For The Irish Setter Fans

Has the Irish Setter been ruined as a bird dog? Has he been so pampered, brushed, polished, posed, and highly prized for his outstanding beauty that he has become almost useless as a gun dog? Is he now merely an ornament?

This breed has an inborn ability that dates back to the 16^th century Ireland, when most men hunted with small dogs of the spaniel family to help them find game birds for the table – grouse, partridge, and pheasant.

These dogs left much to be desired, however, and thoughtful men began to control the breeding of the animals to improve their quality. Dogs with speed and endurance were mated to those with keen noses; and of the get, the larger dogs were interbred. By the end of the 16^th century, the Irish – through selective breeding, adaptation and training – had very fine hunting dogs indeed.

Early in the 17^th century, the bloodhound – known to have superior scenting ability – was crossbred with the Irish hunting spaniel; he made a great contribution to the new strain, not only improving the nose, but also increasing the size.

The Irish dogs resulting from this cross developed a unique trait: they approached game stealthily, often creeping, crouching, or actually “setting” right down; this characteristic undoubtedly gave the new breed its name.

At that time the coloration of the larger dogs was usually red and white – an added advantage, as it made them easy to see at a distance. This color combination, although extremely rare, is still occasionally seen in the Irish Setter.

His life span is about two years longer than the average dog, and he stays young all his life. He may grow a little arthritic and grizzled at age ten or twelve, but he will never become grumpy or snappish.

In appearance the Irish Setter is an elegant creature, with a noble head that is smooth and oval on top. In character and personality he is many-faceted and full of surprises. He has a highly developed sense of fun and a grand and lofty disdain for petty annoyances.

His gentlemanly tolerance of the very young child is extraordinary. He will endure pokings, pullings and proddings without moving so much as an eyelash. Because he is so patient and gentle with toddlers, children in a family with an Irish Setter should be taught not to hurt him, for he will not defend himself, not even to the extent of moving away.

The Irish Setter – versatile, intelligent, affectionate, loyal, talented and exceedingly beautiful – returns many times over the effort expended upon his care and training, whether in the field, the show ring, or as a family pet.

He is a delightful family pet with a strong protective instinct. A remarkable example of his courage, loyalty, quick thinking and determination was recently reported by the Associated Press:

“In a small town in Missouri, an Irish Setter and a two-year-old girl were alone in a car when the car suddenly burst into flames. The Setter jumped out an open front window, then turned around and from the outside gripped the child's clothing with his teeth and pulled and tugged until she was safely out of the car. A few moments later the fire became an inferno; if not for the dog the child would surely perished.”