Irish Setter Dog
Physical characteristics of the Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is a light mesomorph, with long muscles and a very sensitive nervous system. The general constitution is that of an agile athlete whose trunk is inscribed in a square; the construction is lean, with a framework that is both fine and strong. The head is light, dry, without heaviness, longer than wide. The stop is slightly accentuated. The eyes are brown or dark hazel. The ears are pendulous, thin, and flat. The neck is of moderate length, slightly arched, muscular, without dewlap. The chest is rather narrow and well let down, the withers very high. The limbs are perfectly upright. The tail is set low and carried horizontally or down.
Hair: 5 to 6 cm long, silky, very straight, with beautiful light feathers, never too thick.
Colour: solid mahogany red, golden and shiny, without the slightest trace of black.
Size: 56 to 64 cm for the male and 54 to 62 cm for the female
Weight: 20 to 25 kg for the male and 18 to 23 kg for the female
Origins and history
The origins of the Irish Setter are the same as those of the English Setter. It is probable that he descends from the ancient Spaniel, called Braque des cailles or Chien d'Oysel, which was one of the forms derived from the primitive Canis familiaris intermedius
Character and Abilities
Affectionate:
He is a very affectionate dog who always seeks to attract the attention of his master to prove his affection.
Playful:
Very cheerful, this dog is naturally jovial and playful, making him an excellent companion for the whole family.
Calm:
Always on the move, the Irish Setter puppy will need to be channeled from an early age so that his natural ardor does not turn into too much uncontrollable energy.
Intelligent:
Clever and clever, this dog is intelligent in the sense that he can choose not to “submit” to his master's instructions if the latter does not show himself to be benevolent and coherent.
Hunter:
Both varieties of Irish Setter are of course excellent hunting dogs, specializing in game birds. However, it is important to distinguish them because, at work, they do not have the same temperament. The red variety seems to be fierier while the two-tone variety is more diligent and serious in its task.
Fearful/suspicious of strangers:
Of a rather jovial nature, this dog is generally sociable with humans but his very strong attachment to his social group can make him suspicious of strangers; without this being excessive as long as the presentations have been well done.
Independent:
Although he is particularly affectionate, this dog is relatively proud. When he is out for a walk or in the garden, he is very independent and can even go so far as to turn a deaf ear to avoid coming back to his master.
Behviour
Supports loneliness:
If the Irish Setter puppy is accustomed from an early age to experiencing positive and progressive periods of loneliness, he can easily remain wise while waiting for his masters to return. Does it still have to be well spent before their departure...
Easy to train / obedient:
Very turbulent until its maturity (quite late), the education of the Irish Setter requires patience and consistency. Although he settles down slightly as an adult, you shouldn't expect this energetic dog to have “square” obedience.
The educational bases, and in particular the recall, must be initiated from the youngest age of the puppy and reinforced throughout its life. With this dog, nothing is ever 100% certain.
Barking:
This dog can bark, especially when he is bored or wants to get his master's attention.
Runaway:
On walks, the Irish Setter is constantly stalking the game. In fact, the risk of leakage is very high.
Destroyer:
Like many working dogs, if this one is not properly stimulated to the level of its needs, it can then find occupation activities that, in general, displease its masters.
Greedy/gluttonous:
It is sometimes difficult to get this hunting dog's full attention during education sessions; thus, good quality treats can be a great way for the dog to cooperate.
Watchdog:
Very close to his social group, if he senses a threat he can actually act as a guard… However, this Setter is often in a good mood and very rarely shows signs of aggression or intimidation; you really have to push him to the limit for him to end up adopting this behavior.
First dog:
A very pleasant companion, it is however necessary to take into account its specificities to be prepared to manage in particular its great energy. Novice masters could easily be overtaken, so it is advisable to call on a professional to start on a good basis.
Living conditions
Irish Setter in an apartment:
Its ideal environment is the outdoors! It is not recommended to welcome this dog in an apartment, except if this place of life is only used for him to sleep and that he is regularly out during the day and accompanies his master everywhere.
The best thing is to welcome this working dog in the countryside, in a house with a well-fenced garden so that he can go about his business outside when he wishes.
Need for exercise/athletic:
Often very active, this dog needs a lot of exercises to be fully fulfilled. It is therefore advisable to carefully consider your spending needs before adopting it.
If he does not hunt with his master, he must be offered olfactory stimulating activities: savage, utilitarian research, man trailing, tracking, research of treats, etc.
Otherwise, this dog also appreciates sports disciplines such as traction cani-sports (cani-cross, cani-MTB, cani-scooter, etc.), obedience, agility, or even flyball for example.
Every day, this working dog must be able to express its full potential by being stimulated at the same time physically, mentally, socially, and above all in an olfactory way.
Travel / Ease of transport:
Its medium size and its great dynamism are sometimes not compatible with public transport. Indeed, without socialization and quality education, this dog could have difficulty sitting quietly with his master for the duration of the trip.
However, he is so happy when he goes out with his master that it would be a shame not to take advantage of it.
Grooming and maintenance
The maintenance of this dog is not complicated but it is important to inspect it well on the return from each walk to remove in particular all the debris which will have deposited on its long fringes.
Otherwise, simple weekly brushings are enough as well as regular care for his drooping ears to avoid any infection.
Hair loss: Hair
loss is moderate although it intensifies during seasonal shedding when brushing must then be more frequent (about 3 times a week).
Compatibility
The Irish Setter and Cats:
If the Irish Setter puppy is not accustomed from an early age to being around cats, cohabitation is complicated or even impossible.
The Irish Setter and other dogs:
Always in an even mood, if good socialization is offered to this dog so that he learns and reinforces his canine codes during his development period, he will be able to live together and/or tolerate his congeners.
The Irish Setter and children:
Lively, joyful, and jovial, this dog is quite suitable for children, especially adults with whom he can play.
The Irish Setter and the Elderly:
The great spirit of this dog is not compatible with a sedentary lifestyle that could potentially be offered by elderly masters.
Health
Resistant / robust:
It is a rustic dog that has good general health and only rarely falls ill.
Withstands the heat:
Care must be taken with such fiery and determined working dogs because the heat usually does not stop them at all. It is then necessary to spare their activities to preserve them.
Tolerates the cold:
This dog can easily live outside, although in winter he appreciates the cozy comfort of a house.
Tendency to get fat:
Very active, this dog is not often subject to obesity. Its healthy weight must be maintained by regular physical exercise and a suitable diet.
Frequent illnesses:
This dog does not experience any major health problems if it is correctly vaccinated and dewormed. However, he is predisposed to Stomach Dilation / Torsion Syndrome.
Where To buy Your Irish Setter Dog
The price of an Irish Setter varies according to its origins, age, and gender. It takes an average of Rs. 65,000 for a dog registered with the LOF. The highest lines can be sold for up to Rs.85,000
Regarding the average budget to meet the needs of a dog of this size, it takes about RS.4000/month.
Average life expectancy: about 13 years
