. His nose is either brown or black. Almond-shaped eyes are set wide apart on the dog’s face. Thin, low-set ears are triangular shaped. The dog has straight front legs and a long tail, quite thick, that tapers to a point at the end. With a shiny, usually mahogany or deep red coloured coat, with feathering that is longer in appearance. Some young dogs can have a silver-grey shade hair behind the legs and ears, however as the dog grows, this usually disappears.
Good to know
These good-looking, Irish Setter dogs are a very popular breed, not only in the UK, but worldwide too. This means that puppies from established breeders can be sold to a high price. As with all types of dogs, when choosing a new puppy:
- Beware of scams online selling and advertising puppies. These false sellers might show you fake images of gorgeous Irish Setter pups they are selling, at budget prices. Always visit the breeders home before you commit to buying a puppy, or you hand over any money.
- Be aware also, that some amateur breeders choose to breed from a female dog too many times, which is not only very cruel but also means that the resulting pups may not be in the best of health.
- When deciding to buy an Irish Setter puppy, always ask to see details of the dog’s lineage, proof of their vaccinations and microchipping.