Origin: Ireland
Origin of Name: The Irish Red and White Setter is a breed of dog.
Size | Temperament | Shedding | Drooling | Monthly keeping cost | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Large | Zero High |
Negligible Hair Everywhere |
Zero Excess |
|
Before all we knew and loved, all were red-red Irish setters, a red-and-white color of the hills and bogies of Ireland since at least the 1600s. In those days settlers would crawl with their eyebrows at game birds, then stop in the "setting" position and signal with their tails until a hunter threw a net at the birds. The nets eventually gave way to firearms, and the best setter lines adapted their serious style of hunting to new technology.
It is quite a simple task to prepare an Irish red and white setter. It is important that the breed looks as natural as possible, although scissors or shears can only be used to clean rough edges for cleanliness. The dog will feel best dressed once a week with a soft brush and a slicker or comb to eliminate any tangles. The ears should be checked weekly for any excess wax and debris. One bath every month is usually sufficient. Nails should be trimmed every few weeks as needed.
High spirits of the breed can make it a challenge to train them. One key is to keep training sessions short, interesting and upbeat. IRWS is very eager to please and responds well to a positive training approach with lots of praise. Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended. His intelligence, energy and dedication to his human make him natural in obedience, hunting, tracking and agility.
IRWS is a high energy dog and requires a lot of exercise. One may be a handful to live with bored and under-exercised IRWS. Provide low-impact activity to give abundant energy to the IRW puppy and stimulate its brain. While this breed is in its developmental stage (puppy since 18 months), it is important to give them regular exercise and long walks, while protecting the joints that form them - this means no walking or biking. Free exercise in a dense area is ideal and means that the puppy stops when he is tired. When mature, the Irish Red and White Setter is an ideal hiking, hiking and biking companion.
Irish red and white setter should be fed high quality dog food for the age of the dog (puppy, adult, or senior) and activity level. Give very little to table scraps, if not at all, especially avoid cooked bones and foods with high fat content. Know which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. If you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet, check with your vet.
Irish red and white setters are generally healthy dogs, although there are some issues that may threaten the breed. Some who present themselves occasionally include posterior polar cataracts (cataracts that occur in the back of the eye), hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, von Willebrand's disease (blood clotting), hypothyroidism, and immune disorders. Are included. The gene pool of the breed is not large, so genetic testing is particularly important. Responsible breeders will screen their stock for conditions that may affect the breed.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: