Let Me Tell You About the Irish Red and White Setter
The Irish Red and White Setter is a striking and spirited breed with deep roots in Ireland’s hunting traditions. Here's a comprehensive look at what makes this dog so special:
🐾 Overview
Origin: Ireland
Group: Sporting / Gundog
Height: 22.5–26 inches
Weight: 35–70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11–15 years
Coat: Medium-length, double coat with feathering
Color: White base with vivid red patches
🧬 Temperament & Personality
Affectionate: Very loving and loyal to family
Friendly: Welcomes strangers and gets along well with children
Energetic: High energy levels; thrives in active households
Trainability: Intelligent and eager to please, though may require consistent training
Social: Generally good with other dogs, but supervision is needed around small pets due to hunting instincts
🏞️ Purpose & Abilities
Originally bred as a bird-hunting dog, the Irish Red and White Setter is known for its ability to "set" or freeze on point when it detects gamebirds like pheasants or grouse.
It quarters the ground with its head held high, and once it catches scent, it freezes in a tense, immobile pose to indicate the bird’s location.
Though similar in temperament and function to the Irish Setter, this breed is shorter and stockier, with a more practical coat for visibility in the field.
🧠 Care & Lifestyle
Exercise Needs: High—daily vigorous activity is essential
Grooming: Moderate—regular brushing to manage shedding and maintain coat health
Training: Requires firm but gentle guidance; responds well to positive reinforcement
Health: Generally healthy but may be prone to typical sporting breed issues like hip dysplasia
📜 History
The breed dates back to the 18th century and may even predate the all-red Irish Setter.
It nearly went extinct in the late 19th century but was revived in the 1920s by dedicated breeders.
Officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2009
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