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Facts about Irish Setter Puppies
Are you unsure how to care for Irish Setter puppies or just want to learn more about this breed? Or maybe you are thinking about buying a dog and want to know if this is the right breed for you?
No matter what your situation may be, you will find the answers to your questions right here!
Irish Setter History
The breed, also known as Irish Red Setter, was developed in the 18th century in Ireland. Most experts agree it was developed from crosses of Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Terrier, English Setter, Spaniel, Pointer and Gordon Setter.
Initially developed to hunt game birds, the Irish Setter became one of the most popular companion dogs in the world.
Some of its other talents include tracking, pointing, retrieving, watch duty (but not guarding) and competitive obedience and agility.
Physical Characteristics of Irish Setter Puppies
This is a medium to large-size dog. It's longer than it's tall and has a long head, almond-shaped brown eyes, black nose and long drop ears. The tail is long and tapers to a fine point.
The coat is long and has silky feathering on the chest, ears, tail and back of the legs. It comes in many shades of mahogany and may have white markings on the chest, throat and toes.
An Irish Red and White Setter has a white base with patches of red, but it's considered a distinct breed.
| Height | Weight | ||
| Male | 26 to 27 inches | 65 to 75 pounds | |
| Female | 25 to 26 inches | 55 to 65 pounds |
Temperament
The Irish Red Setter is an intelligent, playful and outgoing dog. Its playfulness will extend well into his adulthood. It likes to be petted, play with other dogs and be involved in family activities.
It's very friendly and gets along well with other pets and children. Its friendliness extends not only to the people it knows but to strangers too.
It will make a good watchdog but, because of its friendly personality, a terrible guard dog. It's likely to alert you to the presence of intruders, but it's just as likely to happily greet them than wrestle them to the ground.
These dogs tend to pick up bad habits quite easily, so training is important. This is also a very sensitive breed, so be gentle but firm during your training sessions.
You can also describe the breed as impulsive, high strung and free-spirited.
Best Owner
This is a very active breed and is not well suited for an apartment lifestyle. It will do best with an active owner in a suburban environment, preferably with a fenced yard.
Some Irish Setter breeders will interview prospective owners to make sure they are qualified.
Activity and Exercise
The Irish Setter is an active dog. Without enough exercise, it will become restless, difficult to manage and may resort to destructive behaviors.
Provide him with plenty of exercise, including running off leash in a safe place. This is where a fenced yard will come in handy!
At a minimum, take him for one or two long walks every day.
Grooming
The breed is an average shedder. Brush your pet daily to keep his coat in good condition.
Bathe only when necessary.
Health Concerns
Common health concerns include eye problems, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, PRA, epilepsy and skin allergies.
Another concern involves bloating. To prevent this condition, do not over feed your pet. It's better to give him 2 or 3 smaller meals instead of 1 big one.
To avoid the above and many other problems, buy only from reputable Irish Setter breeders.
Life Expectancy
The average life expectancy for an Irish Setter puppy is between 12 and 15 years.
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