The Irish Setter is a medium-sized gundog known for its speed, grace and stunning red coat. Like other setters, it was originally developed to hunt and retrieve game.
The Irish Setter is tall and of elegant appearance, with sinewy legs, a long neck, a slightly domed head, and long floppy ears. Their most notable feature is of course their famous red coat, which is bright mahogany or chestnut, long and silky with a slight wave, and with lengthy fringes on the back of the legs, under the belly and on the tail. The breed is known to be high-spirited yet gentle giving it a truly lovable personality. They can be clownish, and mischievous but always fun, making them ideal family dogs. They are very sociable dogs, which love to give and receive affection, and will be happiest when in the company of their family. Their gentle nature makes them good companions to other dogs and household pets. As with other bright, high-energy dogs, Irish Setters need lots of exercise, playtime and human companionship, without which they can be chewers, barkers and diggers.
History
By the 18th Century, English Setters were a well-established breed used to hunt game by laying down quietly and setting when they had eyes on their target. Irish breeders began to develop their own version, but faster, with a keener nose and a bright red colour that was easy to spot in cover. Initially, they were red and white dogs, but selective breeding resulted in the all-red slighter-boned setter, which is the Irish Setter we see today.
