6 Interesting Irish Setter Facts You Should Know
By Ashley Bates
Updated on
Click to Skip Ahead
The Irish Setter was once one of America’s most popular dogs and remains relatively prominent today. If you love the outdoors and want a dog that can explore with you, consider an Irish Setter.
If you’re still learning about this breed, here are seven facts you might be interested in. We will also go over what makes this dog fabulous and what sorts of lifestyles work best with the breed itself. Let’s dig in.
The 6 Irish Setter Facts
1. The Solid Red Irish Setter Comes from (You Guessed It) Ireland
The Irish Setter is renowned for its elegant appearance. While it was originally a hunting dog that located birds for hunters, it quickly became a family favorite due to its lovely coat and award-winning personality.
The breed was developed in Ireland. People became smitten with their beauty and charm, furthering their evolution to countries all over the world.
2. The Irish Setter Became Increasingly Popular in the 18th Century
In the 1700’s, Irish Setters became so popular that they were a well-known breed. They were show-stoppers in the show ring and became favorites in the household.
3. Irish Setters Once Had More White in Their Coat
The original Irish Setter was red and white and dated back to the 1600s, then the red Irish Setter was developed. Red and white Irish Setters closely resemble the coloration patterns of similar breeds, like the Brittany Spaniel. Now there are two distinct breeds, the Irish Setter and the Red and White Irish Setter.
4. Richard Nixon Had an Irish Setter
Richard Nixon, the 37th president of the United States, owned an Irish Setter during his presidency. His name was King Tomahoe. This setter was born in July of 1968 and was a gift from the White House staff.
5. Show and Field Irish Setters Are Different from One Another
If you ever pay attention, some Irish Setters look different from one another. Some have a sleeker, leaner frame with higher energy. These dogs are the sport-type breed, making amazing gundogs.
The Irish Setters that have a heavier or blockier appearance are typically used for show. They are still elegant and graceful but calmer in nature.
6. Irish Setters Are Slow to Mature
If you expect your puppy to get with the program right away, having an Irish Setter might be a challenge for you. These peppy, spunky pups anecdotally behave like puppies long into their adulthood.
You’ll have to deal with things like high energy and playfulness, which initially can test some pet parents’ patience. Just remember that with the right training, you will have a mannerly dog with lots of love to give.
Are Irish Setters Healthy Dogs?
Irish setters are typically very healthy dogs without many potential health issues. However, certain issues still show up in the breed. Examples of possible illnesses common to Irish Setters include:
Bloat
Bloat, or gastric dilatation and volvulus, is an unfortunate and common condition for larger breeds. This condition can occur when gas builds-up in the stomach and causes it to twist. This cuts off blood supply to the stomach and spleen and reduces the amount of blood returning to the heart; this is life threatening and requires emergency surgery for the dog to live.
Signs of bloat include lack of appetite, bloated abdomen, vomiting/retching and discomfort.
Hip Dysplasia
The most common orthopedic disease that Irish Setters get is hip dysplasia. It often affects larger dogs, like the Irish Setter, causing joint discomfort as the hip does not sit well within the socket joint. Over time degenerative changes occur in the hips, leading to arthritis at a young age. The good news is that responsible breeders will hip score their breeding dogs to reduce the chance of passing on this genetic condition.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your dog’s thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This common Irish Setter condition in dogs can cause signs like weight gain, lethargy, heat seeking, sensitivity to cold, chronic skin and ear infections, thinning coat, and inability to regrow hair.
Epilepsy
Irish setters are susceptible to seizures without an identifiable cause (such as an infection in the central nervous system or a brain tumor), which leads to a primary epilepsy diagnosis. These seizures are often manageable with appropriate medications and trigger reduction.
Is Grooming an Irish Setter Difficult?
Grooming an Irish Setter doesn’t have to be a difficult task, though it will be more time-consuming than some other breeds. To prevent mats and tangles, you should always make sure that your Irish setter has routine grooming.
These dogs will need to be trimmed, maintained, and cleaned regularly to remove dirt and debris from their coats. You can learn to do this at home or take them to a professional groomer of your choice.
On average, you should expect a full-body grooming session once every 4 to 6 weeks and brush them a few times a week.
Our Recommendations Adding a shampoo and conditioner duo to your pet's grooming routine could be the difference in creating a soft, fluffy coat and hydrated, nourished skin. Heppers Oatmeal Pet Shampoo gently lifts dander, dirt, and excess fur without scrubbing away the natural oils important to your cat's derma health. The Pet Conditioner restores any moisture that may have been washed away and will prevent tangles and static. Both are all natural and formulated to soothe irritated skin.
Hepper Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
Hepper Pet Conditioner
All-natural
Fresh, light scent
Cleans fur and skin
Combats tangles & static
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have some questions about Irish Setters, hopefully, we can get some answers for you. If you thought those fun facts were nifty, here are a few other things to consider about owning the breed.
Are Irish Setters Good Family Dogs?
Irish Setters can make phenomenal family companions. Even though they have slightly lost popularity in recent years due to the rise of other popular breeds (like the Lab and French Bulldog), they used to be very popular dogs in the United States.
Are Irish Setters Good Guard or Watch Dogs?
Irish setters can make suitable watchdogs, but that shouldn’t be confused with guard dog duties. While able to alert without issue, the breed isn’t the quickest to act due to their friendly nature. They make much more appropriate family dogs instead of taking on a more serious role.
Conclusion
Irish Setters were once well known gun dogs that became a more common family companion. These dogs have a rich history and wonderful personalities still today. While they once were less popular than they were, if you love the breed and want to welcome one to your home, you could likely locate a breeder in your area.
Featured Image Credit: Kseniia Kolesnikova, Shutterstock
