Irish Red Setter: description and characteristics of the breed. Irish Red Setter Irish Setter breed standard

irish setter - an energetic dog with a pronounced hunting passion, high field qualities, early and easily set to work.

The search for the Irish Setter is at a fast, energetic gallop. The stance is high, without falling to the ground.

General view and type of constitution . The Irish Setter is a dog of medium height, proportional build, dry strong type of constitution, high on the legs with a pronounced high performance.

Type of behavior. Temperament mobile, energetic. Viciousness and cowardice are a vice.

Growth. The height at the withers for males is from 57 to 66 cm, for females it is 3 cm lower. The stretch index for males is 100-105, for females 102-107. Growth above the upper limit up to 2 cm is a defect, above 2 cm and below the lower limit is a defect.

Color. Monochromatic, dark red-red, reminiscent of the color of polished mahogany. A lighter color of the latrine dog is allowed. Small white markings on the forehead, crown, muzzle, throat, chest and toes are acceptable.
Flaws: dark with coffee or light yellow main color, light "glasses" around the eyes, too light dressing coat.
vices: black hair, white markings in places not provided for by the standard.

coat. Medium length, thick, loose, straight, close fitting. On the head and front of the legs the hair is short, on the body it is longer. On the ears, on the underside of the chest, on the back of the forelegs from the elbows to the paws and on the hind legs from the tail to the hock, as well as on the underside of the tail, the hair is longer and thicker than on the body, and forms feathering and feathering. Between the fingers and the crumbs of the paws - a thick brush of wool. The dressing coat on the tail is straight, begins somewhat retreating from the base of the tail, forms a longer dewlap in the middle, fading to nothing towards the end.
Flaws: the coat is excessively long on the body, forming a parting along the ridge; the presence of a "cap" on the head; partially wavy dog; poor development of the latrine dog.
vices: hair is curly, in curls, curly in a tourniquet on the tail, very rough, loosely attached to the body; absence of a restroom.

Leather, muscles, bones. The skin is dense, thin, elastic, without folds. The musculature bones are well developed.

Head. Long, dry. The skull is oval between the ears, somewhat narrowed in the back, with a beautifully defined occiput (falcon). Superciliary arches slightly raised, forming a noticeable transition from the forehead to the muzzle, the line of the skull is parallel to the line of the muzzle and slightly higher than it. The muzzle is long, dry, moderately deep, slightly tapering towards the end. The edge of the upper lip is beautifully rounded. Lips dry, close fitting. The bridge of the nose is straight or with a hump. The nose is broad and dark red, dark hazel or black. The lips are painted to match the nose.
Flaws: weak prominence of the occiput, tilt of the crown to the back of the head (sunset), excessively developed fronto-parietal bones, excessively sharp transition from the forehead to the muzzle, excessively light and pointed muzzle.
vices: short, wide, flat head, strong development of superciliary ridges; heavy, upturned muzzle, drooping, bushy lips, pink or marble nose.

Ears. Hanging, thin, soft, rounded at the ends, medium length. The stretched ear with its end does not reach 2-3 cm of the nose. The ears are set at eye level, close to the back of the head, and close to the cheekbones.
Flaws: High-set ears, not close to the cheekbones.
vices: large, "in a tube" or "burdock", on cartilage; small, short ears.

Eyes. Oval-shaped, dark brown, set not deep, but not protruding. The eyelids are slightly obliquely cut, and their edges are colored in the color of the nose.
Flaws: eyes are large, bulging, straight section of the eyelids; the inner (third) eyelid that covers part of the eye.
vices: widely spaced or close to the bridge of the eyes; small, sunken, blind.

Teeth and bite: White, strong, well developed, tightly closed; scissor bite.
Disadvantages and vices: indicated above in the introduction (general position).

Neck. Medium length, lean, muscular, not thick, slightly flattened laterally; in males - slightly convex on top, in bitches - straighter,
Flaws: short, thick, round neck; suspension.

Withers: Well developed, projecting sharply above the line of the back, especially in males.

Back. Straight, not wide, but muscular.
Flaws: soft, slightly humped back.
vices: sagging, hunchbacked back.

Small of the back. Short, muscular, slightly arched.
Flaws: straight, long.
vices: sagging, humpbacked.

Croup. Wide (in females noticeably wider front), rather long (in females longer), slightly sloping, muscular.
Flaws: shortish and slightly slanted.
vices: short, sloping croup.

Breast. Not wide, long and deep, descending to the elbows. False ribs are well developed and when viewed from the side - the line of the chest smoothly passes into the line of the abdomen. The ribs are slightly arched.
Flaws: Open, barrel-shaped or slightly flat chest.
vices: short, very flat.

Stomach. Picked up, groins tightened.
Flaws: belly.

Forelimbs . Seen from the front, straight and parallel, elbows pointing straight back. Shoulders are muscular. Corner humeroscapular articulations slightly more than 100". Forearms long, oval in section. Pasterns of medium length, narrow with a slight forward inclination.
Flaws: straight shoulders, slight twisting of the elbows, slight curvature of the forearms. Straight or overly sloping pasterns. Bump, clubfoot.
vices

Hind limbs . Seen from behind, set wide apart, straight and parallel; on the side - with well-defined articulation angles. The lower legs are long, set obliquely, the hocks stand out sharply. With a calm stance of the dog, the metatarsus is slightly pulled back and almost vertical.
Flaws: excessively straightened or close hocks, saber.
vices: the same deviations from the norm, but expressed in a sharp form.

Paws. Small, oval, arched, with tightly closed fingers. Claws touch the ground.
Flaws: flat, loose paws.

Tail (feather). Set on low, continuing the line of the croup, carried no higher than the line of the back; straight or saber-shaped, mobile, thick at the base and evenly thinning towards the end. The length of the tail in females reaches the hock, in males it is 2-3 cm shorter.
Flaws: excessive length, lethargy, atypical hairiness.
vices: The tail is thin, inactive, highly raised or thrown with a sickle. Short tail: does not reach the hock joint by 6 cm in males, by 4 cm in females; docked at least partially.

In the field, the Irish Setter works very energetically at a fast canter with a characteristic, so-called "wolf" search. The stance is high, distinct, tense.

In contrast to our standard, the growth of Irish setters abroad is higher, for example, in America, the height of the Irish is 63.5-68.5 cm, and in England there are no strict requirements for growth.

K. G. Gorb "Setters: English, Irish, Scottish"

Irish Setter. AKC standard (09/30/1990)

General form
. The Irish Setter is an active pointing dog with an aristocratic appearance. The dog is covered with a straight, shiny coat, longer on the ears, chest, tail and back of the legs. In the field, the Irish Setter is a fast, talented hunter, and at home it is a sweet, easy-to-train companion. All lines of the Irish Setter are surprisingly harmonious.

Dimensions. Proportions. Backbone.
There are no growth restrictions. More important is the balance of individual parts of the dog's body. The ideal height for a male is 27 inches (about 68.5 cm) at the withers and weight in show condition 70 pounds (about 32 kg), for a bitch - height 25 inches (about 63.5 cm) and weight 60 pounds (about 27 kg). Proportions. The length of the body is somewhat greater than the height of the dog at the withers. Backbone. Legs are strong, with strong bones. The appearance of the male is courageous, but without rudeness. The appearance of females is feminine, but without signs of poor bones.

Head
Long. The length of the head must be at least twice the distance between the ears. Her beauty is emphasized by graceful lines. The expression is kind, lively. Eyes. The eyes are almond-shaped. Medium size, neither deep set nor protruding. Color - from dark brown to medium brown. The ears are set no higher than the level of the eyes. Thin, hang down along the head and adjoin to it. The length of the ear is such that it almost reaches the tip of the nose. Scull. The superciliary ridges are developed. The distance from the tip of the nose to the eyebrows is equal to the distance from the eyebrows to the occiput. The line from the eyebrows to the back of the head rises somewhat above the line from the tip of the nose to the bridge of the nose and is parallel to it. The muzzle is deep enough. Jaws of the same length. The line under the muzzle is almost parallel to the top line. Nose. The nose is black or chocolate, the nostrils are wide. The cut of the upper lip is almost square, but the lip does not hang down. Scissor bite.

Neck. Top line. Body.
The neck is moderately long, strong, but neither thick nor damp. The topline of the neck is slightly arched. The topline from the neck to the croup is markedly sloping down, the croup is not sloping. Pronounced vysokoperedost. The tail is like a natural extension of the line of the back. The base of the tail is at the level of the croup. The tail is thick at the base, tapering towards the tip. Fairly long, reaching to the hocks. Carried straight, level with the back or slightly higher. The body is long enough to allow the dog to move freely and easily. The chest is deep enough. Goes down to elbow level. Moderately wide. The loin is strong, muscular and of sufficient length.

Before.
The shoulder blades are long, wide, sloping back, meeting fairly close at the withers. The upper part of the foreleg and the shoulder blade are approximately the same length, and when joined form an angle allowing the elbow joint to move along the chest parallel to the line of the withers. Elbows move freely, not twisting outward, not tucking inward. The forelegs are straight and muscular. Strong, almost straight wrists. Paws are not large. The fingers are brought together.

Rear end.
The croup should be fairly wide, with well-developed hips. The hind legs are long and muscular from the thigh to the hock, short and perpendicular to the ground from the hock down. The angulations of the stifles and hocks are clearly visible and must not turn outward or turn inward.

Wool.
Short on the head and front of the legs. On other parts of the body it is moderately long and dense. Long and silky on the ears, back of the forelegs, back of the thigh, tail, chest and belly. All coat is straight, preferably without curls and waviness. The coat of the Irish Setter is trimmed before shows to show the lines of the head and neck. The upper third of the ear is trimmed, the throat to the sternum. Excess hair is removed from the legs.

Color.
brown red without the slightest trace of black. A small amount of white wool is allowed on the chest, throat, fingers, a small white blaze on the head.

movements.
When trotting, the movements are wide and graceful, the head is held somewhat forward, the front legs are thrown forward, as if raking the ground, the hind legs move evenly, with great strength. Seen from the front or rear, the forelegs as well as the hind legs below the hock move perpendicular to the ground.

Temperament.
The Irish Setter is a cheerful dog. Shyness, timidity or hostility are not characteristic of this breed. Constancy of temperament is the main feature of the Irish Setter.

Irish Setters are the pride of their country and a breed that has gained worldwide fame. Beautiful, efficient, smart - these qualities formed the basis of the popularity of these dogs. These beautiful dogs adorn billboards, they are filmed in commercials and films. But what are these star pets in life, and what awaits future owners?

The roots of the Irish go back to ancient times. Scientists managed to establish that almost all pointing breeds are descendants of "ash dogs". The younger progenitors of this breed are pointers, from which in the 16th century. The black and white English Setter was bred. And later, using the best representatives of hunting breeds, breeders managed to get an early Irish Red Setter.

Experts are sure that English setters, Irish water spaniels, Gordon setters and were used in breeding. The original goal pursued by the breeders was to obtain the ideal dog for bird hunting.

It is worth noting that for those times breeding and hunting were an integral part of the life of real aristocrats. Then the breeders competed to see who would get the best breed, and several lines of setters from Ireland appeared. From historical sources it was possible to find out that there were red and white dogs and red ones with a black mask.

Nevertheless, some commonality of goals existed, and the same requirements were imposed on representatives of the future breed:

performance;
lack of fear of water, shots and noise;
harmony of proportions and medium size;
excellent sense of smell and hearing;
dense coat.

And the breeding activity has borne fruit. Irish Setters appeared and immediately gained popularity.

At the end of the 50s of the 19th century. 6 dozens of dogs of this breed participated in the exhibition with competitions. But the lack of a single standard did not allow to evaluate dogs qualitatively, which led to conflicts between judges and breeders. However, the Irish continued to participate in such events, proving their qualities. The breed gained more and more fans and breeding work continued.

In 1873, the first breed club appeared in England, and after 5 years in Ireland. Since 1877, the breeding of Irish setters began in the United States. But there the dogs were divided into 2 types - representatives of the show class and working dogs. Moreover, later the first type became exclusively decorative, while the second one lagged far behind in the exterior.

In Russia, breeders sought to maintain the working qualities of dogs and eliminate the disadvantage - the difficulty in training. As a result, it was still possible to breed hunting dogs with a balanced character, which fully comply with international standards.

Description of the Irish Setter breed

The excellent external data of the representatives of the breed contributed to the fact that one of the well-known companies chose the Irish Setter as the face of the brand. And this, of course, added popularity to the colorful Irish all over the world. Dogs are distinguished by a long coat of rich red color, a strong, proportional physique, a good-natured look and the behavior of a true aristocrat. In modern characteristics, the Irish Setter is a passionate hunter, tireless, inquisitive, loyal and affectionate to family members.

The weight representatives of the breed varies in the range of 25-35 kg. Growth males at the withers is 58-67 cm, females - 55-62 kg. The harmony of height and weight is very important.

The main features in appearance that distinguish Irish Setters from other dogs are the following:

Head the Irish have a long, narrowed, with an oval voluminous forehead without bulges. On the back of the head there is a pronounced tubercle. The eye sockets are arranged in such a way that they give the dog a surprised and joyful look.
muzzle ending has a U-shape, with well-tucked lips, pigmented to match the color of the nose. The teeth are small, creating a tight row without gaps and a scissor bite. The nose is mobile, the nostrils are large, round, the color of the lobe depends on the color of the coat - it can be black, brown, red-brown.
Eyes small, almond-shaped, with dry eyelids. The color of the iris varies from hazel to deep brown.
Ears have a low, wide fit. At the base there is a hard cartilaginous tissue, and closer to the ends of the ears are thin and soft. During operation, the auricles turn forward. From 2 to 3 years of age, decorating hair grows on the ears of dogs.
torso Irish Setters have an elongated, taut, with a graceful set. The whole look speaks of the strength and dexterity of the animal. The neck is of medium length, has a beautiful curve with developed muscles. The withers are not very pronounced, the sternum is of medium width, the ribs are arched.
limbs well developed, with pronounced veins and muscles. Paws are collected, have a rounded shape and small size.
Tail smooth, wide at the base, gradually narrowing. The dog carries it at the level of the spine. In older pets, decorating hair appears on it.
Undercoat the Irish have thick, but the hair itself is not thick. The outer coat varies in thickness and length. On the head it is short, the same in the area of the muzzle and in front on the paws. On the body, the coat is of medium length, good density and softness. Behind the paws, on the auricles, tail and along the bottom line are feathers of long, smooth, silky wool.

It will be interesting:

visit the rubric in order to understand what to feed the setter;
under the rubric, warn the Irishman against disease;
Learn how to take care of your pet.

The color of the dogs varies from saturated red to no less saturated chestnut. The standard allows the presence of a small amount of white wool in the area of \u200b\u200bthe fingers, on the sternum, muzzle.

Considering that almost all setters are similar, the color of Irish setters is their calling card. If we talk about similar dogs, but with white hair and red spots, then they belong to a separate breed of the Irish Red and White Setter. And dogs with black hair and red tan marks are black Irish setters, this is, in fact, the Scottish Setter breed. Similar black and white dogs are also setters, but English.

Character and training of the Irish Setter

Modern Irish Setters are universal breeds that can be kept both in an apartment and in a private house. But they are not suitable for an aviary or street, since they do not have a particularly developed undercoat.

When choosing a representative of this breed as a pet, it should be noted that it will take a lot of time to educate and train him. The Irish have a tendency to run away, so they need to be adapted and trained from an early age until the dog learns "good manners".

The most difficult thing is to give the command “to me!”, as the dogs are very reckless and, carried away by the chase, may not respond to the owner’s appeal. In this case, you may need the help of professionals, and other commands are given to setters much easier.

It is always worth taking into account the highly developed hunting instincts of dogs. They are able to react to the slightest noise, and at any opportunity to pursue prey, they will do so. Therefore, until the end of training, the pet should not be let off the leash or released, but only in open areas. Free range in the forest, park zone is possible only with excellent assimilation of the “come to me” command.

During the “hunt”, the dog may show aggression, such attacks should not be encouraged, but punishment is not an option. Setters respond well to emotions, so if they are shamed or offended, they are able to repent of their deeds. In extreme cases, the pet can be patted on the croup with a rolled-up newspaper. But physical punishment will cause distrust of the pet and greatly complicate the learning process.

Dog breed Irish Setter photo

Irish Setters are excellent athletes, they are great for coursing, agility, frisbee, and they are also excellent swimmers. Dogs instinctively love to fetch balls or sticks, so fetching is one of their favorite games.

If you give your pet the necessary load and properly feed, then the dog becomes extremely loving and devoted. Setters get along well with all members of even a large family and are tolerant of children. For them, separation from the owner is a real test. Setters can get along with dogs and cats, but only if they are well educated. But the rest of the small animals will always be the object of hunting and no education will help here.

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Rules for maintenance and care

If the breed attracted with its beautiful appearance, then you should know that the dog will look like on the pages of glossy publications, only with careful care. Without exercise, proper nutrition and daily grooming, the dog will not look so brilliant.

A rich coat is the wool in the apartment, which you can get rid of through. If we are talking about representatives of the show class with elongated hair, then they will have to be combed every day. And during molting, this rule applies to all setters.

The Irish are often not recommended, as detergents and water remove the necessary lubrication from the skin. During slushy, muddy weather, it is recommended to dress your dog in special overalls to keep the coat and your own home clean.

For dogs that do not participate in exhibitions, it is permissible to trim the hair on the stomach, ears. For pets with an exhibition career, wool is cut off only in the interdigital spaces.

The Irish are prone to, so you should regularly inspect the auricles and clean them of excess sulfur and dirt every 5-7 days. But do not clean them if there is no visible contamination. The eyes are also checked regularly and cleaned when necessary.

You can feed the dog with ready-made rations or regular food, but in the first case, the food must be of high quality, and in the second, a mandatory supplement in the form of vitamin supplements.

Photo of Irish Setter

Irish setter puppies pictured with mom

Irish Setter video

How much does an Irish Setter puppy cost?

The initial cost of a puppy of this breed is 10,000 rubles. But if there is a desire to purchase a pet for a further show career, then the price of an Irish setter will increase to 40,000-50,000 rubles. You can buy a pet from your hands, but the prices of responsible private breeders do not differ much from the cost in the nursery.

Irish Setters are demanding in everything - nutrition, care, training and attitude. Therefore, before acquiring such a handsome man, you should weigh your own strengths and the availability of free time.

Irish Setter Kennels

Moscow http://www.jetsetters.ru
St. Petersburg https://vk.com/allureshow
Kyiv http://www.cats-dogs-ukraine.com/pitomniki102.htm
Minsk https://vk.com/club74065340

The Irish Setter is a large, active and cheerful dog with a kind and peaceful disposition. Perfect for a young family leading a healthy lifestyle. For older people, such an active dog will become a burden.

As a companion dog, the Irishman scores 9 out of 10 points. Non-aggressive. Lives in a world where everyone is friends with each other and there is no hatred or malice. Attached to a person. He loves games and is great with children. 10 out of 10 cannot be chosen just because setters have character and some independence. It is impossible to achieve complete obedience, it always leaves the right to choose whether to agree to the requirements or not. At a certain age, the Irish Setter's hyperactivity leads to a mess in the house and theft of food. To prevent this from happening, give your pet the necessary attention, satisfy the need for movement with walks, love endlessly.

History of the breed

Ireland is considered the birthplace of dogs. In the 18th century, the breed was bred for the purpose of hunting in swampy and steppe areas. Over the years, they began to evaluate it according to external data and present it at various exhibitions. The color was different. Previously, representatives of the breed were allowed impurities or not quite pure color.

As an independent breed was determined in the middle of the XIX century. Originally used exclusively for hunting. For a long time it was not considered as a family dog due to its naughty nature. Later, the breeders drew attention to the shortcoming and took up the adjustment. Today, the setter is devoid of aggressiveness.

In different countries, popularity is due to different reasons. In the United States, for example, the boom in the Irish Setter as the ideal family dog began when two successive presidents, Truman and Nixon, were often shown in public with playful red-and-brown pets.

As a hunting dog, the Setter is perfect for hunting on the water, in swampy areas. A fast, agile and hardy dog takes part in hunting raids with great joy, drives and brings game.

breed standard

The Irish Setter is a harmoniously built dog of medium size with a dry, strong type of constitution.

The physique is narrow, dry, with a moderately developed muscular frame, the lines are smooth, curved. This applies to the abdomen, back, sternum, head parameters. The paws are even, long thin, the hind legs are set slightly wider than the front ones. The fingers are tightly set, wide, pronounced claws. The elbow bends of the front paws are directed backward. The ribs are rounded, evenly curved, the chest is deep, the groins are tucked up. The muscles are not as well developed as in dogs of other breeds with similar height and similar parameters.

Personality of the Irish Setter

The Setter has a peaceful, good-natured, slightly peculiar character. Energetic and active, creates a similar host. Deprived of aggression towards dogs, strangers, the Irish take everyone for a friend, not expecting a dirty trick. Despite the large size, it will not be possible to make a watchdog and a frightening guard out of an animal. Not suspicious of strangers. Quality is not in the genes.

Dogs of the breed are not distinguished by impeccable obedience, the owners speak of extraordinary intelligence and the ability to subtly respond to what is happening around. A smart, human, soft and kind look endows the Irish Setter with a kind of halo of tenderness.

The dog is good with children. Never allow you to accidentally push or frighten the baby. The setter gets along well with pets, especially if it grows up living together in the house.

The dog is fast, energetic, with an excellent reaction. Not aggressive, friendly, obedient, loyal. He gets along well with children, rarely shows aggression, but in the event of an attack he is able to show fighting qualities!

Irish Setter Care

The Irish Setter is an apartment dog. It is difficult to imagine a good-natured creature that loves family members with all its heart, in an aviary or on a leash. Gone are the days when hunting was considered the purpose of the breed. Today, the setter is a family dog, pleasing to the eye with activity and love of life.

You will have to take care of the long hair of the dog daily. It is enough to comb the dog to prevent the appearance of tangles, bathe as necessary. It is often impossible to bathe a dog, the wool is impregnated with a special fat that protects from the external environment, making it waterproof. With frequent bathing, the layer is broken, the coat becomes unhealthy.

Setter ears, like floppy-eared dogs, need special care to prevent inflammation. The veterinarian regularly checks the condition of the pet's ears. Ears often suffer from all sorts of infections. Once every 3 months, the dog should visit a doctor.

Dogs of the breed are distinguished by good health and high tone. We list a number of diseases characteristic of the breed:

Bloating (intestinal volvulus);
allergic dermatitis;
Hypothyroidism;
Epilepsy;
Melanoma;
bone cancer;
Congenital idiopathic megaesophagus (dilation of the esophagus);
Otitis.

We emphasize the main rules of care:

The dog is large, requires outdoor walks, active games, plenty of space and freedom of movement.
Walk at least twice a day, giving you the opportunity to catch up to your heart's content. Excessive loads should not be given, especially after eating.
Comb regularly, at least 2 times a week, otherwise tangled hairballs appear that interfere with the dog, worsening the appearance.
Bathing is preferably regular, infrequent, as needed. Ideally, once every 2-3 weeks. The exception is rainy weather, dirt on the street - in the latter case, Irish setter puppies and adults require washing after each walk. So that the dog brings less dirt, does not freeze its paws, the hair between the fingers is periodically shortened. Otherwise, it does not need regular haircuts. Wool during molting does not cling, falls to the floor. Regular cleaning will minimize its amount in the room.
In the context of the Irish Setter care topic, it is important to mention that these are clean dogs, you will need to keep the toilet, sleeping area and dishes clean.

How to properly vaccinate a dog, the veterinarian will advise, comment on the pet's need for pharmacy vitamins and mineral complexes.

What to feed

Dogs eat little, given their size, but the diet is not provided for the same type and ill-conceived. An adult dog eats cereals, vegetables, meat. In winter, a sufficient amount of fish oil is included in the diet. He loves meat, will not give up pasta.

If you want to give the dog fish, control the absence of bones that can injure the mouth, get stuck in the throat and cause suppuration.

Do not give the Irish Setter smoked meats, sausages, too spicy dishes. The ban applies to cakes and other store-bought sweets.

The main characteristics of the breed

Growth. Males at the withers - 58-56 centimeters, females - 55-63.
The weight. Males weigh about 32 kilograms, females - 27.
Color monophonic, in the color of polished mahogany, chestnut with a dark or light red tint. There may be a lighter coloration on the hind legs, and small white markings may be allowed on the muzzle, chest, throat or legs.
Wool length uneven: on the body, ears, lower chest, from the tail to the hock of the legs - long, and on the head and front of the legs - short.
Lifespan- from 8 to 16 years old.
Breed advantages: assistant for a hunter, gets along with pets, energetic, smart.
The complexity of the breed. It needs a lot of movement and activity, careful grooming.
Price: Irish Setter puppies will cost you between $385 and $1200.

The history of the origin of the breed

The Irish Setter is one of the oldest hunting breeds. The breed originated in Ireland, where used for gun hunting. It is impossible to say exactly how this breed appeared, but scientists have found that several breeds took part in crossings: the Irish Water Spaniel, the Irish Terrier, the Pointer, several Gordon Setters.

The breed was officially recognized in 1876. A deep reddish-brown hue appeared in the 19th century and became a sign of good breed quality and excellent physical shape. Actively gaining popularity for a hundred years, the dog has earned a reputation as a tireless hunter in England. To date, the Red Irish Setter considered the most common setter breed in the world, and is already used not only for hunting, but also as a companion dog.

purpose

Initially, the breed was bred to help hunt game. It was assumed that the dog would work even before the shot in search of game for the hunter, and then bring the prey to the owner. Irish Setters have an excellent sense of smell, they find birds for many kilometers with the help of upper flair- by air, not by land. In search of a bird, they zigzag ahead of the hunter, checking the air from below and above, and show him where the bird may be.

Despite the fact that hunting instincts remain strong in dogs, they try to make salon dogs out of them, since the attractiveness of the exterior, the nobility, elegance and grace of external data look very aesthetically pleasing.

Now more and more often Irish setters are no longer used for hunting, but as companion dogs, and are pets. This is facilitated by the friendly and playful disposition of the Irish, their boundless devotion and love for the owners.As watchdogs, they are unsuitable, because they are very peaceful, kind and trusting.

Character

This is a very friendly, cheerful and playful dog. He loves movement, some kind of work and physical activity. The dog is very affectionate, intelligent, full of dignity. It can make an excellent company for single people who like a fairly active lifestyle or long walks. The breed has a fairly high intelligence, ingenuity. Likes communication and attention, gets along well with other household animals, though sometimes for the sake of fun it can drive cats.

Aggressiveness is not characteristic of them, although there are also character differences and sometimes setters can behave recklessly, but in general they are complaisant dogs with a stable temperament.

Video review of the breed

The video perfectly presents all the main characteristics of the dog. You can learn the history of the breed, its character. Also here are the main diseases that the breed is susceptible to, and some of the difficulties in caring for it.

How to choose a puppy

Before getting a puppy it is worth asking a few questions:

whether it is planned to engage in exhibition activities in the future (if so, then the pedigree, character and price will be important parameters for choosing a puppy);
the dog is chosen for hunting or will be just a pet (the place of choice and the need to train the dog will depend on this);
what gender should the puppy be (females are more accommodating than males and can produce offspring, but if extra breeding efforts are not needed, then it may be better to take a male);
consider the conditions of keeping the dog, since it is taken for many years, and a lot will depend on good care.

Choose the best puppies for purchase, who are already socialized, usually this happens in 3-4 months. When choosing, you should observe the behavior of the puppy and pay attention to the following points:

whether the puppy makes contact: happily approaches, wagging its tail, or does not approach you at all;
how the puppy behaves, if you call him to you, will he follow you;
how the puppy behaves if you gently turn it over and, putting your hand on the chest, calmly keep it from turning over for half a minute (this will show the puppy’s readiness to obey or dominate);
you can check the puppy’s readiness to fetch (attract the puppy’s attention with some object, and then throw the thing aside);
Check your puppy's hearing and response to loud noises.

Breed standards:

Head small, elongated, with close-set eyes. Ears hanging, large, thin, rounded at the bottom (stretched ear to the nose does not reach 2-3 centimeters).
Neck muscular, slightly arched, moderately long.
Muzzle dry, tapering towards the end. The bridge of the nose may be hump.
Lips and nose dry, dark red or black.
Bite scissor-shaped, teeth strong, white.
Eyes medium-sized dark brown.
Croup muscular, hips slightly sloping.
Block: the oblique length of the body is equal to the distance at the withers.
Breast narrow when viewed from the front.
Tail middle length.
Wool dense, straight, but not particularly soft and without undercoat, the length is uneven, but generally long.
Feathers on the lower part of the body, paws, tail.
Color chestnut, white spots are allowed.

Dogs with malocclusion, light eyes, black hair are disqualified from shows.

Red Irish Setters are unpretentious, but worth considering some features in their content:

since the dog is very active, in order to keep it in shape, you need to walk a couple of times a day for one and a half to two hours, then you can keep it in the apartment;
wool is combed every day;
bathe once every ten days;
a haircut is not needed, but sometimes the hair is cut between the fingers;
claws are trimmed once a month;
daily examine the eyes (you can wipe with a weak tea solution) and ears;
does not like loneliness, but is ready to endure it;
they feed twice a day (the average norm of meat for an adult setter is 550 g and porridge - 300 g).

Training

Breed easy to learn with the right approach. Intelligent, quick-witted; lends itself to both basic training in basic commands and special training. Needs gentle but firm training, otherwise it can become self-willed, stubborn and disobedient. You need to train demandingly, consistently and constantly, but without rudeness. First training can begin as early as three months of age. A well-trained dog is excellent at looking for game, hardy, diligent and hardworking.

Advantages and disadvantages of the breed

Everyone loves the red Irish setter for its beautiful appearance, grace of lines and habits, good disposition. He gets along wonderfully with pets and all household members, loves to play with children. Dog very mobile, energetic, cheerful, playful, smart. Its natural working qualities, with good training, can be of great help during the hunt.

In addition, the dog is unpretentious and does not require extra care or any special care. There are certain inconveniences in keeping this breed. The main one is the need for frequent and active walks(the dog definitely needs to run out) and careful grooming. Setters are prone to, so you should be careful about the diet and the use of wool washing products.

Currently, the Irish Setters have no equal in terms of the number of livestock among island type pointing dogs. - a popular hunter in many countries of the world, including the CIS. Moreover, excellent working qualities are combined in it with delightful beauty. They say that "at work" among the swamps and fields, she looks more beautiful than at any prestigious exhibition. And in the homeland of the red setter, they consider it a national treasure and cherish it like the apple of their eye. Only in Ireland, most of the breeding lines are working - these are hereditary hunters.

	Training
	Mind
	Moult
	Guard qualities
	Security qualities
	Popularity
	The size
	Agility
	Attitude towards children

History of the breed

The name of the breed first appeared in printed publications in 1570-1576. For example, in the study "De Canibu Britannisi" by Dr. Caius. In the book, the scientist gives an extensive classification of British dogs and describes how they helped people.

It is believed that the term "setters" hid a whole group of dogs used for hunting game. Her task was to find the location of the prey and attract the owners there.

This included representatives of various breeds, from which over time a homogeneous type was obtained. The ancestors of the Irish Setter include Pointers, Bloodhounds, Spaniels and Wolfhounds. However, this has not yet been confirmed. It seems that the ancestors of the breed will remain a mystery.

Freeze!

Why do setters look so beautiful on the hunt? The secret is in their signature stand. Having smelled the game in the thickets, the dog freezes, stretched forward, and waits with tension. It is interesting that before the setters lay down on the ground before the game, since the hunting technology was different. Birds were caught with nets - and the dogs had to lie down so as not to scratch themselves on the weights. By the way, the Russian word "cops" was formed from the verb "lie"

The quirks of the rich

In 1805 Sydenham Edwards' Encyclopedia Britannica was published. This is the first book where you can consider the progenitors of most breeds in the UK. In one of the illustrations, you can see three dogs of different colors. They guess the types of modern setters, including the Irish.

In the 17th century, sport hunting for birds became especially popular, so hunting breeds were given close attention. But only rich people were interested in them: they could afford to breed dogs and did not spare money to improve the livestock. It was thanks to the Irish gentlemen that mongrel dogs turned into four-legged professional hunters.

Of course, the rich did not care about the appearance of their pets. Working qualities - that was the main thing! But many of the gentlemen kept detailed diaries about dogs. Here, information about the training of dogs, their nutrition, behavior and skill was recorded in detail. And since 1973, traditional stud books with pedigrees and mating data have appeared.

With a scarf around your neck

Almost every lord had his own kennel. The breeds bred in them were considered unique and inimitable - the rich man was proud of his pets. In addition, the owners often had personal hunting grounds where the dogs could develop skills. Weak, naughty and stupid dogs that could not cope with the tasks were immediately weeded out.

In fact, the “one-of-a-kind” pets differed only in colors. In the 17th century, lines of red and white setters owned by Lords Waterford, Gore, Dillon, Clancarthy, de Freyne and the Earl of Lismore became especially popular. They say that the descendants of these pets lived in the 13th century and were adapted to hunting in the Irish swamps and hills.

But the main reason for the popularity of red and piebald setters is different: they were clearly visible against the background of thickets during the hunt, which cannot be said about completely red pets. Monochromatic dogs often had a white scarf tied around their neck so that they would not disappear from view. In addition, the hunters were afraid from a distance to confuse the red setter with the fox.

What does "setter" mean?

The name of the breed was formed from the English word set. In hunting slang, it means "freeze, make a stand." Therefore, setters have long been called all long-haired pointing dogs in the UK..

How the breeds were divided

The appearance and distribution of red setters is associated with the exhibition activity of their owners. The game became noticeably smaller, so that hunting no longer brought the former joy. But stately pets were still the object of adoration. It turned out that dogs with a red coat look better and more profitable on the podium. So, in pursuit of fashion, the breed was finally formed.

The first exhibition took place in 1859 in Newcastle. Then the British varieties of setters, including the red Irish, were presented in the same class. About 60 dogs participated in the show. But a year later, the breeds were divided by color, because there were too many individuals in each color. Each breed got its name from its small homeland.

In 1882, the lawyer Cecil Moore, who was fond of breeding Irish setters, created a breed club. The standard was approved in Dublin in 1885. It was published a year later.

Found myself

The famous Palmerston setter was born in 1862 in a kennel that was famous for its working dogs. He matured, but never showed himself on the hunt. The owner of the kennel, Cecile Moore, ordered the adult dog to be drowned because he did not expect victories from him. The dog was saved by another breeder - Hilliard. He saw how a dejected dog was led to the river, and bought it for nothing.

After a couple of years, Palmerston became the Champion of the Breed. The rescued pet was not good at hunting, but it had the ideal type that breeders have long been striving for. He competed until his death and gave rise to several breed lines. And thanks to his son Garrioven, Irish Setters have become popular all over the world.

As happened with all service breeds, Irish breeding was divided into two branches: working and exhibition. To be successful on the podium, it was not necessary to shine in the hunting grounds and on the sports grounds.

This lasted until 1910. Then in Ireland and England it was decided not to allow dogs to show without a working diploma. This recommendation is now accepted by breeders in Belgium and Italy. In 1998, the British Irish Setter Club developed the test rules for pets. And the standard now characterizes the breed as a passionate hunter.

Fatal mistake

In the 1930s, it became clear that a terrible mistake had been made when breeding Irish Setters. Many dogs have developed progressive retinal atrophy. With this disease, the dog began to see poorly at dusk, and then completely lost his sight. Moreover, signs of eye disease appeared in puppies at 12 weeks of age. It turned out that the recessive gene, the carrier of which was Rheola Benedict, a well-known manufacturer of that time, was to blame for everything. It took several decades to identify carriers of the gene and remove them from breeding.

Conqueror of hearts

The Irish Setter is not without reason called the most beautiful hunting dog. Imagine a pet with dark brown eyes, very intelligent, kind and expressive. It is well built, has an elongated body and long legs, allowing it to move quickly. On the hunt, he moves freely and energetically, and his stance is expressive, without tension.

But for most modern owners, it is not the hunting qualities that are more important, but the appearance of the pet. The visiting card of the breed is its thick, long red hair. It has a pretty sheen and shimmers in the sunlight.

The standard does not allow black inclusions in the pet's coat, but small white spots are allowed on the chest, throat, fingers and head. On the tail, ears, chest and paws, there should be nice feathering with silky strands, and on the front of the legs and head, the hair, on the contrary, should be short.

The size

The height at the withers of an adult Irish Setter is 57-66 centimeters for males and 54-63 centimeters for females. Weight - about 32 kilograms for males and 27 kilograms for females (see the full description of the breed -).

Lifespan

On average, Irish Setters live 11-16 years, but they are prone to cancer, epilepsy, ocular - mainly bloating. This is a life-threatening condition that threatens all deep-chested dogs, but especially setters.

Consequences of the war

Although the UK did much to keep the setter line working, there was no testing of the dog's qualities during the First and Second World Wars. Many nurseries were ruined, so that the "Irish" with bright hunting qualities began to be less common. The pedigree line of show and domestic dogs has prevailed since then.

Personality of the Irish Setter

The hunting excitement of the setter suggests certain difficulties in its content. This is a rather bold and energetic dog, so it is not suitable for lovers of a measured and calm life. The pet needs jogging and games, long walks and field trips. To curb the independent nature of the "Irish", you will have to work hard.

With proper training, an obedient pet will be good-natured, affectionate and sympathetic. During trips, the pet will show calmness and poise. And at home, he will happily meet the owners after work and will be friendly with any guests. Due to their natural sociability, the breed gets along well with restless children and unfamiliar dogs.

For the same reason, setters do not make good guards. Without exception, the pet will perceive all people as friends. Yes, and he will not be able to carry the guard, because out of boredom and loneliness he will prefer to sleep and let any robber pass. One plus: when the doorbell rings, many setters bark deafeningly - this can frighten off a suspicious visitor.

Care and upbringing

Since the Setter is quite intelligent and good-natured, typical training with repetition and drill does not work. This independent dog does not like rough handling and monotony. We need a gentle approach and a system of rewards with food and stormy praise. Classes should be regular.

It is also necessary to accustom the puppy to certain procedures from an early age. Long hair should be brushed regularly. But it is better to arrange bathing days as rarely as possible in order to preserve the beauty of the hair. By the way, during the molt, which happens twice a year, you will not find the usual wool carpet on the furniture, because the Irish setters do not have a short undercoat.

Be sure to trim the fur between your toes. The hair here is the most delicate and thin. In an active pet, the hairs on the paws quickly get dirty and stray into tangles. They not only cause discomfort, but can also injure the pads.

The condition of the claws also needs to be monitored. The pet prefers to run on the ground, not asphalt. It is possible that even with an active lifestyle, the claws will wear down rather slowly. Too long will interfere with movement and may grow into the soft tissues of the paw.

Hanging ears are often the victim of otitis, so it is recommended to check them twice a month. If the inside of the ear is pink and without a strong smell, then everything is in order. And to make it easier to care for the ears, you can remove the hair from the inside and trim on the outside. If the dog needs to be bathed, then make sure that water does not get into the auricle. It is better to cover it with cotton wool dipped in vaseline oil.

In the presidential suite

One of the most famous owners of the Irish Setter was US President Harry Truman. His pet, nicknamed Mike, settled in the White House immediately after the appointment of the owner to a high post. Following Truman, Richard Nixon also fell in love with setters. The presidential dog named King Timaho has largely contributed to the growth of the breed's popularity throughout the world.

It is said that Irish Setters mature very slowly. Only by the age of two years is such a dog considered an adult. But of all her relatives, she is the most friendly and sociable. In addition, the breed is better than other setters subject to training. It is not surprising that even American presidents appreciated it.

Price

Irish Setter puppies are sold on average from 15000 rubles. However, if his parents are winners of prestigious exhibitions, the cost may be from 40 000 rubles and higher.

Photo of the breed

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