The Irish Setter, also known as the Red Setter, is a breed of gundog from Ireland. The term Irish Setter is used to encompass the Show-bred dog recognised by the AKC as well as the field-bred Red Setter recognised by the Field Dog Stud Book.

Appearance
The coat is moderately long and silky and of a deep red color, and it requires maintenance. The undercoat is abundant in winter weather. Irish Setters range in height from 25 to 27 inches (64-69 cm), males weigh 60 to 70 pounds (27-32 kg) and females 53 to 64 pounds (24-29 kg). The FCI Breed Standard for the Irish Setter stipulates males: 23 to 26.5 inches (58-67 cm), females: 21.5 to 24.5 inches (55-62 cm).

Temperament
This happy, playful(loopy?)breed is known for its joie de vivre and thrives on activity. It is faster and has more endurance than other setter breeds. In general, Irish Setters are friendly, enjoy human company, and actively look for other dogs with which to play. They are excellent with children. Due to the breed's need for frequent activity, this is an inappropriate dog for inactive families or apartment dwellers. If that is you, perhaps consider a fish, or maybe a toroise, don't get an irish setter.

History
The breed was developed in Ireland in the 1700s from the Old Spanish Pointer, setting spaniels, and early Scottish setters. Early Irish Setters were white with red blotches on their coats, but today the Setter's coat is a rich mahogany color. The Irish Red and White Setter is more closely related to those early Setters. The Irish Setter's name in Gaelic is Modder rhu or "red dog". Originally, the Irish Setter was bred for hunting, specifically for setting or pointing upland gamebirds. They are similar to other members of the setter family such as the English Setter and Gordon Setter. Today, the Irish Setter is more commonly found as a companion and family pet.

Health
As with most breeds originating as working dogs, they are extremely health dogs with most negative traits gone through selective breeding for speed and endurance.

Other relevant pages - Irish Setter - Red Setter

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