Is The Irish Setter Dog Right For You?
- 1Irish Setters do well with other breeds and serve as a wonderful companion dog.
- 2They tend to be loving, active, and observant.
- 3The Irish Setter craves exercise and requires regular grooming.
HISTORY
The Irish Setter was bred from the selective cross breeding of various spaniels, setters, and pointers in an attempt to make a better hunting dog. Once having shorter legs to aid in their ability to set, or crouch near game to mark it for the hunter, the Irish Setter is now taller, making them a more well-rounded hunting dog, capable of pointing, setting, and retrieving. While in recent years they have been bred more with an eye towards aesthetics rather than utility, they are still a very adept hunting dog, with a keen nose and exceptional instinct.
Quick Facts
Size
Large
Lifespan
12-15 years
Hair Length
Long
Male Height
26-28 inches (66-71cm)
Male Weight
65-75 pounds (29-34kg)
Female Height
24-26 inches (61-66cm)
Female Weight
55-65 pounds (25-29kg)
Litter Size
8-10 puppies
Personality
Irish Setters are high energy, caring, and smart. They have exceptional olfactory senses and a honed skill at assisting in hunting. While they may be a challenge to train if not given enough exercise, they can be a blast to be around if they are properly socialized. They are great with children and other pets and shouldnt be difficult to housebreak, but this is all dependent on whether they are given enough physical and mental exercise. .
Color
The Irish Setter comes in a couple of colors, such as reddish browns from chestnut to mahogany, with some white on chest and feet cropping up from time to time.
Health Concerns
The average life expectancy of the Irish Setter is 11-15 years. The breed is likely to develop health conditions such as:
- epilepsy
- ear infections
- allergies
- eye defects
- hip dysplasia
- immune diseases
- hypothyroidism
Appearance
The Irish Setter is a medium sized, long haired breed that is a little longer than they are tall. Their coat is feathery and fine-textured. Their nose is either black or brown, with wide nostrils that aid in their ability to track game. Their coat is short on their head and near the top of their back and the front of their legs, getting longer as it tapers down.