Irish Red and White Setter

ATTRIBUTES: Courageous, Spirited, Determined

GROUP: Sporting Group

ACIVITY LEVEL: Needs Lots Of Activity

BARKING LEVEL: Medium

COAT TYPE: Double, Silky

COAT LENGTH: Medium

SHADDING: Occasional

SIZE: Large

TRAINABILITY: Easy Training

CHARACTERISTIC: Medium Dog Breeds

Breed Overview

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Ancestry

Setter

Origin Icon
Origin

Ireland

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Registration

2009

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Size

24.5 - 26 Inches (Male)

22.5 - 24 Inches (Female)

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Weight

42 - 60 Pounds (Male)

35 - 50 Pounds (Female)

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Expected Life

11 - 15 Years

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY +
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
LOVE WITH CHILDREN +
Unwise
Good With Children
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS +
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
+
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
+
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
+
COAT TYPE
+
COAT LENGTH
+
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
+
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
+
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
+
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
+
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
+
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
+
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
+
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Loaf
Needs an Activity
+
COLORS
+
PATTERNS
+
CARING WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
The level of fondness a breed is expected to display towards its family members or familiar acquaintances can vary. Certain breeds may appear distant towards everyone except their owner, whereas other breeds tend to treat everyone they know as if they were their closest companion.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
The extent to which a breed can tolerate and demonstrate patience towards children's behavior, along with their overall family-friendly disposition is of paramount importance. It is crucial to provide constant supervision when dogs are in the presence of young children or children who have limited experience with dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
The level of geniality exhibited by a breed towards other dogs is an essential consideration. While dogs should always be monitored during interactions and introductions with their canine counterparts there are certain breeds that possess an inherent inclination to harmonize with other dogs, whether in familiar surroundings or in public settings.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
The amount of fur and hair a breed is prone to leave behind is a significant factor to consider. Breeds that shed heavily will necessitate more frequent brushing have an increased likelihood of triggering specific allergies, and require more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling to maintain cleanliness.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
The frequency at which a breed requires bathing, brushing, trimming, or other forms of coat maintenance is an important aspect to take into account. It is essential to consider the amount of time, patience and budget you can allocate to this type of care when assessing the grooming effort required. It is also worth noting that all breeds need regular nail trimming as part of their routine care.
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
The tendency of a breed to drool is another aspect to consider. If you have a preference for cleanliness, it is important to take into account that certain dogs may leave trails of slobber on your arm or create large wet spots on your clothes. If this doesn't align with your preferences it may be wise to explore other breeds that are less prone to excessive drooling.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Double, Silky
COAT SPECTRUM
Medium
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
The level of friendliness a breed typically exhibits towards strangers is another element to consider. Certain breeds may be reserved or cautious around unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the setting, while others may enthusiastically welcome and interact with new people whenever they are present.
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
The level of enthusiasm a breed typically exhibits towards play, even beyond their puppyhood stage, is an important consideration. Certain breeds will continue to enjoy playing tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others may prefer to spend most of their time relaxing on the couch with you.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
The inclination of a breed to alert you of the presence of strangers is worth considering. Some breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it be the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Additionally, such breeds are likely to become more amiable towards strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family members.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
The adaptability of a breed to handle change is a significant factor to consider. This encompasses the breed's ability to cope with changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily routines and other variations in day-to-day life.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
The ease of training a dog and their willingness to learn new things is an essential aspect to consider. Certain breeds have a strong desire to please their owners and are more inclined to learn and follow commands while others may have a more independent and stubborn nature, preferring to do things on their own terms and in their preferred manner.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
The level of exercise and mental stimulation required by a breed is a crucial factor to consider. High-energy breeds are always ready for their next adventure and eagerly engage in activities such as running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds tend to have a more relaxed disposition and are content to lounge around and enjoy a leisurely snooze.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
Medium
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
The amount of mental stimulation a breed requires to remain happy and healthy is an important consideration. Purpose-bred dogs, with jobs that involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other qualities often need regular mental exercise to keep their minds engaged. Without sufficient mental stimulation, these dogs may create their own activities and projects to keep themselves occupied which may not align with the owner's preferences. Providing appropriate mental challenges and enrichment for such breeds is crucial to their well-being.
COLORS

Description

Registration Code

White

199

PATTERNS

Description

Registration Code

Red Patched

100

About The Breed

The Irish Red and White Setter is an energetic and friendly medium-sized bird dog that was primarily bred for hunting purposes. These dogs are known for their playful and lively nature. While they share similarities with their cousin, the Irish Setter Irish Red and Whites are slightly shorter and stockier. They are often admired by sportsmen for their ability to freeze in a point showcasing their noble appearance.

These bird dogs possess a strong build, characterized by their powerful and sinewy physique. With excellent stamina and a keen sense for birds, they are reliable and capable hunters. The striking coat of the Irish Red and White Setter is a blend of vivid red islands on a backdrop of pearl white, serving the practical purpose of allowing hunters to easily spot their dogs from a distance. The face of this breed combines a sharp and attentive expression with a kind and gentle demeanor.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A IRISH RED AND WHITE SETTER

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Irish Red and White Setter: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

Health

+

Irish Red and White Setters are generally considered to be healthy dogs, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. It is important to be aware of these potential conditions when considering this breed. Occasional health problems that may affect Irish Red and White Setters include posterior polar cataracts (a specific type of cataract formation), hip dysplasia (a condition affecting the hip joint) progressive retinal atrophy (a degenerative eye disorder) von Willebrand's disease (a blood clotting disorder) hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), and immune disorders.

Given that the breed has a relatively small gene pool, genetic testing becomes particularly important in order to ensure responsible breeding practices. Reputable breeders will often screen their breeding stock for these and other potential health conditions to minimize the risk of passing them on to offspring. It is advisable for potential owners to inquire about the health testing performed on the parents and the lineage of any Irish Red and White Setter they are considering adopting.

Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association:

  • Hip Evaluation

  • Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency, Type I (CLAD, LAD-A) - DNA Test

  • Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Health

Grooming

+
Taking care of the Irish Red and White Setter is a relatively easy task. The priority is to maintain the breed's natural appearance, although a slight trim with scissors or clippers can be done to tidy up any unruly areas. To keep the dog looking it’s finest it is recommended to groom them thoroughly once a week using a soft brush, a slicker brush or a comb to remove any knots. Regularly check the ears on a weekly basis to ensure there is no excess wax or debris. A bath every month or so should be enough to keep the Setter clean. The nails should be trimmed as needed, typically every few weeks.
Health

Exercise

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The Irish Red and White Setter, known for its high energy levels, requires ample exercise to thrive. It's crucial to prevent boredom and under-exercised situations with this breed, as they can become quite challenging to handle. For an IRWS puppy, providing plenty of low-impact activities is key to harnessing their abundant energy and engaging their cognitive abilities. It's important to note that during the growth stage (from puppyhood to 18 months) regular exercise and long walks are essential while being cautious about protecting their developing joints. This means avoiding activities like jogging or biking. Offering free exercise in a fenced area is ideal as it allows the pup to naturally stop when tired. Once mature the Irish Red and White Setter becomes an excellent companion for walking, hiking, and biking adventures.
Health

Training

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The Irish Red and White Setter's exuberant nature can pose a challenge during training. However, keeping the training sessions short, captivating, and filled with positivity is the key. This breed is highly eager to please and responds exceptionally well to a positive approach that involves abundant praise. It is strongly advised to focus on early socialization and consider enrolling the Setter in puppy training classes. Capitalizing on their intelligence limitless energy, and unwavering devotion to their human companions the Irish Red and White Setter effortlessly excels in obedience, hunting, tracking and agility pursuits.
Health

Nutrition

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To ensure optimal health, the Irish Red and White Setter should be provided with a high-quality dog food that is suitable for their specific age (puppy, adult, or senior) and activity level. It is important to offer table scraps sparingly, if at all, and to steer clear of cooked bones and foods that are high in fat content. Familiarize yourself with the human foods that are safe for dogs and those that are not. If you have any concerns regarding your dog's weight or diet it is advisable to consult with your veterinarian.

Historiography

Before the renowned all-red Irish setter came into prominence, the Red and White Setter held its place as a beloved sight across the hills and bogs of Ireland, dating back to at least the 1600s. During that era, these setters employed a method where they would quietly approach game birds by crawling on their bellies. Once in proximity, they would freeze in a "setting" position and signal the presence of birds with their tail assisting hunters in capturing those using nets. As time passed firearms replaced nets and the most exceptional setter bloodlines adapted their hunting technique to accommodate this new technology, while still preserving their crouching style.

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