Irish Red and White SetterCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the Irish setter probably developed at the end of the 17th century and that there are two breeds of Irish setter. It is fairly certain that the Red and White Setter is the older of the two, and that the solid red colour came about through careful selection.

When Irish setters entered the show ring, in the middle of the 19th century, there was much confusion about their colour. By the end of the century, the red setter had almost completely eclipsed the red and white, which had become so rare that it was thought to be extinct. Its revival began in the 1920s, by 1944 it had its own club again, and the present breed society was founded in 1981.

How the breed developed

• Late 17th century – Irish setters appear.
• Late 19th century – The breed is thought to be extinct.
• The 1920s – The revival of the breed begins.
• 1944 – The breed has its own club again.
• 1981 – The present breed society is founded.
• 6 June 1989 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

It is a strong, athletic setter, valued by hunters for its stamina, agility and bird sense, according to the AKC. The head is broad in proportion to the body. Wikipedia says it is more often used as a gundog than the red setter.

General appearance

It has long, fine, silky feathering on the back of the legs and on the ears, and a fringe on the flanks that continues onto the chest and throat. On the rest of the body the coat is short, flat and free of curls.

The base colour is white, with solid red patches, clearly defined.

The standard describes it as aristocratic, keen and intelligent, with a kindly, friendly attitude, behind which lie determination, courage and spirit. It is a very friendly, trustworthy gundog that is easy to train.

The AKC says its high energy can make it a challenge to train. Sessions should be short, interesting and fun. It is very eager to please and responds well to praise.

Tips for effective training

• Keep sessions short. The AKC says this keeps it focused.
• Praise it a lot. It responds very well to praise.
• Tire it out properly. A bored setter gets into mischief.
• Do not overwork it before 18 months. The AKC recommends moderate exercise while it is growing.

The AKC says it is a very high-energy dog that needs plenty of exercise; a bored, inactive setter is hard to live with indoors. Until 18 months, exercise should avoid jumping and high impact.

Tips for a balanced life

• It suits a very active family.
• Check the coat for burrs after walks.
• The yard must be well fenced.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says grooming is fairly simple: a general brush once a week, with a soft brush and a slicker brush or a comb. The coat should look as natural as possible.

Common health problems

The AKC says the breed is generally healthy, but the following can occasionally occur:

Other care

• Check the ears regularly.
• Trim the nails monthly.
• Brush its teeth regularly.

The AKC recommends good-quality food suited to the dog's age and activity level. Table scraps should be given rarely or not at all.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day to reduce the risk of bloat.
• Training treats count towards the daily portion.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• Older than the red setter. The standard says it is the older of the Irish setters.
• Thought to be extinct. At the end of the 19th century it was believed to have disappeared.
• More of a working dog. Wikipedia says it is more often used for hunting than the red setter.
• Everyone's friend. The AKC gives it the top score for friendliness with strangers, children and dogs.
• An Irish name. In Irish it is called “An Sotar Rua agus Bán”.

How does it differ from the Irish Red Setter?

In colour: it is white with red patches; it is also considered older.

How big does it get?

Males desirably measure 62–66 cm and females 57–61 cm at the withers.

Is it easy to train?

Yes, it is eager to please, but it needs short, fun sessions.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 11–15 years.