Irish Setter Dog Breed Profile
The Irish Setter is an active, lovable dog. She is
full of spirit and needs plenty of exercise. She is
a watch dog but not a guard dog. She can get along with
other dogs but it is best if she is socialized with
other pets early on. She is patient with children. As
a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a
puppy or dog.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult
size (two years old or older) of the male Irish Setter
is 26 to 28 inches to the withers (highest point of
the shoulder) and 65 to 75 pounds. The female ranges
from 24 to 26 inches to the withers and 55 to 65 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds
have certain inherited health problems associated with
that specific breed and the Irish Setter is no exception.
Be on the look out for severe skin problems, epilepsy
(common in dogs), Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based
looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis
pain and lameness), bloat (Gastric Dilation-Volvulus,
the second leading killer of dogs, can kill within the
hour, this space is too limited for a complete explanation
but you should read up on this). Feeding more then once
a day and avoiding exercise right after meals may help
guard against bloat, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (inherited
disease of the retina that can cause vision loss and
blindness), and hypothyroidism (sluggish thyroid gland
which can result in weight gain). This disease list
is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may
also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian
for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the
first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as
an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for
shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and
on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for
check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog
sweets.
*Grooming. The Irish Setter has a moderate length
soft and flat coat that sheds average. She should be
brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a
clean and healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep
a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional
bond with her.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with
toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing
removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which
can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease.
Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth,
bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and
clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow
slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally
a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore
and competent instructions to accomplish this can be
found on the net.
*Life Span. The Irish Setter can live between
12 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care
and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Irish Setter comes from Ireland
where they are possibly a cross between setters, pointers
and spaniels. They were first registered by the American
Kennel Association in 1878.
Some Registries:
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 7 to 8 Irish Setter puppies
Category: Gundog, Sporting Group
Terms To Describe: Active, swift, sweet, trainable,
aristocratic, balance, outgoing, stable, intelligent
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Very good watch dog.
A non aggressive dog.
Easy to housebreak.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
They have a mind of their own.
Very poor watch dog.
Can be hard to train.
Can be a bit flighty.
Will roam if not controlled.
Needs activity and exercise.
*Other Names Known By: Red Setter
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this
information may be correct for your dog. This information
is meant as a good faith guideline only.
About the Author
Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website
developer for the popular pet site petpages.com.
www.petpages.com
is a pet information site with free pet ads, dog classifieds,
and puppy for sale info
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