Setter (irish Red & White)

Origins and History

The Irish Red & White Setter (IRWS) originated in Ireland in the early 19th century when hunters sought a setter that would stand out against the often‑misty, green fields. The breed was refined from the original Irish Setter, with the addition of white base colour to improve visibility while working. By the 1860s the IRWS was recognised as a distinct field gun dog, and the Irish Kennel Club (IKC) granted it full breed status in 1880. The breed was exported to the United Kingdom and later to North America, where it is recognised by the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a separate sporting breed.

General Characteristics

• Medium‑large, well‑balanced gun dog with a graceful, athletic build.
• Energetic, enthusiastic, and highly trainable; known for a friendly, sociable disposition.
• Originally bred to locate and point game birds, the IRWS excels in field trials, hunting, and conformation showing.

Physical Specifications

• Height: Males 24‑27 in (61‑69 cm); Females 23‑26 in (58‑66 cm).
• Weight: Typically 55‑70 lb (25‑32 kg); proportional to height and bone structure.
• Body: Slightly longer than tall, with a deep chest, well‑angled shoulders (45‑55°), and a level topline.
• Head: Clean‑cut, slightly rounded skull, moderate stop, and a strong muzzle with a black nose.
• Ears: Long, flat, set high, reaching the tip of the nose when pulled forward.
• Eyes: Dark amber to brown, expressive, set well apart.
• Tail: Long, carried level with the back, slightly tapering to a point.

Coat and Color

• Texture: Medium‑length, flat, silky, with a slight feathering on ears, tail and legs; no curl.
• Accepted Colours: Pure white base with orange‑red markings that may appear as spots, speckles or larger patches. The red must be a rich, bright hue; black, brown, or tricolour markings are disallowed.

Temperament Considerations

The IRWS is a high‑energy, scent‑driven breed that thrives on purposeful activity. Their eagerness to please makes them responsive to positive‑reinforcement methods, but they can become bored if training sessions are repetitive or lack challenge.

Training Essentials

• Early socialisation with people, other dogs, and varied environments is essential to prevent over‑excitability.
• At least 1‑2 hours of vigorous exercise daily (field work, fetch, agility) to satisfy their working drive.
• Consistent, reward‑based training that incorporates scent‑work games helps focus their natural instincts.
• Common challenges: occasional stubbornness, high prey drive, and a tendency to become overly vocal if not mentally stimulated.

Daily Grooming

• Brush 2‑3 times per week with a slicker brush or a metal comb to remove loose hair and prevent matting.
• Bath as needed; avoid over‑bathing to preserve natural oils.
• Check and clean ears weekly to prevent otitis externa.
• Trim nails regularly; keep dental care routine with brushing or dental chews.

Show Preparation

• Begin a grooming schedule 2‑3 weeks before the show: hand‑strip feathering, trim feathered areas to a uniform ½ inch length, and tidy the coat with a fine‑toothed comb.
• Clip the body minimally—only to remove stray hairs—so the silky texture remains visible.
• Present a clean, bright white base; any excess red marking should be left natural, never trimmed.
• Final day: a light bath, thorough drying, and a final brush to achieve a glossy finish; ensure ears, tail and feet are neatly trimmed according to the IKC/FCI show standards.

Common Health Issues

• Hip dysplasia – screening with OFA or PennHIP recommended.
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and hereditary cataracts – annual CERF eye examination advised.
• Hypothyroidism – routine blood panel screening.
• Autoimmune thyroiditis and other immune‑mediated disorders.
• Neoplasia (especially lymphoma and mast cell tumours) – regular veterinary check‑ups.

General Care

• Exercise: Minimum 1‑2 hours of active work daily; mental stimulation is equally important.
• Nutrition: High‑quality protein‑rich diet formulated for medium‑large active breeds; maintain a healthy body condition to reduce joint stress.
• Lifespan: Typically 10‑12 years with proper health management.