IRISH SETTER Breed Standards
The Irish Setter came about in the 18th century from a mix of several breeds, including the Irish Terrier and Water Spaniel, Pointer, Gordon Setter and English Setter. This new breed was a skilled bird dog with a powerful nose, and by the 1850s it had spread throughout Britain and Ireland, and was beginning its trans-Atlantic voyage to America. Irish Setters of red and white coloring had existed longer than the solid red setter, but beginning in the 19th century it was decided by dog fanciers that solid red was the only acceptable color. This preference became even more pronounced as the breed began to enter dog shows.
The metamorphosis of the Irish Setter from hunter to show dog began in the 1860s and was largely the result of a particularly elegant Irish Setter named Palmerston. Labeled as being too pretty to be a worthy hunting dog, Palmerston was abandoned by his owner and adopted by another man who appreciated this unique setter. Palmerston became phenomenally successful as a show dog, and sired countless offspring – so much, in fact, that virtually every modern Irish Setter can be counted among his descendants. During the 1970s, the Irish Setter was among the most popular breeds in America, though today the dog is rarely in the top third. The Irish Setter was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878.
SKILLS: The Irish Setter is an active, aristocratic bird dog, rich red in color, substantial yet elegant in build. Standing over two feet tall at the shoulder, the dog has a straight, fine, glossy coat, longer on ears, chest, tail and back of legs. Afield, the Irish Setter is a swift-moving hunter; at home, a sweet natured, trainable companion. At their best, the lines of the Irish Setter so satisfy in overall balance that artists have termed it the most beautiful of all dogs. The correct specimen always exhibits balance, whether standing or in motion. Each part of the dog flows and fits smoothly into its neighboring parts without calling attention to itself.
SIZE: There is no disqualification as to size. The make and fit of all parts and their overall balance in the animal are rated more important. 27 inches at the withers and a show weight of about 70 pounds is considered ideal for the dog; the bitch 25 inches, 60 pounds. Variance beyond an inch up or down is to be discouraged. Proportion - Measuring from the breastbone to rear of thigh and from the top of the withers to the ground, the Irish Setter is slightly longer than it is tall. Substance - All legs sturdy with plenty of bone. Structure in the male reflects masculinity without coarseness. Bitches appear feminine without being slight of bone.
COAT: Short and fine on head and forelegs. On all other parts of moderate length and flat. Feathering long and silky on ears; on back of forelegs and thighs long and fine, with a pleasing fringe of hair on belly and brisket extending onto the chest. Fringe on tail moderately long and tapering. All coat and feathering as straight and free as possible from curl or wave. The Irish Setter is trimmed for the show ring to emphasize the lean head and clean neck. The top third of the ears and the throat nearly to the breastbone are trimmed. Excess feathering is removed to show the natural outline of the foot. All trimming is done to preserve the natural appearance of the dog.
Color - Mahogany or rich chestnut red with no black. A small amount of white on chest, throat or toes, or a narrow centered streak on skull is not to be penalized.
CARE REQUIRED: Daily brushing and combing of the soft, flat, medium-length coat is all that is required to keep it in excellent condition. Keep it free from burrs and tangles, and give a little extra care when the dog is molting. Bathe and dry shampoo only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.
CHARACTER: The Irish Setter has a rollicking personality. Shyness, hostility or timidity are uncharacteristic of the breed. An outgoing, stable temperament is the essence of the Irish Setter.
EXERCISE: All Setters need plenty of exercise, if possible, running free. If they don't get a long, brisk walk at least daily, they will be restless and difficult to manage.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: The Irish Setter is not recommended for apartment life and does best with a large yard. It is best suited to country rather than city life, as he has a high activity requirement and needs a lot of exercise.
TRAINING: This breed can be giddy and high strung, while some are more reserved. It is very lovable and impulsive. Some are difficult to train, probably because of their independent spirit, but given firm handling and plenty of exercise, these dogs can be a joy to own. Irish Setters are extremely swift, with an excellent sense of smell and are hardy over any terrain and in any climate.
