The Irish Setter is a native of Ireland and is believed to have been developed in the 1700s from several other breeds: Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Terrier, English Setter, Spaniel, Pointer, and Gordon Setter. Early on, the Irish Setter was typically white and red, but the solid red color became favored during the 1800s. Today, the Irish Red and White Setter is a separate breed. The name “setter” comes from the posture the dogs used to take while birding – they would crouch low to the ground, or “set.”

The Irish Setter first arrived in the US near the end of the 19th century. The breed was registered by the AKC in 1878.

Breeding:

The long, lean head should be twice the length of the width between the eyes. There should be a distinct stop and a well-defined occiput, so that in profile the head appears slightly domed with a deep muzzle which is fairly square at the nose. The jaws should be of nearly equal length, with a perfect scissor bite, and a black or dark mahogany which adds to the aristocratic appearance. Almond shaped eyes of a dark to medium brown. Feathering begins at the ear tips, on ears set back and low, in length, almost long enough to reach the nose. They should have a long, very muscular not too thick neck. The shoulder blades should slope well back over a deep, rather narrow chest. A slightly sloping topline is completed by the plumed tail, which should be held level with the topline. Strong, well-boned legs support the dog. Muscle should be evident in the hindquarters and the hocks should be nearly perpendicular to the ground. This anatomy should produce the graceful and efficient gait that helps make the dog so showy in the ring.

Training:

Early obedience training is a must in order to get this dog to come back if it ever gets off the lead. Being a hunter, although an easily distracted one, it will follow a scents all over if not trained to come back to its owner. With patience and kindness, The Irish Setter is easy to train and can even compete in obedience trials. It is a sensitive breed though and will not respond well to harsh correction. This breed matures slowly, both physically and mentally and should never be pushed too far too fast. They are hardheaded, stubborn and independent.