IRISH SETTER — BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION Breed Description / Health Issues / Breed Standards / Grooming / Training / Additional Information Breed Description
Breed Registries:	Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) - Sporting Dogs American Kennel Club (AKC) - Sporting Group United Kennel Club (UKC) - Gun Dog Breeds The Kennel Club [U.K.] (KC) - Gundogs Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) * - Standard No. 120
Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America. * — The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is the World Canine Organisation, which includes members (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 332 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
Origin:	Ireland
Height:	Males — 27 inches (69 cm) Females — 25 inches (64 cm)
Weight:	Males — 70 lbs (31.5 kg) Females — 60 lbs (27 kg)
The Irish Setter was originally a popular gun dog not only in his native Ireland, but in England and North America as well. The solid red Setter first appeared in Ireland in the early 19th century and by the end of that century, the breed had moved into North America. Throughout the 1890's, the outstanding hunting dog started to be seen in the show ring as well. This resulted in changes to the breed and today there are two very distinct types of Irish Setters — the smaller, lighter boned dog who is used in the field and the larger, heavier dog with much more coat who is seen in the show ring. The Irish Setter is a wonderful companion who is fun loving, playful and affectionate. He is a true sporting dog who enjoys having lots of room for exercise. He is known to be bold and very intelligent. It is said that once trained, he is trained for life. Not only is the Irish Setter a great family dog, he is quite often seen participating in a variety of dog sports and activities, including: Conformation, Obedience, Hunting or Field Trials, and Agility. In addition, his gentle and calm disposition make him an excellent candidate to work as a Therapy or Service dog. His coat is short and fine on the head and forelegs, and of moderate length and flat on all other parts of the body. He has long, silky feathering on the ears, the back of the forelegs and thighs, the belly, brisket, and chest, with his tail fringe being long and tapered. His colour is a gorgeous mahogany of rich chestnut-red. CLICK HERE for more Calendars plus Books, Gifts, Collectibles & More TOP Health Issues: Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) Hip Dysplasia Canine Leucocyte (CLAD) in the Irish Setter Epilepsy Hypothyroidism Bloat — As with any deep-chested dog, the occurrence of Bloat or Gastric Torsion is a real possibility in the Irish Setter. If you are not familiar with this condition, it is absolutely necessary to learn about it and know the symptoms — This is a real emergency and a life threatening condition that requires immediate Veterinary attention. See Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) — Bloat in the Health and Nutrition section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for more information and First Aid for Bloat for an article describing some of the things you can do if you are faced with this situation. Additional Health Resources: Health and Nutrition — Canada's Guide to Dogs growing section on several health and nutrition issues. Canine Inherited Disorders Database — Irish Setter Irish Setter Club of America Health Committee Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip) QuickCare Pet Insurance Programs If you are considering the purchase of a Irish Setter puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. This should include hip x-rays to exclude hip dysplasia and eyes should be checked to see that they are normal and PRA clear. Normal thyroid activity should also be tested and, while there is currently no test for epilepsy, you should inquire if the parents are free of this problem. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.) TOP Breed Standards: CKC Breed Standard AKC Breed Standard UKC Breed Standard The Kennel Club Breed Standard (U.K.) FCI Breed Standard for the Irish Red Setter — Standard No. 120/02.04.2001/GB F.C.I. Standard (Français) AKC IRISH SETTER VIDEO 17 Min. Video Edition, Published by the AKC Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges. — Available from Dogwise.com TOP Grooming: Grooming — See this section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for additional information, tips and articles on Grooming as well as listings of Groomers from across Canada. PET GROOMING THE SPORTING TYPES VIDEO 90 Min. Video Edition, Published by Sonnen Productions Grooming video from Sonnen Productions, featuring Michael Kemp, professional handler and groomer. Covers the American Cocker Spaniel, setters. — Available from Dogwise.com TOP Training Resources: Training — For information on training your Irish Setter, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada. Training Tools & Equipment Choose from a wide variety of items from Dogwise.com TOP Additional Information: The Irish Red Setter Pedigree Collection Clubs, Sports & Activities — Here you will find information on various dog sports and activities, including obedience, agility, conformation, field trials, and much more, along with listings of non-breed specific clubs from across Canada. (Note: For Irish Setter breed clubs, see the Breed Clubs section.) Working Dogs — This section is dedicated to the working dog and includes information on several dog jobs, including Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Service Dogs, SAR Dogs, Police K9s, and much more. Also inlcuded are listings of organizations from across Canada. THE AMERICAN KENNEL AND SPORTING FIELD by Anthony Burges Beautifully done reprint of an 1883 book on setters, primarily English Setters. Discusses the origin of the dog and various sporting breeds; what constitutes a good dog; points in selecting a dog; Setters, their breeding and comparative value; the best dog for American sporting and much more. — Available from Dogwise.com For additional titles, please see the Books & Merchandise section.