Irish Setter breed qualities and standard. What is the Irish Setter breed? Such products should not be given

Irish setters are the pride of their country and a breed that has gained worldwide fame. Beautiful, efficient, smart - these qualities formed the basis for the popularity of these dogs. These beautiful dogs decorate billboards, they are featured in commercials and films. But what are these star pets like in life, and what awaits future owners?

The roots of the Irish stretch back to ancient times. Scientists have been able to establish that almost all pointing breeds are descendants of “ashy dogs.” The younger progenitors of this breed are pointers, from which in the 16th century. A black and white English Setter was bred. And later, using the best representatives of hunting breeds, breeders managed to obtain the early Irish Red Setter.

Experts are confident that English setters, Irish water spaniels, Gordon setters and others were used in breeding. The original goal pursued by the breeders was to obtain the ideal dog for bird hunting.

It is worth noting that for those times, breeding pedigree dogs and hunting were an integral part of the life of real aristocrats. Then the breeders competed to see who could do it best breed, and several lines of setters from Ireland appeared. From historical sources it was possible to find out that there were red and white dogs and red dogs with a black mask.

Still, some commonality of goals existed, and the same requirements were imposed on representatives of the future breed:

performance;
lack of fear of water, gunshots and noise;
harmonious proportions and average size;
excellent sense of smell and hearing;
dense coat.

And the breeding activity bore fruit. Irish Setters appeared and immediately gained popularity.

At the end of the 50s of the 19th century. 6 dozen dogs of this breed took part in the exhibition and competitions. But the lack of a uniform standard did not allow quality assessment of dogs, which led to conflicts between judges and breeders. However, the Irish continued to participate in such events, proving their qualities. The breed gained more and more fans and breeding work continued.

In 1873, the first breed club appeared in England, and 5 years later in Ireland. Since 1877, breeding of Irish Setters began in the USA. But there the dogs were divided into 2 types - representatives of the show class and working dogs. Moreover, later the first type became exclusively decorative, while the second was significantly behind in exterior design.

In Russia, breeders sought to maintain the working qualities of dogs and eliminate the shortcoming - difficulty in training. As a result, it was still possible to breed hunting dogs with a balanced character that fully comply with international standards.

Description of the Irish Setter breed

The excellent external characteristics of the representatives of the breed contributed to the fact that one of the well-known companies chose the Irish Setter as the face trademark. And this, naturally, increased the popularity of the colorful Irish all over the world. What distinguishes dogs long wool deep red color, strong, proportional physique, good-natured look and behavior of a true aristocrat. In modern characteristics, the Irish Setter is a passionate hunter, tireless, inquisitive, loyal and affectionate towards family members.

Weight representatives of the breed vary between 25-35 kg. Height males at the withers are 58-67 cm, females – 55-62 kg. Harmony of height and weight is very important.

The main features in appearance that distinguish Irish Setters from other canines are the following:

Head The Irish have a long, narrowed one, with an oval, voluminous forehead without protrusions. There is a pronounced bump on the back of the head. The eye sockets are located in such a way that they give the dog a surprised and joyful appearance.
End of the muzzle It has U-shape, with well-fitted lips, pigmented to match the color of the nose. The teeth are small, creating a close row without gaps and a scissor bite. The nose is mobile, the nostrils are large, round, the color of the earlobes depends on the color of the coat - it can be black, brown, red-brown.
Eyes small, almond-shaped, with dry eyelids. The color of the iris varies from hazel to deep brown.
Ears have a low, wide fit. Hard at the base cartilage tissue, and closer to the ends the ears are thin and soft. During work ears turn forward. From 2 to 3 years of age, decorative hair grows on the ears of dogs.
Torso Irish Setters have an elongated, taut body with a graceful carriage. The whole appearance speaks of the strength and dexterity of the animal. Neck middle length, has a beautiful curve with developed muscles. The withers are not very pronounced, the sternum is of medium width, the ribs are arched.
Limbs Well developed, with pronounced veins and muscles. The paws are collected, have a rounded shape and are small in size.
Tail smooth, wide at the base, gradually narrowing. The dog carries it at the level of the spine. In older pets, decorative hair appears on it.
Undercoat The Irish have thick hair, but the hair itself is not thick. The guard coat varies in thickness and length. It is short on the head, the same in the muzzle area and in front on the paws. On the body, the coat is of medium length, good density and softness. On the back of the paws, on the ears, tail and along the bottom line there are fringes of long, smooth, silky wool.

It will be interesting:

visit the section in order to understand what to feed your setter;
in the section warn the Irish against diseases;
You will understand how to care for your pet.

The color of dogs varies from rich red to equally rich chestnut. The standard allows the presence small quantity white fur in the area of the toes, on the sternum, and muzzle.

Considering that almost all setters are similar, the color of Irish setters is their business card. If speak about like dogs, but with white fur and red spots, then they belong to a separate breed of the Irish Red and White Setter. And dogs with black fur and red markings are black Irish setters, which are, in fact, a breed of Scottish setter. Similar dogs black and white – these are also setters, but English.

Temperament and Training of the Irish Setter

Modern Irish Setters are a universal breed that can be kept both in an apartment and in a private home. But they are not suitable for an enclosure or outdoors, since they do not have a particularly developed undercoat.

When choosing a representative of this breed as a pet, you should take into account that it will take quite a lot of time to raise and train it. The Irish have a tendency to run away, so they need to be adapted and trained with early age until the dog learns “good manners.”

The most difficult command to give is “come to me!”, since the dogs are very reckless and, carried away by the chase, may not respond to the owner’s call. In this case, you may need the help of professionals, but other commands are much easier for setters.

It is always worth taking into account the highly developed hunting instincts of dogs. They are able to react to the slightest noise, and whenever possible, they will pursue prey. Therefore, until the end of training, the pet should not be let off the leash or released, but only in open areas. Free walking in forest and park areas is possible only with excellent assimilation of the “come to me” command.

During the “hunt” the dog may show aggression; such attacks should not be encouraged, but punishment is not an option. Setters respond well to emotions, so if they are shamed or offended, they are able to repent of what they have done. In extreme cases, you can pat your pet on the rump with a rolled-up newspaper. But physical punishment will cause the pet’s mistrust and significantly complicate the learning process.

Dog breed Irish Setter photo

Irish Setters are excellent athletes, excellent for coursing, agility, Frisbee, and they are also excellent swimmers. Dogs instinctively love to fetch balls or sticks, so “fetch” is one of their most favorite games.

If you give your pet the necessary exercise and feed it correctly, the dog will become extremely loving and devoted. Setters get along well with all members of even a large family and are tolerant of children. For them, separation from their owner is a real test. Setters can get along with dogs and cats, but only if they good upbringing. But the rest of the small animals will always be the object of hunting and no amount of education will help here.

Read also:

Rules of maintenance and care

If the breed attracted you with its beautiful appearance, then you should know that the dog will look like on the pages of glossy publications only with careful care. No physical activity proper nutrition and daily grooming procedures, the dog will not look so brilliant.

A rich coat is wool in the apartment, which you can get rid of through. If we are talking about show class representatives with long hair, then they will have to be brushed every day. And during molting, this rule applies to all setters.

Irish is often discouraged as detergents and water remove essential lubrication from the skin. During slushy, dirty weather, it is recommended to dress the dog in special overalls to keep the coat and its own home clean.

It is permissible for dogs that do not participate in exhibitions to have the hair on their belly and ears trimmed. For pets with a show career, the hair is clipped only in the spaces between the toes.

The Irish are prone to ear infections, so you should regularly inspect your ears and clean them of excess wax and dirt every 5-7 days. But you shouldn’t clean them if there is no visible dirt. The eyes are also examined regularly and cleaned when necessary.

You can feed your dog with ready-made diets or regular food, but in the first case the food must be of high quality, and in the second - a mandatory addition in the form of vitamin supplements.

Photo of Irish Setter

Irish Setter puppies in the photo with their mother

Video about the Irish Setter

How much does an Irish Setter puppy cost?

The initial cost of a puppy of this breed is 10,000 rubles. But if there is a desire to purchase a pet for a further exhibition career, then the price of an Irish Setter will increase to 40,000-50,000 rubles. You can buy a pet second-hand, but from responsible private breeders the prices are not much different from the cost in a nursery.

Irish Setters are demanding in everything - nutrition, care, training and attitude. Therefore, before purchasing such a handsome man, you should weigh your own strengths and availability of free time.

Irish Setter kennels

Moscow http://www.jetsetters.ru
St. Petersburg https://vk.com/allureshow
Kyiv http://www.cats-dogs-ukraine.com/pitomniki102.htm
Minsk https://vk.com/club74065340

A dog is a devoted and affectionate friend. It's no wonder why so many people have pets. However, before choosing a puppy, it is necessary to study the characteristics of the breed in detail. Representatives of certain species differ not only in appearance, but also in character. Depending on this, they need specific care.

Energetic dogs are suitable for those who lead an active lifestyle. This is exactly what the Irish Setter is. History, character, breed standard - this and more will be discussed in this article.

Representatives of the species are distinguished by their majestic appearance. They look at their owners with intelligent eyes and a penetrating gaze. Surprisingly, the Irish Setter is able to win over a person who has not previously experienced love for animals. The uniqueness of this breed lies in its character. A cheerful disposition and independence are closely intertwined in him. Outwardly, the dogs look elegant, and aristocracy is clearly visible in their posture.

Irish Red Setter: History

The character and behavior of the dogs corresponds to professional hunters. After all, this is what is considered their main purpose. The name of the breed was first published in printed publications in the period 1570-1576. The scientist Caius in one of his books presented detailed description All British breeds dogs. Setters also got there. The book “De Canibue Britannisi” is interesting because in it you can not only learn about the peculiarities of the appearance of animals, their character and habits, but also about the role they played in human life.

Setter is a kind of term that combines certain group hunting dogs. They had to be able to perform certain tasks - determine the place where the game is and point it out to the owner.

There is no exact information about the ancestors of modern setters. Previously the group included different types, therefore, spaniels, pointers, wolfhounds, and bloodhounds can be considered ancestors. Although it is not known for certain, it is most likely that by crossing these breeds a homogeneous type was obtained.

This species was identified as an independent species only in 1860, after an exhibition that took place in Newcastle (1859). The first Irish Setter Club was created in 1882, and the standard was approved three years later in Dublin.

It was most convenient to hunt with an Irish red and white setter. Individuals with this color were very popular in the 17th century. It was the white markings that made it possible to easily detect the animal in the thickets. However, according to the standard, representatives of this breed are also monochromatic. And it was difficult to hunt with such individuals. The owners could not see their pets at a great distance and were afraid to confuse them, for example, with a fox. But a way out of this situation was found - a white scarf. It was tied around the animal's neck. This has become a characteristic mark and guide for hunters.

Branded stand

Before we begin describing the Irish Red Setter breed, it is necessary to talk about one feature. It consists of a branded stand. It is thanks to her that setters look so impressive when hunting. When an animal smells game in the bushes or tall grass, it freezes in tension, taking a characteristic pose - leaning forward a little.

However, setters did not always behave this way when hunting. Previously, nets with weights were used to catch birds. Therefore, the dog, having found the game, had to lie down on the ground. This position saved her from being hit by sinkers.

Breed standard and description

The Irish Red Setter is a medium-sized dog. It has a proportional build. By constitution, individuals are strong with a high stand. Dogs have elongated, graceful paws. The withers are significantly higher than the croup, the top line is smooth without any sharp bends.

According to standards, the height of an Irish Red Setter (male) should be between 57-66 cm. The elongation index is 100-105. As with other breeds, females are smaller in size. Their maximum height reaches 63 cm. As for the index, it is higher - 102-107. Weight standards: minimum - 27 kg, maximum - 32 kg. Breeders discard those individuals that have a deviation in height of more than two centimeters.

Setters are distinguished by their small heads. Between the ears the skull is oval in shape, tapering slightly toward the back. A tubercle stands out clearly on the back of the head. The ears are large, drooping, and soft to the touch. All lines of the head are symmetrical. Transition from forehead to nose with a sharp bend in the area brow ridges. The latter are significantly raised, which is why we got this characteristic shape. The muzzle is quite elongated, tapering slightly towards the nose. The lips fit tightly to the gums. The top one has a beautiful curve at the edge. If the mouth is closed, it hangs down, covering the lower one. The color of the lips is the same as the tone of the nose. The latter is quite wide. Can be pure black, dark red or dark walnut. If you look in profile, you can see a small hump on the bridge of the nose. However, there are also individuals who do not have it. Setters' eyes are expressive, close-set, with slightly raised rear corners.

The animal's fur is shiny. It's thick. The length is uneven. The hair is short on the head, withers, back and upper outer parts of the paws. It lengthens significantly on the chest, belly and tail. Individuals of this breed do not have an undercoat, so there will be no special problems with combing. The color is dominated by red shades - light or dark; there are also chestnut representatives of the breed. According to the standard, small white inserts are allowed.

Character traits

The red Irish Setter (solid or tan) is an affectionate creature. He has a cheerful disposition. Owners need to be prepared for the fact that even adults love to play. They are almost always energetic. For representatives of this breed, a person is their best friend. Dogs love children most of all, because they are more active than adults.

Setters are not only fun and playful, they are very perceptive. They are distinguished by their intelligence and intelligence, so they can sometimes show a wayward character. But you shouldn't expect aggression. The pets are quite obedient and friendly. He quickly becomes attached to his owner, but at the same time treats all household members with love.

When walking, the setter will be very active. He constantly runs around and shows curiosity about everything that comes his way. He loves to play, so you should immediately get some balls, sticks, and ropes. Dogs of this breed practically do not bark.

The sense of smell is very well developed in setters. Don't forget that this breed primarily intended for hunting. Given their activity and playfulness, it is better to keep dogs in a country house so that they can run around to their heart's content. However, they are not suitable for the role of a security guard, since due to their friendly disposition and love for people they will not be able to cope with the assigned tasks.

You can also keep setters in city apartments. But in such conditions, the owner must be prepared for frequent long walks without a leash. It will also be necessary to exercise your pet regularly. Only in this case will the dog be able to fully develop. But for those people who have limited time and are often away from home, it is better not to get dogs of this breed.

Hunting qualities

Do not forget that the Irish Red Setter was bred specifically for hunting game. Naturally, he already has hunting instincts at the genetic level. Moreover, they are clearly expressed even in individuals who have lived in apartments all their lives. First of all, this is manifested by energetic behavior. He searches only at a fast gallop. His unsurpassed instinct and graceful flexibility help him penetrate any place and find game (the dog can crawl even through dense thickets). Water is also not a problem for setters. They will dive with great pleasure, for example, after a duck.

Nuances of education

Breeders for a long time believed that training the Irish Red Setter was very difficult. Some refused this idea altogether, considering the representatives of the breed unsuitable. However, the problem turned out to be not the dogs, but the wrong approach. If the training is done soft, but persistent and regular, then you will achieve positive results it will be quite real. But we must understand that this work will be difficult not only for the owner, but also for the pet itself.

The first problem is superactivity. It is she who prevents you from listening to the owner and understanding what he requires. Sit in one place long time for setters this is a real challenge. In order to achieve results in training, you need to learn how to quickly and clearly formulate commands. You cannot hesitate, otherwise your pet will lose interest and stop listening. It is important not to shout at the dog; you should also avoid aggressive notes in your voice. If the pet does not obey, then under no circumstances should you punish it. Only perseverance can achieve results.

You need to start training with basic commands. The first setter must learn the “place” and “don’t”. Then you can move on to “sit”, “walk”, “lie down”, “to me”, “next to me”. As for the last two commands, they need to be honed constantly, since the animal must run without a leash when walking. It is important that the training process must be consistent. That is, until one command is mastered, you cannot proceed to the second. Most of all, setters like to follow their owner’s instructions that involve running and speed, for example, “fetch.”

Health

The Irish Red Setter is generally in good health. Individuals are strong and rarely get sick. However, there are also weaknesses: liver sensitivity to toxins, intestinal problems, ear diseases. Given these nuances, the owner must know how to provide first aid. In order to avoid intestinal obstruction, the dog should not be loaded after eating. physical activity. Therefore, your pet should eat after a walk, and not before it.

As with other breeds, puppies are vaccinated. This helps to avoid health problems.

Feeding

An adult Irish Red Setter needs to be fed twice a day. Can be increased up to three times. Everything will depend on individual characteristics pet. But puppies should eat at least six times.

The diet may consist of: natural products, and from feed. If the owner prefers the latter option, then before choosing, you should consult a veterinarian. It will help you choose the most balanced food.

As natural food Vegetables and cereals are perfect. The dog must eat meat raw (scalded with boiling water) or boiled. Daily dose- not less than 550 g for an adult. Once a week you can give sea fish, having previously cleaned it of bones.

Setters are not picky eaters. They will happily eat pasta and will not refuse cookies and other treats. Due to digestive problems, the dog should not be fed spicy, fried or fatty foods.

Before purchasing Irish Red Setter puppies, you need to find out if they have been vaccinated. If not, then visit a veterinarian and consult with him. He will tell you at what age this or that vaccination is given. Owners will have to follow the instructions exactly.

It is also necessary to regularly examine the animal's eyes and paws. If the claws do not wear off during a walk, they will need to be trimmed. This procedure It is recommended to perform once a month.

Ears - weakness individuals of this breed, therefore they need to be constantly inspected. If there is dirt, carefully remove it with a damp cotton swab. Setters have a very beautiful coat, but you will need to take care of it. Dogs are brushed daily. There is no need for a haircut, but you can bathe your pet once every two weeks.

Red and white color

Do not think that if your pet has light tan marks, then it does not meet the FCI standard. An Irish Red and White Setter will be considered purebred if the markings are located on the chest and lower paws (toes). Small white inserts on the head (crown and forehead) and directly on the muzzle are also allowed.

Purchasing a puppy

Before deciding to buy an Irish Setter, it is important to weigh the pros and cons. On the one hand, this is a good-natured creature and true friend, but on the other hand, he is an active gamer. It is the latter that can become a big problem. If the dog is not given proper attention, it will get sick.

Under no circumstances should you purchase a puppy from random passers-by standing at the market. It is better to contact trusted breeders or a nursery. The Irish Red Setter is a purebred animal, so there are certain standards for the selection of individuals. This criterion is important for those who plan to attend exhibitions or engage in breeding.

Those who live in Moscow or the region are recommended to contact the Irish Setter MOOiR canine center. They have been breeding dogs for over 50 years. Individuals who are involved in breeding puppies are listed in the All-Russian Pedigree and Stud Book Hunting Dogs(VPKOS). And animals with defects and mental disorders generally do not participate in breeding work. The price for an Irish Red Setter is, of course, quite high. Some puppies are asking more than $1000. However, they all have a pedigree, a veterinary passport, vaccinations and a brand.

Irish Setter- an energetic dog with a pronounced hunting passion, high field qualities, and gets to work early and easily.

Search for an Irish Setter - at a fast, energetic gallop. The stand is high, without falling to the ground.

General appearance and type of constitution. The Irish Setter is a dog of medium height, proportional build, dry, strong type of constitution, tall on the legs with a pronounced high front.

Type of behavior. Temperament is lively and energetic. Malice and cowardice are vices.

Height. The height at the withers in males is from 57 to 66 cm, in females it is 3 cm lower. The elongation index for males is 100-105, for females 102-107. Height above the upper limit up to 2 cm is a defect, above 2 cm and below the lower limit is a defect.

Color. Solid, dark red-red, reminiscent of the color of polished mahogany. A lighter color of the dog's dressing room is allowed. Small white markings on the forehead, crown, muzzle, throat, chest and toes are acceptable.
Flaws: dark with coffee or light yellow shade of the main color, light “spectacles” around the eyes, too light coat.
Vices: black hair, white marks in places not provided for by the standard.

Coat. Medium length, thick, non-rigid, straight, tight fitting. The hair is short on the head and front of the legs, longer on the body. On the ears bottom surface breasts, back side front legs from elbows to paws and on hind legs from the tail to the hock, as well as on the underside of the tail, the hair is longer and thicker than on the body, and forms feathering and fluff. Between the toes and the crumbs of the paws there is a thick brush of wool. The fur on the tail is straight, starts slightly back from the base of the tail, forms a longer dewlap in the middle, tapering off towards the end.
Flaws: the coat is excessively long on the body, forming a parting along the ridge; presence of a “bonnet” on the head; partly wavy dog; poor development of the dog's toilet.
Vices: the coat is curly, in curls, curling in a cord on the tail, very coarse, loosely fitting on the body; lack of a dog's restroom.

Skin, muscles, bones. The skin is dense, thin, elastic, without folds. The bones and muscles are well developed.

Head. Long, dry. The skull is oval between the ears, somewhat narrowed in the back, with a beautifully defined occipital protuberance (focal). The brow ridges are slightly raised, forming a noticeable transition from the forehead to the muzzle, the line of the skull is parallel to the line of the muzzle and slightly higher than it. The muzzle is long, dry, moderately deep, slightly tapering towards the end. Sawed-off shotgun upper lip nicely rounded. Lips are dry and tight-fitting. The bridge of the nose is straight or with a hump. The nose is wide, dark red, dark hazel or black. The lips are painted to match the nose.
Flaws: weak expression of the occipital protuberance, tilt of the crown to the back of the head (sunset), overly developed frontoparietal bones, excessively sharp transition from the forehead to the muzzle, excessively light and pointed muzzle.
Vices: short, wide, flat head, strong development of brow ridges; heavy, upturned muzzle, drooping, winged lips, pink or marble nose.

Ears. Hanging, thin, soft, rounded at the ends, medium length. The end of the stretched ear does not reach 2-3 cm of the nose. The ears are set at eye level, close to the back of the head, close to the cheekbones.
Flaws: Ears set high, loosely fitting to the cheekbones.
Vices: large, “in a tube” or “burdock”, on cartilage; small, short ears.

Eyes. Oval in shape, dark brown, planted shallowly, but not protruding. The eyelids are slightly slanted, and their edges are painted in the color of the nose.
Flaws: eyes large, bulging, straight eyelids; The inner (third) eyelid covers part of the eye.
Vices: eyes widely spaced or close to the bridge of the nose; small, sunken, weak-sighted.

Teeth and bite: White, strong, well developed, tightly closed; scissor bite.
Disadvantages and vices: indicated above in the introduction (general position).

Neck. Medium length, dry, muscular, not thick, slightly compressed from the sides; in males - slightly convex on top, in females - straighter,
Flaws: short, thick, round neck; suspension

Withers: Well developed, projecting sharply above the line of the back, especially in males.

Back. Straight, not wide, but muscular.
Flaws: Soft, slightly hunchbacked back.
Vices: sagging, hunchbacked back.

Small of the back. Short, muscular, slightly convex.
Flaws: straight, long.
Vices: sagging, hunchbacked.

Croup. Wide (in females the front is noticeably wider), rather long (in females it is longer), slightly sloping, muscular.
Flaws: Shortish and slightly sloping.
Vices: Short, sloping croup.

Breast. Not wide, long and deep, descending to the elbows. The false ribs are well developed and when viewed from the side, the line of the chest smoothly merges into the line of the abdomen. The ribs are slightly arched.
Flaws: Open, barrel or slightly flat chest.
Vices: short, very flat.

Stomach. Tailored, groins tightened.
Flaws: abdominality.

Forelegs. When viewed from the front, straight and parallel, elbows pointing straight back. Shoulders are muscular. The angle of the shoulder-blade joint is slightly more than 100". The forearms are long, oval in cross-section. The pasterns are of medium length, narrow with a slight slope forward.
Flaws: straight shoulders, slight eversion of elbows, slight curvature of forearms. Straight-set or excessively sloping pasterns. Size, clubfoot.
Vices

Hind limbs. When viewed from behind - widely spaced, straight and parallel; from the side - with well-defined articulation angles. The lower legs are long, set obliquely, the hock joints stand out sharply. When the dog is standing calmly, the hocks are slightly pulled back and almost vertical.
Flaws: excessively straightened or close hocks, sabering.
Vices: the same deviations from the norm, but expressed in a sharp form.

Paws. Small, oval, arched, with tightly clenched toes. Claws touch the ground.
Flaws: Flat, splayed paws.

Tail (feather). Set on low, continuing the line of the croup, carried no higher than the line of the back; straight or saber-shaped, mobile, thick at the base and evenly thinning towards the end. The length of the tail in females reaches the hock joint, in males it is 2-3 cm shorter.
Flaws: excessive length, lethargy, atypical hair growth.
Vices: the tail is thin, inactive, carried high or curled like a sickle. Short tail: does not reach the hock joint in males by 6 cm, in females - by 4 cm; docked at least partially.

In the field, the Irish Setter works very energetically at a fast gallop with a characteristic so-called “wolf-like” search. The stance is high, distinct, tense.

Unlike our standard, the height of Irish setters abroad is higher; for example, in America the height of Irish setters is 63.5-68.5 cm, but in England there are no strict requirements for height.

K. G. Gorb "Setters: English, Irish, Scottish"
No part of the article may be reproduced without written permission from the author and the Delta M publishing house.

The Irish Red Setter or Irish Setter is a breed of hunting dog.

History of the origin of the Irish Setter breed

The Irish Setter is one of the oldest hunting breeds. The breed originated in Ireland, where it was used for gun hunting. Scientists have found that several breeds took part in the crossbreeding: Irish water spaniel, Irish terrier, pointer, and several Gordon setters.

The breed was officially recognized in 1876.

The deep red-red hue appeared in the 19th century and became a sign good quality breed and excellent physical shape. Actively gaining popularity for a hundred years, the dog gained a reputation as a tireless hunter in England.

Today, the Red Irish Setter is considered the most common breed of setter in the world, and is already used not only for hunting, but also as a companion dog.

Appearance of the breed Irish Setter

A beautiful, proportionally built dog. The stand is high. Used in the summer-autumn hunting season for swamp, steppe and upland game.

The Irish Setter is one of the large dogs, however, their body is not nearly as muscular and strong as that of many other equally tall dogs.

The height of males is 58-67 cm, females 55-62 cm.

The body of these dogs is elongated, the legs are long and strong, and Irish Setters move quite quickly.

The head is small, with close-set eyes, the ears are large, soft, hanging.

The coat of such dogs is long, but not soft; on the contrary, it is hard and thick, but without undercoat.

The skin of Irish Setters is devoid of folds, it is very thin, but elastic.

Irish Setter color

The color of dogs varies from rich red to equally rich chestnut. The standard allows for the presence of a small amount of white hair in the area of the toes, on the sternum, and muzzle.

Considering that almost all setters are similar, the color of Irish setters is their calling card. If we talk about similar dogs, but with white fur and red spots, then they belong to a separate breed of the Irish Red and White Setter. And dogs with black fur and red markings are black Irish setters, which are, in fact, a breed of Scottish setter. Similar black and white dogs are also setters, but English.

Temperament and Training of the Irish Setter

When choosing a representative of this breed as a pet, you should take into account that it will take quite a lot of time to raise and train it. Irish dogs have a tendency to run away, so they need to be adapted and trained from an early age until the dog has learned “good manners.”

During the “hunt” the dog may show aggression; such attacks should not be encouraged, but punishment should not be done either. Setters respond well to emotions, so if they are shamed or offended, they are able to repent of what they have done. In extreme cases, you can pat your pet on the rump with a rolled-up newspaper. But physical punishment will cause the pet’s mistrust and significantly complicate the learning process.

If you give your pet the necessary exercise and feed it correctly, the dog will become extremely loving and devoted. Setters get along well with all members of even a large family and are tolerant of children. For them, separation from their owner is a real test. Setters can get along with dogs and cats, but only if they are well raised. But the rest of the small animals will always be the object of hunting and no amount of education will help here.

Irish Setter Care

The dog will require daily care and supervision. The coat of the breed is dense, quite thick and long, but without undercoat. The setter sheds twice a year, but there is no intense shedding of hair, so this stage you may not even notice. The coat changes only along the dog's body; the fringe on the paws remains intact. Setter owners claim that if a dog has a luxurious fur coat, there is no smell at all.

The Irish Setter needs to be brushed every day. The dog's coat is very beautiful, but only in well-groomed condition. By brushing your pet, you not only bring beauty, but also remove dead particles and dust from the skin, and also give a massage, which is so pleasant for the dog!

It is recommended to bathe your setter no more than once every ten days. Of course, if the need arises, sometimes this rule can be broken. Frequent bathing is not recommended because hair loss natural substances that protect the dog from dust, dirt, and getting wet.

There is no need to trim the setter, he has a beautiful haircut by nature! But sometimes pay attention to the areas between the fingers, tangles may form there; to avoid such a problem, sometimes cut the hair.

The ears of dogs of this breed are droopy and need to be regularly cleaned. A damp cloth or dampened cotton pad will help remove dirt. Cleaning your ears is very easy. Setters are prone to ear infections, so check their ears as often as possible for irritation and infections.

The described breed prefers to run on grass and earth, but not on asphalt, so the claws themselves do not grind down. Buy a nail clipper and trim it from time to time, not forgetting the fifth toe on the front paws. If you don't trim your dog's nails, they will get in the way when walking, and this can lead to lameness.

After each walk, wipe your setter's heels with a damp towel. Wipe your dog's eyes with a damp towel every day; he won't be able to do this on his own.

IN natural diet dogs should always have meat (beef, chicken, liver), boneless sea fish.

Pork is an undesirable product because it is too fatty. The dog should be given meat both raw (but scalded with boiling water) and boiled.

In addition to meat ingredients, do not forget about grains and cereals (oatmeal, rice, wheat).

The setter will gobble up vegetables with great pleasure.

The daily intake for an adult setter is 500 grams of meat ingredient + 300 grams of porridge and vegetables. But this is only an approximate figure, because each representative of a given dog breed has personal needs and standards.

The number of feedings per day is from 2 to 3 times.

If the owner decides to feed the dog dry balanced food, then you should consult a veterinarian to choose the best one. When feeding food, do not forget about a full bowl of clean water.

The setter loves to eat high-quality canned food and dog biscuits, which can be replaced with biscuits.

Irish Setter puppies should eat a balanced diet, at least 6 times a day. The baby's diet requires cottage cheese, kefir, milk, boiled eggs and other foods rich in calcium, protein, vitamins and minerals.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Irish Setter breed

Everyone loves the Red Irish Setter for its beautiful appearance. appearance, elegance of lines and habits, good disposition. He gets along well with pets and everyone in the household, and loves to play with children. The dog is very active, energetic, cheerful, playful, and smart. Its natural working qualities, with good training, can be of great help during hunting. In addition, the dog is unpretentious and will not require any special care or care.

There are certain inconveniences in keeping this breed. The main thing is the need for frequent and active walks (the dog definitely needs to run out) and careful care of the coat. Setters are prone to allergic reactions Therefore, you should be careful about your diet and the use of wool washing products.

Irish Setter, by its hunting profession, belongs to the cops, and all cops descended from ancient hound-like dogs - marriages. Distinctive feature All cops have their unique stance - the pet freezes in a wary position with a raised paw in the direction of the hidden game. Irish Setter serves an indispensable assistant hunter for searching and importing shot game and wounded animals.

Until almost the nineteenth century, long-haired pointers were not divided into separate breeds in Britain. Setters from different kennels could represent different lines of the English Setter breed. So at the 1859 exhibition, all exhibited setters were judged in one class, and at the Birmingham exhibition in 1860 Irish Red Setter, for convenience, was tried separately. In 1861, Gordon received the same privilege.

Red piebald and red longhaired pointers began to be bred in Ireland from the end of the thirteenth century, which were descended from red piebald spaniels. As a result of selection and breeding work, crossing with Foxhound and others hunting breeds I bought modern look and working qualities.

The Irish highly value and are proud of their national breed. These pointers are ideal for hunting among the moors and hills of Ireland, they are used to hunt partridges, snipe and pheasants. Irish Setter It is very resilient and energetic in its work; in search of prey, it goes into a silent gallop, holding its head at the level of its back. By the end of the millennium, the majority of field victories in trials held in Ireland, England and Scotland were won by the Irish Red Setter.

According to standard must be athletically proportioned with a lean constitution. The pet's movements are light, smooth and wide, the thrusts of the hind limbs are powerful. By nature, the setter is lively and very energetic. According to FCI standard should weigh from 22 to 27 kilograms, and the height at the withers should correspond to 55-62 cm in females and 58-67 cm. in males.

The shape of the head is long and dry, the muzzle is moderately deep. Nose with wide nostrils, lips are dry and thin; The color of the nose and lips can vary from dark red to black. The eye shape is almond-shaped, medium-sized, dark brown in color. The ears are medium in size, rounded at the ends, set at eye level, hanging down, forming a small fold. Muscular neck of moderate length without signs of dewlap.

The setter's chest is long and deep, but not wide, the back is straight, the withers are clearly visible, and the loin is short. The tail is of moderate length, set low, and does not rise above the line of the back. The limbs are set parallel, the thighs are muscular and long. The hocks are set low and the pasterns are slightly sloping.

A close-fitting coat of medium length with a straight and thick hair. The front side of the limbs, head and tips of the ears are covered with thin and short hair, and the lower side of the chest and abdomen, back side limbs are decorated with more long hair. Irish Setter According to the standard, it should have a dark red-red color. It can also be the color of polished red wood, but without interspersing black hair. White markings are allowed on the forehead, muzzle, throat and chest.

Irish Setter character

Irish Setter has an independent and proud character, the pet will never allow harsh influence towards itself, which must be taken into account when training and coaching.

In general, the breed is considered strong and healthy, although sometimes diseases such as immune deficiency and dysplasia may occur. elbow joint, as well as progressive retinal atrophy. All breeding dogs in mandatory should be tested for these diseases at one year of age.

By life expectancy refers to long-livers, since it is absolutely not uncommon for pets to live up to the age of eighteen.

To maintain good coat structure, your pet should be brushed and combed regularly, but washed no more than once every three months. In preparation for the exhibition, dogs are trimmed with scissors and trimmed with scissors. Your pet's drooping ears should be examined periodically, especially upon returning from a hunt.

Everyone who wants to receive Additional information For information on raising, feeding and training your pets, I recommend visiting the “Reading” section.