Colors: Reddish browns from chestnut to mahogany, some white on chest and feet acceptable. no other colors a

Living: Indoors or outdoors prefers room to move and explore. a larger yard is important.

Recognized: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CCR, APRI, ACR

Description

The Irish Setter"s profusely feathered silky coat comes in rich shades of chestnut to mahogany, sometimes with splashes of white on the chest and feet. Black is not allowed. Some young dogs have silvery-gray hair behind the ears and legs, but these may disappear as the dog matures. Its coat is long and silky except for the head, where it is short and fine. Even the feet should be well covered with hair. The Setter"s ears are triangular, thin, soft to the touch, long and low set, and the legs are long and muscular. The dog is slightly longer than tall. The length of the muzzle should be equal to half of the length of the entire head. The nasal canal is straight and the nose is black or brown. The jaws have a close fitting dental arch. The stop is greatly accentuated and the eyes are chestnut or dark hazel. The chest is rather narrow and the thorax is deep and streamlined. The tail is carried horizontally and is fringed.

Temperament

The Irish setter was bred to be a tireless and enthusiastic hunter, and it approaches everything in life with a rollicking, good-natured attitude, full of gusto and fervor. Given a daily outlet for its energy, it makes a pleasant companion. Without ample exercise, it can be overly active inside or become frustrated. It is an amiable breed, eager to please and be part of its family"s activities. It is good with children, but can be too rambunctious for small children. It is less popular as a hunter than the other setters.

Excercise

The Irish needs exercise, and lots of it. It is not fair to take a dog selected for boundless energy and expect it to sit inside. A minimum of one hour of hard strenuous games and exertion a day is recommended. Because of its energy, it is not suited as an apartment dog. It can live outside in temperate or warm weather, but it needs warm shelter and needs to come inside in colder weather. It is such a sociable dog that it does best living with its family. The coat needs regular brushing and combing every two to three days, plus some clipping and trimming to looks its best.

Grooming

Daily brushing and combing of the soft, flat, medium-length coat is all that is required to keep it in excellent condition. Keep it free from burrs and tangles, and give a little extra care when the dog is molting. Bathe and dry shampoo only when necessar

Health

Major concerns: PRA, CHD, gastric torsion

Minor concerns: epilepsy, megaesophagus, OCD, panosteitis, HOD

Occasionally seen: OCD, epilepsy, hemophilia A

Suggested tests: DNA for PRA, hip, eye, cardiac

Note: With the advent of DNA testing for PRA.