IRISH RED AND WHITE 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) - Miscellaneous Class * United Kennel Club (UKC) - Gun Dog Breeds The Kennel Club [U.K.] (KC) - Gundogs Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) ** - Standard No. 330
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 Irish Red and White Setter is eligible to participate in the American Kennel Club Miscellaneous Class. Breeds currently eligible to participate in the Miscellaneous Class are still enrolled in the AKC Foundation Stock Service®. FSS® enrollment is maintained until the AKC Board of Directors accepts the breed for regular status. ** — 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:	22½ to 26 inches (57-66 cm)
Weight:	50 to 70 lbs (22.5-31.5 kg)
The Irish Red and White Setter is considered to be the original Irish Setter and was very popular with sportsmen until the 1870s. The Red Irish Setter and the Red and White co-existed for many years, but when dog shows were introduced, the Reds' were seen as more attractive in the show ring and their popularity soared. The Red and White Setter, however, was preferred by gameskeepers as he was easier to see in the fields. After coming to near extinction, the breed has made a significant comeback since the 1980s and was officially recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club in January 2000. The breed is presently included in the American Kennel Club (AKC) Foundation Stock Service (FSS) Group and effective April 1, 2004, the Irish Red and White Setter was eligible to participate in AKC Pointing Breed Hunting Tests. He is an aristocratic, sturdy, strong, elegant and intelligent dog with a kind expression. He makes a quiet family friend in the home while being exuberant outdoors. The Irish Red and White Setter is a very versatile pointing breed who can be trained to do just about anything. The Irish Red and White participates in many dog sports and activities, including hunting, conformation shows, agility, and obedience as well as working as a Therapy Dog. His coat is short and fine on the head and front of the legs and of moderate length on the rest of his body. The coat is flat and straight with feathering on the ears, the back of the legs, on the stomach, chest and throat. The colour is pearly white with large red patches. TOP Health Issues: The Irish Red and White Setter is a healthy breed with an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. As with all other breeds, however, they are susceptible to some health problems. The following is a listing of some of the health issues that may be of concern in the Irish Red and White Setter breed: Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Canine Leucocyte Adhesion Deficiency (CLAD) — See CLAD in the Irish Setter for information about this disease; and — Control Scheme for CLAD in Irish Red and White Setters Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) — Formerly known as Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA) Hypothyroidism von Willebrand's Disease Bloat — As with any deep-chested dog and many large breeds, the occurrence of Bloat or Gastric Torsion is a real possibility in the Irish Red and White 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 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 Red and White 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, eyes should be checked and cleared, thyroid activity should be normal and, in breeds where DNA testing is not yet available, carriers of the vWD trait can be identified through the blood test for von Willebrand factor. (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 (Effective 27 June 2007) UKC Breed Standard The Kennel Club (U.K.) Breed Standard F.C.I. Breed Standard No. 330 / 15. 06. 2005 / GB 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 Red and White 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: Irish Red And White Setter Pedigree Collection Irish Red and White Gallery — The archive for photos, pedigrees, written records and resources relating to the Irish Red and White Setter. 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 Red and White 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.