Who said white dogs are the funniest? Any owner of an Irish Setter will dispute such a claim. These red dogs are not only cheerful and energetic, but also very smart. If you spend a few hours with a dog of this breed, then make sure that the Irish Setter is an excellent companion dog. He is friendly and gentle with his master.

Ирландский сеттер

Picture of an Irish Setter | dreamtime.com

Brief description of the Irish Setter breed

The Irish Setter was originally bred as hunting dog, therefore, the great energy and enthusiasm of a hunting dog has been preserved in him today. For this pet, there is nothing better than learning new things: new places, especially everything related to birds. Even if a dog has never been out in the field, its hunting instinct is still very strong. The main object of hunting of these dogs is birds.

Despite the fact that the Irish Setter is very gentle and loving, such a pet is not suitable for everyone. He is very active, so every day the animal needs at least an hour of active exercise. The territory of the yard where the dog walks must be fenced. This breed often develops separation anxiety, which can lead to a stressful situation. This is especially common in dogs, which are often left alone at home.

It is customary to divide Irish setters into two groups: show dogs and field dogs. Show setters are somewhat larger and heavier than field setters. Also, these dogs have thicker coats. Both varieties are fully consistent with the official breed standard.

Irish Setters are considered to be comprehensively developed animals. They excel in many activities, including obedience, search, and agility. The special temperament of these animals has led to the use of setters in canine therapy. Abroad, representatives of the breed become frequent guests of hospices, nursing homes, shelters, etc.

Irish Setters are renowned for their intelligence. At the same time, they are distinguished by a special mischief and independent character. Such qualities cause the need for great patience on the part of the owner in the process of training the dog.

The Irish Setter can behave like a puppy, in terms of mischief, for several years. Not surprisingly, these dogs are especially popular with middle-aged and older children. But communication with kids is better to limit. The dog is very active and can injure the child.

irish setter - one of the favorite dogs of world stars, presidents and ordinary people. Millions admire this dog. She will become a reliable companion for many years of life.

basic information

Breed name: irish setter
Country of origin: Ireland
The time of the birth of the breed: 18th century
Type of: cops
The weight: 16 - 32 kg
Height (height at the withers): 55 - 67 cm
Life Expectancy: 10 - 11 years old
ICF classification:
Group 7, Section 2, Number 120
Puppies price: 150 – 950 $
Most popular nicknames: List of names for the Irish Setter

Evaluation of the characteristics of the Irish Setter breed

Adaptability

(a definition meaning how easily a dog can adapt to changes in life)

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Shedding level

(Level and frequency of hair loss in the animal)

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Tenderness level

(The level and amount of tenderness and affection that the dog gives in return for attention to itself)

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Exercise needs

(Dog's daytime activity level)

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Social need

(The required number of contacts of the dog with other animals, as well as people)

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Apartment content

(A factor that determines the level of noise and other inconveniences that a dog can deliver to owners in relation to the size of the apartment to the size of the dog)

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Grooming

(The number of bathing, brushing, and the number of professional grooming sessions required for the dog)

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Friendliness in an unfamiliar environment

(Features of the behavior of a dog in a society with strangers or in an unfamiliar environment)

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Tendency to bark

(Tendency to bark and its frequency and volume)

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Health issues

(Potential health status of the dog)

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Territoriality

(The dog's tendency to protect his home, yard, or even his owner's car)

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Friendliness to cats

(Tendency towards tolerance of cats and reduced expression of hunting instincts)

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Intelligence

(The ability of the dog to think and solve emerging difficulties (not to be confused with learning!)

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Education and training

(The level of difficulty in training the dog to perform certain actions)

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Friendliness to children

(A factor that determines how friendly a dog is to children, whether he likes to play with them and tolerate some childish pranks)

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Game activity

(The concept is determined by its very name, and, as a rule, is found in almost all dogs)

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Observation

(The ability of a dog to detect the presence of a stranger on its territory)

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Friendliness to other dogs

(The tendency of the dog to find common language with his other relatives)

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Irish Setter photo:

ирландский сеттер фото

History of the Irish Setter

It's no wonder this handsome redhead hails from Ireland - region, which is famous for graceful and beautiful dogs. Most likely, the Irish Setter was bred in the 18th century, possibly as a result of crossing setters, spaniels and pointers. The first Irish Setters were called Red Spaniels. Although, quite often there are setters not of a red, but of a white-red color. There are also setters with a solid red coat, on which small white blotches are noticeable. In the nineteenth century, most Irish breeders tried to breed pure red dogs. It was believed that this color is the norm. The Irish Setter quickly gained popularity among dog breeders. At the end of the nineteenth century, representatives of this breed were practically permanent winners at various exhibitions and competitions. The popularity of the Irish Setter peaked in the 1960s. - 1970s. All thanks to books and movies in which the Irish Setter was the main character. An important role was played by the fact that the Irish Setter also lived in the administration of President Nixon. To date, this breed is ranked 68th out of 155 registered by the American Club.

 

Personality of the Irish Setter

The Irish Setter was bred specifically for hunting birds. Today, these dogs are extremely rarely involved in hunting, but this did not diminish the energy and strength of the animals.

Regardless of the variety, the Irish Setter must be friendly, this quality is an obligatory character trait of dogs of this breed. They are great for families with an active lifestyle. They get along well with children, love people and show tenderness towards other pets. The Irish Setter strives to become a full-fledged member of the family.

Despite the fact that these dogs, as a rule, are well-mannered, yet they often jump on guests, thus showing their attention and joy. Also representatives of this breed are good watchmen. They will always let you know about the approaching danger.

 

Maintenance and care

The Irish Setter's coat needs to be brushed every other day. This is extremely important not only to keep the coat healthy, but also to prevent the formation of pilling and the spread of dead hair around the house and furniture. They bathe dogs of this breed only a couple of times a year, and then, in case the pet gets very dirty.

The long hanging ears of the Irish Setter do not allow air to circulate in the auricles. This often leads to ear infections. Ears should be checked weekly for inflammation, infection, and irritation. It is necessary to clean the ears with a special swab, after consulting with the veterinarian.

To remove tartar and prevent damage to the gums, as well as the formation of an unpleasant odor, the setter's teeth should be brushed every day.

 

Training and education of the Irish Setter

Irish Setters do not need special training when it comes to bird hunting. What can not be said about obedience in everyday life. Don't rely on similarity golden retrieverBecause they are completely different animals. The training of the Irish Setter requires special patience, calmness and perseverance. Animals are quite stubborn. Education needs to start at an early age. Setters can be very noisy, even if you've been walking with them all day. The fact is that they love to jump, including on people. Your task - teach the animal proper manners.

 

Health and disease

The average life expectancy of Irish Setters is 10-11 years. Major health problems include: arthritis, bloating (gastric dilatation and volvulus), white blood cell deficiency, volvulus of the eyelids, nictitating membrane cartilage eversion, corneal ulceration, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, hypertrophic osteodystrophy, hypothyroidism, insulinoma, hypochondroplasia, congenital idiopathic megaesophagus, melanoma, anomaly of the vascular ring, osteosarcoma, patent ductus arteriosus, progressive retinal atrophy and von Willebrand disease.

Some interesting facts

  • Irish Setters are very attached to people and hard to endure separation. Do not leave your pet unattended for a long time. This can lead to serious psychological trauma.
  • Dogs of this breed are not adapted to living separately from people. An aviary or a separate room will not work! The pet must live under the same roof as you.
  • A large amount of energy, excessive activity of the setter suggests that for such a pet you will need a fairly large territory. The yard must be securely fenced.
  • The Irish Setter needs daily exercise. Their minimum duration should be at least half an hour twice a day. Otherwise, the dog will not be able to realize its full potential.
  • Irish Setters need a serious training process, especially in terms of obedience.
  • Representatives of this breed get along well with children and pets. In this case, the process of early socialization of the dog is important.
  • Brush your pet daily to prevent the spread of wool around the house, the formation of pellets (especially during the molting period).
  • The peculiarity of these dogs lies in the fact that during the first years of life they remain children in their hearts and behave like puppies.
  • Irish Setters are naturally very inquisitive, so they often get into various ridiculous situations.
  • To become the owner of a healthy dog, in no case should you buy puppies from random, unverified breeders. You should also not buy animals in pet stores. It is best to opt for a dog breeder on the recommendation of friends or acquaintances.

Nurseries and breeders


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