The Irish Red Setter was bred in Ireland in the 19th century for use in hunting fowl, especially the marsh grouse. As the dogs became increasingly popular as companions for hunters, the breed began to attract the attention of people in other parts of the world. In 1882 the Irish Red Setter was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Features
- Appearance: the Irish Red Setter has smooth, shiny fur that can be reddish-red from light to dark shades.
- Size: Males reach a height of 66 to 71 cm and females reach a height of 61 to 66 cm.
- Character: the Irish Red Setter is an energetic, curious and playful dog breed that adores children and their families. They are very loyal and always ready for adventure.
- Care: The Irish Red Setter needs daily walks and exercise to stay healthy and happy. They also need regular coat care, including weekly brushing and bathing as needed.
Grooming tips
- Daily walks: the Irish Red Setter needs 60-90 minutes of daily physical activity, including walks and games.
- Hair care: Regular hair brushing helps to reduce hair loss and prevent knots. The Irish Red Setter also needs regular bathing as needed.
- Ear Care: Check your pet’s ears for dirt and infections. Brush his ears regularly with cotton swabs dipped in a special solution for caring for dogs’ ears.
- Dental Care: Regular brushing helps prevent plaque and gum disease. Use special toothbrushes and toothpastes for dogs to ensure proper dental care for your Irish Red Setter.
What is the difference between an Irish Setter and an English Setter?
The Irish Setter and the English Setter are two different dog breeds that have several differences in their appearance and personality.
- Appearance: The Irish Red Setter has smooth, shiny red-red fur, while the English Setter has a thicker, wavy coat in various shades such as white, black, and orange.
- Size: The Irish Red Setter is usually larger than the English Setter. Male Irish Red Setters can reach a height of up to 71 cm, while females can reach up to 66 cm. Males of the English Red Setter are about 68 cm tall, while females are about 63 cm.
- Character: Both breeds have a friendly and energetic personality, but the English Setter is considered more calm and judicious than the Irish Red Setter. Irish Red Setters have a higher level of energy and playfulness, and may be more suitable for active families.
- Uses: The Irish Red Setter was bred for use in poultry hunting, while the English Setter was used as a quail and pheasant hunting dog.
How old is the Irish Red Setter?
The Irish Red Setter, like most large dog breeds, has a relatively short life span. The average lifespan of an Irish Red Setter is about 10 to 12 years. However, this is only an average value Irish Red Setters can live longer or shorter than this period depending on genetic predisposition and housing conditions. To prolong the life of your dog, it is important to provide him with proper care, including daily walks, regular exercise, a healthy diet, and regular visits to the veterinarian.
Top 10 facts about the Irish Red Setter:
- The Irish Red Setter was bred in Ireland in the 19th century for use in hunting fowl, especially marsh grouse.
- The Irish Red Setter has a very strong scent, making it an ideal partner for bird hunting.
- This breed was popular as a sanitation dog during World War I, when they were used to locate wounded soldiers on the battlefield.
- The Irish Red Setter is considered one of the most loyal dog breeds, and they are always willing to follow their owners on any adventure.
- The Irish Red Setter has good intelligence and learns quickly, so they are well suited to participate in dog show competitions.
- This breed has a very good sense of smell, which makes them great for use as rescue dogs.
- The Irish Red Setter is known for its energetic temperament and love of physical activity, so it is suitable for active families.
- The Irish Red Setter can suffer from some diseases such as hip dysplasia, blindness and autoimmune diseases.
- In 1975, the Irish Red Setter was featured on the Irish stamp.
- The Irish red setter is a symbol of Ireland and is depicted on many Irish souvenirs, including pottery, T-shirts and even the national coin.
Conclusions
The Irish Red Setter is a beautiful, energetic and loyal breed of dog that was bred in Ireland in the 19th century for use in bird hunting. They have beautiful reddish-red fur, good sniffing and are quick to learn, making them excellent competition dogs. They require daily walks and regular exercise to stay healthy and happy, and may suffer from some diseases. The Irish Red Setter is a symbol of Ireland and remains a popular dog breed around the world because of its beautiful appearance, love of play and loyalty to its owners.
