The Irish setter is an elegant and lively dog: born in the green fields of Ireland, it has become well known across much of Europe for its undeniable aesthetic and behavioural qualities.
The Irish setter is a fascinating dog, and for many reasons. Starting with its appearance, the innate grace of its movements, and the sweet, lively character that defines its behaviour. It is a medium-sized dog, reaching a height of 60–70 centimetres and a weight of 27–32 kilograms. Slender and elegant, it has long legs and a long neck. The ears are pendant and the muzzle is relatively small, with a pronounced and well-defined stop (the step between the forehead and the nose at eye level). But what most identifies the breed is its splendid coat, whose colour can range from dark mahogany to a lighter red. The fur, of medium length, is flat and fairly smooth, though it may show a slight wave. It is longer on the back of the legs, on the chest and on the tail. The ears also feature tufts of silky hair. The Irish setter is a dog bred for hunting, robust and in excellent health. Members of this breed are long-lived and easily reach 14–15 years of age and beyond.
The Irish setter was born in the green fields of Ireland, and its selective breeding appears to date back even further than that of the English setter, to which it is very closely related. The breed seems to trace its origins to the Spanish pointer, though it appears that the ancestors of the Irish setter were the same as those of the English setter, both deriving from the crossing of those dogs with the ancient epagneul. According to other sources, however, the breed was obtained by selecting between Irish red setters and the bloodhound. It was only in the 19th century, specifically in 1886, that the Irish setter reached a definitive standard, with the distinctive traits known to this day.
"The Irish setter is a dog suited to sport and to the hunting for which it was specifically selected," notes Bruno Ferrari, dog trainer. "It is a lively and playful companion that loves contact with its owner and cannot bear solitude." It is an extremely sensitive dog, and this must be taken into account during the delicate period of puppyhood and adolescence. It requires a firm hand and attentive, consistent guidance, but it makes up for these apparent temperamental challenges with great loyalty, a special attachment to the family unit, and the gentleness that marks every aspect of its daily life.
"This is a particularly athletic breed. Irish setters are true marathon runners, built for running and highly resistant to intense sporting activity. This makes them perfect companions for all those who love sport and spending their leisure time with their four-legged friend," Ferrari continues.
Despite its size, the Irish setter is absolutely not a guard dog. Its affable nature and low tendency to bark certainly do not make it suited to surveillance or personal and property defence. Particular care must also be taken in its relationship with young children. Dogs of this breed are often very lively even in everyday family life: an overly friendly "assault" to show their affection could pose a danger to a small child.
The Irish setter has a fast metabolism that naturally gives it a lean and highly elegant appearance. Dogs of this breed need to eat a great deal to compensate for their innate tendency to lose weight. They must be slender and elegant, supple and naturally light, with a brisk gait that characterises their trot and their run. Like many medium-to-large breeds, however, Irish setters can also suffer from hip dysplasia. A visit to an orthopaedic vet while the dog is still young may therefore be advisable in order to prevent the condition and to implement the right measures during the growth phase. Progressive retinal atrophy may also be present in this breed, and periodic eye examinations become essential for the proper functioning and eye health of the Irish setter.
As regards routine care, special attention must be devoted to the enchanting coat that distinguishes these dogs. Grooming requires a particular commitment. The coat must be checked every day to remove debris, plant matter and grass seeds, and brushed thoroughly at least two to three times a week. All of this must represent a constant commitment for the owner, given that Irish setters require intense and regular sporting activity and, consequently, the presence of foreign matter in the coat is an everyday occurrence in the lives of these magnificent dogs.