Setter breed standard. British cops quartet - setter dog: description and characteristics of breed species. Irish Red Setter History

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.

irish setter, in his hunting profession, belongs to the cops, and all cops descended from ancient hound-like dogs - marriages. A distinctive feature of all cops is their unique stance - the pet freezes in an alert pose with a raised paw in the direction of the hidden game. irish setter serves as an indispensable assistant to the hunter for searching and fetching the shot game and wounded animals.

Until almost the nineteenth century in Britain, long-haired cops were not separated into separate breeds. Setters from different kennels could represent different breed lines of the English Setter. So at the exhibition of 1859, all exhibited setters were judged in the same class, and at the Birmingham exhibition of 1860 Irish Red Setter, for convenience, sued separately. In 1861, Gordon received the same privilege.

Red and piebald cops in Ireland have been bred since the end of the thirteenth century, the origin of which came from red piebald spaniels. As a result of selection and breeding work, crossing with the Foxhound and other hunting breeds acquired a modern look and working qualities.

The Irish highly value and are proud of their national breed. These cops are ideal for hunting in the swamps and hills of Ireland, they hunt partridges, snipes and pheasants. irish setter very hardy and energetic in work, in search of prey, he goes to a silent gallop, keeping his head at the level of his back. By the end of the millennium, most of the field victories in the trials held in Ireland, England and Scotland were won by the Irish Red Setter.

According to the standard should be athletically proportioned with a lean constitution. The movements of the pet are light, smooth and wide, the pushes of the hind limbs are powerful. By nature, the setter is lively and very energetic. According to FCI standard should weigh from 22 to 27 kilograms, and the height at the withers should correspond to 55-62 cm in females and 58-67 cm. in males.

The shape of the head is long and dry, the muzzle is moderately deep. Nose with wide nostrils, lips dry and thin; the color of the nose and lips can vary from dark red to black. The shape of the eyes is almond-shaped, of medium size, dark brown. Ears of medium size, rounded at the ends, set at eye level hanging down, form a small fold. Muscular neck of moderate length with no signs of dewlap.

The setter's chest is long and deep, but not wide, the back is straight, the withers are clearly visible, the loin is short. The tail is of moderate length, set low, not carried above the line of the back. The limbs are set parallel, the thighs are muscular, long. The hocks are set low, the pasterns are slightly inclined.

Close-lying coat of medium length with straight and dense hair. The front side of the limbs, the head and the tips of the ears are covered with thin and short hair, and the lower side of the chest and abdomen, the back side of the limbs are decorated with longer hair. irish setter according to the standard should have a dark red-red color. It can also be the color of mahogany polished wood, but without interspersed with black hair. White markings on the forehead, muzzle, throat and chest are allowed.

Irish Setter character

irish setter has an independent and self-loving character, the pet will never allow a rough influence on itself, which must be taken into account when training and coaching.

In general, the breed is considered strong and healthy, although diseases such as immune deficiency, elbow dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy can sometimes occur. All breeding dogs must be tested for these diseases at the age of one.

By life expectancy refers to centenarians, since it is absolutely not uncommon for pets to live to the age of eighteen.

To maintain a good coat structure, the pet should be brushed and combed regularly, but washed no more than once every three months. In preparation for the exhibition, the dogs are trimmed with scissors to trim the hang and tow. The hanging ears of a pet must be inspected periodically, and especially upon returning from hunting.

For everyone who wants to get additional information on raising, feeding and training their pets, I recommend visiting the "Pulp Fiction" section.

A beautiful, elegant, but very agile and playful dog is best suited for people who are cheerful, athletic, who love hiking and traveling.

The dog with its color fully justifies its Irish origin - from the tip of the nose to the tip of the feather (tail), it is chestnut with a red tint, and fiery red in the sun. The Irish Setter is a bundle of wild energy. If this energy is not directed in the right direction in time, then a cheerful dog will quickly find a way out for its temperament, which by no means always can please the owner, especially if the owner of the setter is a dull phlegmatic.

An excursion into the history of the breed

With the fact that one of the ancestors of the red setter is the red and white Irish setter (piebald), all experts agree. But about the second progenitor of a common opinion among cynologists there is still no. Some believe that this is a spaniel, while others, with a certain degree of caution, call an Irish dog of an unknown breed.

Be that as it may, at the end of the 19th century, the breed standard for the Irish Red Setter was approved. It took two centuries for breeders to turn the setter into a hardy dog ​​with excellent working qualities.

Russian hunters and just "dog lovers" did not immediately fall in love with the Irish "ginger". The reason for the cool attitude was the indefatigable temperament of the dog, its disobedience, which made it very difficult to educate the dog. However, domestic cynologists managed to somewhat curb the character of the Irishman, while maintaining his best hunting qualities.

Characteristics of the Irish Setter

Quite a large, athletically built animal. However, thin bones, graceful build give the impression of lightness and even fragility. This is facilitated by the complete absence of undercoat. Long flowing, silky coat gives the dog an elegant look, full of inner dignity. The dog's muzzle directly radiates kindness and trustfulness.

A hunting gun dog, despite its playful nature, is distinguished by an enviable hard work. On the hunt, the dog is very passionate, has innate skills for quick search. A well-developed intellect allows the setter to make the right independent decisions even in difficult situations. According to experienced hunters, it is difficult to find a better hunting partner than the Irish Setter.

Psychological portrait of the Irish Red Setter

Living in a family, the dog becomes very attached to the owners, becomes a devoted friend, smart and cheerful companion. The dog is trusting and completely non-aggressive. Therefore, it is a big mistake to leave the setter in the apartment as a watchman. He will not only peacefully accept the thief, but may also try to help him in his search.

A properly bred red setter is almost invisible in the apartment, despite its height. He rarely barks and is friendly with other pets. However, these dogs often show their independence, willfulness, complete shamelessness and violent temperament. Therefore, the dog constantly needs a firm hand. Without persistent training, a setter can grow up to be completely out of control.

irish setter- a hunting dog, so he, like air, needs long walks, physical activity. She gladly accompanies the owner during daily jogging or cycling. For her, real happiness is plenty to run without a leash through the forest, frolic in the field. He loves to play with dogs of his own or other non-aggressive breeds. He is very friendly with children and is happy to take part in their games. He does not tolerate violence, so he feels timid and uncomfortable in the company of fighting dogs.

The beauty and aristocratic appearance of the Irish Setter have become the reason that it is increasingly being bred not as a hunter, but as a family dog, companion, salvation from loneliness. However, it often happens that a person and such a dog simply suffer, living under the same roof. Therefore, people who are calm, who value above all a quiet "bookish" lifestyle surrounded by super-ideal order, it is better to think about another, less mobile and energetic breed of dog.

Dog care and maintenance

irish setter does not have an undercoat, for this reason it can be problematic to keep it outside in winter. These dogs are usually kept in houses and apartments. In order for the dog to be healthy and strong, you need to walk with it for at least two hours twice a day.

It is necessary to take care of the coat, comb it regularly, wash it. In preparation for exhibitions, wool is trimmed and styled with a hairdryer. Overgrown claws interfere with the correct movements of the dog, so they should be trimmed regularly, removing hair between the paw pads.

Like all lop-eared breeds, setters can have ear problems. To avoid them, you need to clean the ears with a soft swab, carefully remove excess hair from the ears.

The Irish Setter can be allergic to certain foods, so be careful when introducing anything new to your dog's diet. Often setters suffer from bloating, so do not feed the dog with foods that cause increased gas formation.

Puppies, training and training

You need to teach your dog from an early age. Setter puppies are very gentle and trusting. But the explosive nature of the setter requires a special approach. The teacher must be consistent, demanding, persistent, but affectionate and loving. A rude shout and, moreover, a sensitive slap by the hand, can nullify all education. In addition, the dog will begin to experience fear of the master's hand, turn into a cowardly animal. And this is a complete disqualification of the dog.

It is good if the dog goes through a general training course (OKD). If a dog is brought up as a hunter, then special training is needed to develop working skills.

Height and weight of the Irish Red Setter

The height of the Irish Setter is allowed by the existing standard in the range of 58-67 cm for males, and 55-62 cm for females. With this growth, the dogs are quite light: males from 27 to 32 kg, females from 24 to 29 kg.

When choosing a friendly, loyal and playful friend who prefers an active lifestyle, it is recommended to pay attention to the Irish Setter breed. They took him out for hunting, but recently the Irishman has begun to gain popularity among those who want to have a pet - he gets along well with kids and has a friendly disposition. The dog has many advantages, but even experienced dog breeders will need to familiarize themselves with the basic requirements and characteristics.

History of the breed

The history of the breed is not replete with interesting details. The birthplace of beautiful hunting dogs is Ireland, it was here that handsome dogs were first bred in the nineteenth century, which rapidly gained popularity all over the world. Unfortunately, it is impossible to determine exactly which breeds are the progenitors of the Irish. According to some reports, there were spaniels and cops here.

There is also evidence that it was planned to use the Irish for various jobs, but it is impossible to verify the information. The only confirmation of this hypothesis is a muscular body with excellent endurance and excellent constitution of dogs.

Brief description of the breed:

• large size, nobility of posture;
• athletic build of the body;
• male height up to 65 cm, females - up to 60 cm;
• weight up to 35 kg;
• small head, dark brown eyes;
• soft lop-eared ears, densely covered with soft wool, the length of which often exceeds 5 cm;
• high muscular paws;
• long taut torso;
• thick long hair that does not have an undercoat, the smell of a dog is not felt.

Most often, the Irish have a light or dark red coat color, but there are representatives of the breed, flaunting a chestnut “outfit” with snow-white tan marks on the throat or in the chest area. The standards also allow a small star in the forehead area.

Comparing the Irish Setter dog breed with other large representatives of the dog family, one can notice one difference. The Irish do not differ in massiveness - the body is usually lean and rather thin, although this does not affect power and strength.

Lifespan

Like most representatives of the huge family of dogs, the life expectancy of the Irish is up to 15 years. If you do not make mistakes in care, surround your pet with care and love, it will be easy to extend this period by almost five years.

Personality of the Irish Setter

The main character traits of the Irish Setter are playfulness, friendliness, and friendliness. There will be no difficulties with training and education - the breed is distinguished by good nature and the ability to grasp on the fly.

The Irishman has plenty of energy, so you will have to regularly go for walks with your pet. If possible, it is better to leave the city for the weekend - to the forest, to the reservoir, to the field. The dog will certainly be pleased with such a walk, about which it will not fail to notify the owner with incredible bursts of energy.

The Irish Setter gets along peacefully with other pets. Cats can be calm - no one will encroach on their territory and will not force them to hide in the corners or on the closet. The Irishman especially likes to mess around with children - if you do not make mistakes in education, it will not be difficult even for a baby to keep him on a leash.

When planning to raise a guard dog from an Irish setter, it is better to abandon such an idea, otherwise such experiments will end in disappointment. Even a stranger will be met by an Irishman with a friendly wagging of his tail.

Acquiring an Irish Setter puppy is not recommended for families who prefer a quiet lifestyle - this breed does not know how to be bored for a long time. Older people who are not recommended for long walks and physical activity should also refuse to buy a pet that prefers to spend most of its time on the move.

Care and upbringing

When purchasing an Irish Red Setter, you should tune in to daily care in advance. A smooth coat that does not have an undercoat requires special attention from the owners, otherwise the dog will quickly lose all its splendor. It is recommended to comb your pet daily, it is better to use special brushes with natural bristles for procedures. Such manipulations are very popular with the Irish. Regular combing serves as a good massage, completely removes dead hair, removes dirt and dust. Be sure to do daily wet cleaning in the house - despite the fact that molting practically does not cause difficulties, wool cannot be avoided indoors.

Water procedures are a prerequisite that will have to be performed at least once every half a month. Bathing should not be done too much - if done too often, there is a risk of washing out the natural oils that protect the dog from dust and moisture. It is better to use special shampoos for long-haired breeds - the use of such products not only perfectly washes away dirt, but also improves the structure of the coat, provides it with a healthy look and silky sheen.

Ear infections are common in both Irish Setter puppies and adult dogs, so regular ear checks are recommended and a veterinarian should be consulted at the first sign of discomfort. Clean dirt with a damp cotton pad or cloth.

Pet claws are also subject to regular inspection. It is recommended to shorten them with forceps, and at least once a month. It should be remembered about the fifth toe, which is only on the front paws. It does not come into contact with surfaces, so it is practically not erased - you have to shorten it with tongs.

Be sure to examine the eyes - the breed is prone to sourness. A proven tool will come to the rescue here - concentrated tea brewing. Rinse eyes several times a day at the first sign of souring.

Another disadvantage of the breed is a tendency to skin diseases. It is quite difficult to avoid dermatitis, so it is recommended to check the dog regularly, especially if it begins to itch and lick vigorously.

The training of the Irish Setter begins from childhood. You should not try to force or apply too harsh methods - such experiments will not bring anything good. The Irishman quickly remembers commands, so it is better to show some patience, which will certainly be rewarded.

There will be no particular difficulties in keeping an Irishman. The dog happily absorbs natural food (cereals, pasta), meat. Boiled vegetables will also appeal to the Irish Setter. The pet also likes fish, but be sure to pre-cook it and completely remove the bones. Occasionally pamper your pet with dog biscuits or drying. High-quality canned food and varieties of hard cheese will also bring a lot of pleasure to the dog.

Before using dry purchased food, it is better to consult a specialist. Only a veterinarian will select a perfectly balanced composition that will benefit your pet.

The Irish Setter is a great friend and faithful companion on long walks, so it is recommended to give preference to this breed for families who cannot imagine their life without regular movement. In care and maintenance, the Irishman will not cause trouble, he will be happy to take part in all joint affairs and thank his owners for their care and attention with friendliness and boundless love.

Such a popular breed as the Irish Setter has its own characteristics that the dog breeder must take into account when caring for, feeding, training and preventing diseases. The dog is very friendly, playful, prefers an active lifestyle. And despite the abundant woolen cover, molting passes almost imperceptibly. And according to the conditions of detention, the animal does not cause any special difficulties.

The breed was bred in Ireland, thanks to which it got its name. It is rather difficult to say which breeds participated as initial ones. But there is evidence that, along with setters, they were cops and spaniels. Irish Setters appeared around the middle of the 19th century.

There is evidence that initially they wanted to use the animals as working dogs, therefore the appearance of the Irish Setter is distinguished by well-built features and strength. The animal is great for hunting, long walks, because it is characterized by unpretentiousness and great physical endurance.

Despite this, in Russia, setters initially spread very slowly. They were brought almost immediately from the moment the breed was created, but due to the nature of the breed, rather complex training, dog breeders could not be convinced of the value of the animals. Subsequently, the events of the 20th century completely delayed the spread of the breed, therefore, in our country, the Irish Setter has gained particular popularity in our days - starting from the 90s.

Interesting. The official recognition of the breed took place in 1876, and already 6 years later a club of lovers of these interesting dogs was formed in Ireland.

What does an Irish setter look like: description and photos

This breed is also called the Irish Red Setter for its special pleasant coat color. The tones are predominantly light brown, copper, crimson hues with fiery tints. Such a pleasant, in many ways original appearance contributes to the growth of the dog's popularity - the Irish Setter looks very rich and at the same time quite democratic.

In appearance, the description of the breed is as follows:

1. Well built, well proportioned, with a slightly elongated body. The stand is high.
2. The head is small, the eyes are set close, the ears are large, hanging, soft.
3. The coat is long, but due to the almost complete absence of undercoat, it is hard to the touch. On the body, the cover is much thicker and softer, there are feathers on all paws and ears. The transition lines are smooth and harmonious.
4. In color, not only classic chestnut variants are possible, but also light and dark red. In any case, the color is solid with possible white undercoats.
5. Sometimes there are small white spots on the chest and legs.
6. The paws are elongated, small in width, strong, the fingers are strong, closed.
7. The croup is broad and well developed.

The quantitative standards of the Irish Setter are presented in the table:

Character traits of the dog

In the characteristics of the breed, experienced breeders pay attention primarily to the temperament of the animal.

In the case of the Irish Setter, the character has its own unique traits:

1. The dog has a very friendly character - it is not characterized by aggression. At the same time, this does not mean that the animal is shy. In fact, the setter is not at all shy about making acquaintances with new people, pets and dogs.
2. The Setter is a very lively, playful dog. If the owner would prefer a calm relationship, it is better to choose among other breeds. The animal loves to play very much, it is adapted for long walks, which is also important to keep in mind.
3. The Irish Setter gets along well with children, loves cats, but can chase them around the house, because for him it seems like a fun game.
4. He loves swimming and other outdoor activities.
5. By temperament, it is also suitable for keeping in city apartments, however, it is advisable to walk longer and at least once a week take your pet for a walk of 2-3 hours.
6. The setter is very fond of bringing objects to the owner, so learning such skills will not be difficult.

Education and training

At first glance, it may seem that this breed is not trainable at all, because the dog has a very lively, playful character.

The setter almost never gets bored and tries to do something all the time, so education at first should start with the simplest commands:

• "walk";

It is best to fix all these rules in a playful manner, then it will be much easier for the animal to adapt to the owner. At the same time, the emotional mood of the owner is of great importance - it is better to behave very friendly with the pet, because the red setter feels good about himself and always responds with kindness to a kind attitude.

All basic commands are learned one at a time, and only after the set has been fully mastered can one move on to more difficult moments. For example, you can combine already known commands and gradually add new ones. The result can be reinforced with a treat - biscuits for dogs, cheese, dried fruits.

How to care for an Irish Setter

Maintaining a setter properly is the most important condition for the health and normal development of a pet. The breed is distinguished by unpretentious care, however, there are several important rules that are useful for every dog ​​breeder to know.

Hair care

Often, owners are worried that during the molt, the dog's thick coat will cause a lot of trouble. Shedding takes place twice a year, and mostly the hair peels off from the body itself, and the paws almost do not shed. During this period, you need to arrange wet cleaning more often, although in general the hair never comes out too abundantly.

The main requirement is to comb the coat daily, because the beauty of the dog depends on this. In addition, this is a very good massage for the dog, thanks to which its well-being will always be good. And one more rule - you need to bathe the dog 2-3 times a month, this perfectly strengthens the coat and also helps to remove weak hairs.

As for the haircut, many dog ​​breeders do not carry it out. However, it is recommended to cut the hair on the paws once a year, otherwise the abundance of cover will somewhat spoil the appearance.

Interesting. The wool has practically no foreign odors, so the Irish Setter often sleeps even on the couch.

Eyes and ears

The eyes are examined daily to prevent souring. You need to stock up on sterile cotton pads that can be moistened in a weak tea infusion (without sugar) and wiped if necessary.

It is also advisable to inspect the ears every day and remove dirt with an ordinary damp cloth. You should pay attention to the fact that the red setter is prone to otitis media and allergic reactions, so even with a small amount of pus or other signs of inflammation, it is better to visit a veterinarian immediately.

Ticks and fleas

At least once a month, your pet should be completely treated with a tick and flea remedy - special shampoos are usually used. And it is advisable to inspect for the presence of ticks after each walk in the warm season. If an insect is found, you should immediately contact your veterinarian. Independent attempts to pull out a tick often lead to the fact that the sting remains inside the body.

Claws and paws

After each walk, you need to inspect the paws and fingers for damage and the presence of foreign objects. Otherwise, care is about the same as in the case of other breeds - just wipe the paws with a damp cloth and wipe with a towel after each walk.

Nails are trimmed monthly. And at the same time, one should not forget about the fifth toe, which is on the front paws above all the others - it does not contact the ground, so the claw is practically not erased.

Features of the diet of the breed

It is especially important to think over the diet in the first year of life, when the dog's musculoskeletal system is being formed.

According to the regime, you can follow the following sequence:

1. Up to 3 months, they are fed liquid food and mashed potatoes 6 times a day.
2. At 3 months, gradually reduce the number of meals to 5.
3. From 4 months to six months they are fed 4 times a day.
4. Puppies older than 6 months can be fed three times a day.

The basis of the diet is the following products:

1. Raw meat - beef, chicken, lean lamb. The latter can be replaced 2-3 times a week with sea fish. This nutritional component should be at least a third of the total daily volume.
2. Sometimes you can diversify the menu by partially replacing raw meat with heart, kidneys, lungs and beef tripe, but this should be done no more than 2 times a month.
3. No more than 2 times a week, you can additionally introduce raw chicken or quail eggs into the diet.
4. It is allowed to use buckwheat and rice porridge as additional nutritional components. A small puppy can be given oatmeal and barley (up to six months).

You can not give such products:

1. Salted and fried meat.
2. Tubular bones (for example, chicken).
3. Legumes.
4. Pork meat in any form.
5. Spicy and sweet foods (any).
6. Sausage and smoked meats.
7. River fish.
8. Boiled potatoes.

There is no need to diversify the menu of the Irish Setter too much - dogs are unpretentious and can eat similar foods throughout their lives. It is important not to overeat and always keep clean, fresh water, which is changed 2-3 times a day.

Important. According to the amount of daily consumption, one should proceed from a mass of 1.5 kg per adult animal.

How to keep your Irish Setter safe

The Setter is in good health and is ready to spend almost every day on his feet, playing and having fun. Therefore, it is important to take care of preventive measures first of all. It is useful to be aware of the vaccination schedule and diseases to which this breed is predisposed.

As for vaccinations, the calendar is presented in the table:

The Irish Setter is prone to:

• otitis;
• melanoma;
• hypothyroidism;
• allergies;

Symptoms, clinical manifestations and treatment of each pathology are different, therefore, the owner requires regular examination of the pet and elementary knowledge of the signs of these diseases.

Attention. Representatives of this breed are always distinguished by a lively, playful temperament. Therefore, sluggish behavior, apathy, fatigue are in themselves a symptom of deviation. It is better to visit a veterinarian in advance and immediately begin treatment.

When choosing a puppy, pay attention to its behavior and features of appearance:

1. The small setter is placed in a normal stance, making sure that he has a sufficiently long neck, the shoulder blades are well laid back.
2. The paws should be straight, not bent, and the claws should be collected. At the same time, the hind limbs stand at a well-tangible angle (100 degrees).
3. The facial expression is good-natured, even funny, the eyes are even, do not become numb.
4. Behavior - very playful, lively, non-aggressive.

The price fluctuates over a very wide range - from 7,000 to 60,000 rubles. It mainly depends on the data of the parents, the availability of documents, a vaccination certificate and other important indicators.