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🐶 Irish Red and White Setter Dog Breed: The Best Ireland Dog
The Irish Red & White Setter is a distinctive and charismatic dog breed known for its striking appearance, friendly demeanor, and excellent hunting abilities. As one of the oldest Irish gundog breeds, this setter is prized for its versatility in the field, as well as its affectionate and loyal nature at home. With its beautiful red and white coat, athletic build, and keen intelligence, the Irish Red & White Setter is a popular choice among hunters, families, and dog enthusiasts alike. This guide provides an in depth look at the Irish Red & White Setter, exploring everything from its history and physical characteristics to its temperament, care needs, and suitability as a family pet.
📜 Short History
The Irish Red & White Setter has a long and storied history, dating back to the 17th century in Ireland. It is believed to be one of the original setter breeds, predating the more commonly known Irish Setter, which is solely red. Initially, Irish Red & White Setters were developed for their hunting abilities, particularly for locating and pointing game birds. These dogs were highly valued for their keen sense of smell, stamina, and versatility in both upland and wetland environments.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the breed’s popularity began to decline as the all red Irish Setter gained favor among hunters and dog fanciers. By the early 20th century, the Irish Red & White Setter was nearly extinct, with only a few dedicated breeders keeping the breed alive. Fortunately, efforts to revive the breed began in the 1940s, led by Irish breeders who were passionate about preserving this unique setter. Through careful breeding programs, the Irish Red & White Setter was re-established, and today it enjoys a growing popularity both as a working dog and a family companion.
The breed was officially recognized by the Irish Kennel Club in 1944 and later by the American Kennel Club in 2009. Despite being less common than its all-red counterpart, the Irish Red & White Setter continues to captivate dog lovers with its unique charm and historical significance.
🐶 Quick Facts & Essential Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 🐾 Breed Name | Irish Red and White Setter |
| 🐕 Other Names | IRWS, Red and White Setter |
| 🌍 Origin | Ireland |
| 🏆 Recognized By | AKC, CKC, UKC, The Kennel Club |
| 📏 Size Variants | Medium to large |
| ⚖️ Weight Range | 50 to 75 pounds (23 to 34 kg) |
| 📐 Height Range | 22.5 to 26 inches (57 to 66 cm) |
| 🎂 Lifespan | 11 to 15 years |
🧥 Coat & Appearance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 🧶 Coat Type | Medium-length, silky, flat with feathering |
| 🎨 Coat Colors | Pearly white base with solid red patches |
⚡ Energy & Personality
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 🔋 Energy Level | High – active and athletic |
| 🐩 Breed Group | Sporting Group |
| 😍 Temperament | Friendly, gentle, outgoing, devoted |
| 🏙️ Apartment-Friendly? | Not ideal – needs space and daily exercise |
| 🎓 Trainability | Highly trainable – intelligent and eager to work |
🏥 Health & Care Needs
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| ⚠️ Common Health Issues | Hip dysplasia, eye disorders, epilepsy |
| ✂️ Grooming Needs | Moderate – regular brushing and feather maintenance |
| 🍂 Shedding Level | Moderate – seasonal shedding |
| 🏃 Exercise Needs | High – needs daily exercise, walks, and play |
👪 Suitability & Compatibility
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 🧑🤝🧑 Best For | Active families, hunters, outdoor enthusiasts |
| 🚫 Not Ideal For | Sedentary households or apartments without outdoor access |
| 🗣️ Barking Level | Low to moderate – not overly vocal |
| 👶 Good With Kids? | Yes – gentle and patient with children |
| 🐕🦺 Good With Pets? | Yes – friendly with other dogs and animals |
| 👶 First-Time Owner Friendly? | Yes – with time and commitment to training and activity |
| ❄️ Weather Tolerance | Good – handles various climates with proper care |
🎉 Fun & Extra Info
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌟 Famous Dogs of This Breed | Recognized as Ireland’s original setter; popular in field trials and shows |
| 🧠 Intelligence Level | High – responsive and focused |
| 😬 Common Behavioral Issues | Restlessness, boredom, or mischief if under-exercised |
| 🥩 Best Diet | High-quality, protein-rich food for active dogs |
| 🛑 Foods to Avoid | Table scraps, bones, chocolate, grapes, onions |
| 🦴 Fun Fact | Irish Red and White Setters were once considered almost extinct but made a strong comeback thanks to dedicated breeders |
| 💰 Price of Puppy | $1,200 – $2,000 depending on breeder and lineage |
✅ Final Thoughts
The Irish Red and White Setter is a beautiful, enthusiastic, and affectionate gundog, perfect for active families and outdoor lifestyles. With their signature coat and lovable nature, they make excellent companions for those who can match their energy and provide proper training and care.
🐾 Similar Dog Breeds
If you’re interested in the Irish Red & White Setter, you might also like these similar breeds:
1. Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is a close relative of the Irish Red & White Setter, known for its solid red coat and friendly, outgoing nature. This breed is also an excellent hunting dog and family companion.
The English Setter is another versatile hunting breed with a beautiful coat, typically spotted or “belton” in color. English Setters are known for their gentle and affectionate temperament.
The Gordon Setter is the largest of the setter breeds, with a striking black and tan coat. This breed is known for its strength, stamina, and loyalty, making it an excellent hunting companion and family pet.
Conclusion
The Irish Red & White Setter is a unique and versatile breed that offers a wonderful blend of friendliness, loyalty, and intelligence. Whether you’re looking for a dedicated hunting companion or a loving family pet, the Irish Red & White Setter has much to offer. With proper care, training, and socialization, this breed will bring joy and companionship to any household. If you’re considering adding an Irish Red & White Setter to your family, take the time to learn more and ensure that this energetic and affectionate breed is the right fit for your lifestyle.
FAQs
Is the Irish Red & White Setter a dangerous dog?
No, the Irish Red & White Setter is not a dangerous dog. This breed is known for its friendly and social nature. They are generally gentle with people, including children, and other animals. With proper training and socialization, Setters are well behaved and make excellent companions.
Is the Irish Red & White Setter a good guard dog?
While the Irish Red & White Setter is alert and will bark to alert its owners of strangers, it is not typically considered a guard dog. Their friendly and gentle nature means they are more likely to welcome visitors than act as a deterrent. The Setter is better suited as a companion dog than a protector.
