At-A-Glance: The Irish Setter Dog
Breed
The Irish Setter is an energetic dog that has a natural sense of happiness and excitability towards life. He makes a fantastic companion with
both adults and children so long as there is enough activity to keep the dog happy. In fact, if the Irish Setter does not get enough daily
exercise then he can become easily frustrated and sensitive toward distractions.
The Irish Setter is an amiable breed of dog which takes great pleasure in pleasing its owners and the rest of the family. Although he
would make an ideal pet for a family with kids, it is noted that the Irish Setter may be a little too rough and excitable with very small
children.
The Irish Setter stands 21-25 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 55-70 pounds. As one of the most beautiful dog breeds, the Irish
Setter has a sleek, agile build with a silky, medium to long, deep chestnut coat.
History/Origin: The red-and-white Irish Setter first appeared in Ireland in the late 18th century and was perfected as the dog
we know today. This breed has evolved from the crossing of Springer Spaniels, Irish Water Spaniels, and English and Gordon Setters. Though
originally used as a (hunting) gun dog, this breed now enjoys the role of companion dog in a great many households.
Proper Care & Maintenance: When it comes to raising an Irish Setter, we can not stress enough how important it is for
this animal to get plenty of exercise. If you are thinking about getting a new dog and would like to have an Irish Setter, then you need to
consider your lifestyle and understand that he will not be happy as your pet if you are not the active type. You would be doing a great
injustice by raising an Irish Setter and then living a sedentary lifestyle while never taking the dog outside.
How much exercise is recommended? Plan on running this dog breed hard for at least one hour of strenuous activity and exertion on a daily
basis. The Irish Setter is one particular breed of dog that is not suited for living in a small apartment.
The Irish Setter has an average lifespan of up to 14 years. Major health concerns which should be addressed to your veterinarian would be
gastric torsion, CHD, and PRA. Less important health concerns which may not affect this breed, but sometimes spring up are: HOD,
hypothyroidism, megaesophagus, osteosarcoma, and panosteitis. Veterinarians also recommend that the Irish Setter dog breed be specifically tested
for thyroid, DNA for PRA, eye problems, hip dysplasia, and cardiac.
Grooming this dog breed must be a daily routine. With his long coat he needs regular brushing and the occasional trim so that he can
look his best.
The ideal living situation would be that of a large fenced-in yard with plenty of room for him to move around. The Irish Setter can live
perfectly happy as an outdoor dog and during warm temperatures, however, as with most dogs, he would need to be inside during the cold winter
months.
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