Irish Setter breed characteristics: is it obedient to the owner? Irish Red Setter: description and characteristics of the breed

Choosing a friendly, loyal and playful friend Those who prefer an active lifestyle are recommended to pay attention to the Irish Setter breed. They bred him for hunting, but Lately the Irishman began to gain popularity among those who wanted to have pet– He gets along well with kids and has a friendly disposition. A dog has many advantages, but even experienced dog breeders would benefit from familiarizing themselves with the basic requirements and characteristics.

History of the breed

The history of the breed is not replete with interesting details. The birthplace of beautiful hunting dogs is Ireland; it was here that the handsome dogs were first bred in the nineteenth century and quickly gained popularity all over the world. Unfortunately, it is impossible to accurately determine which breeds are the ancestors of the Irish. According to some reports, there were spaniels and cops here.

There is also evidence that it was planned to use the Irish for various works, but it is impossible to verify the information. The only evidence for this hypothesis is muscular body, possessing excellent endurance and excellent build of dogs.

Brief description of the breed:

• large size, nobility of posture;
• athletic body build;
• male height up to 65 cm, female height up to 60 cm;
• weight up to 35 kg;
• small head, dark brown eyes;
• soft, folded ears, densely covered with soft hair, the length of which often exceeds 5 cm;
• high muscular legs;
• long, toned body;
• Thick, long hair that has no undercoat; the smell of a dog is not noticeable.

Most often, the Irish have a light or dark red coat color, but there are representatives of the breed that flaunt a chestnut “outfit” with snow-white tan markings on the throat or chest area. The standards also allow a small star in the forehead area.

Comparing the Irish Setter dog breed with other major representatives dog family, you can notice one difference. The Irish are not distinguished by their massiveness - the body is usually lean and rather thin, although this does not in any way affect their power and strength.

Lifespan

Like most members of the huge family of dogs, the Irish have a life expectancy of up to 15 years. If you avoid mistakes in care and surround your pet with care and love, you can easily extend this period by almost five years.

Irish Setter Personality

The main character traits of the Irish Setter are playfulness, affability, and friendliness. There will be no difficulties with training and education - the breed is distinguished by its good nature and ability to grasp things on the fly.

The Irishman has plenty of energy, so he will have to regularly go for walks with his pet. If possible, it is better to go outside the city on weekends - to the forest, to a pond, to a field. The dog will certainly be pleased with such a walk, which he will not fail to notify his owner about with incredible bursts of energy.

The Irish Setter gets along peacefully with other pets. Cats can be calm - no one will encroach on their territory and no one will force them to hide in the corners or on the closet. The Irishman especially likes to tinker with children - if you don’t make mistakes in upbringing, it won’t be difficult even for a toddler to keep him on a leash.

Planning to raise from an Irish Setter guard dog, it is better to abandon such an idea, otherwise such experiments will end in disappointment. The Irishman will greet even a stranger with a friendly wag of his tail.

Purchasing an Irish Setter puppy is not recommended for families who prefer a quiet way of life - this breed does not know how to get bored for a long time. Elderly people who need long walks and physical activity are not recommended, it is also better to refuse to buy a pet that prefers most spend time on the move.

Care and education

When purchasing an Irish Red Setter, you should prepare yourself in advance for daily care. Smooth coat without undercoat requires special attention owners, otherwise the dog will quickly lose all its splendor. It is recommended to brush your pet daily; it is better to use special brushes with natural bristles for the procedures. The Irishman really likes such manipulations. Regular brushing serves as a good massage, completely removes dead hair, removes dirt and dust. Must be done daily wet cleaning in the house - despite the fact that shedding practically does not cause difficulties, wool indoors cannot be avoided.

Water procedures are a mandatory condition that will have to be performed at least once every six months. You should not bathe too much - if you do it too often, there is a risk of washing natural oils, which protect the dog from dust and moisture. It is better to use special shampoos for long-haired breeds - the use of such products not only perfectly washes out dirt, but also improves the structure of the coat, providing it with a healthy appearance and silky shine.

Both Irish Setter puppies and adult dogs often develop ear infections, so it is recommended to check their ears regularly and contact a veterinarian at the first sign of discomfort. Remove dirt with a damp cotton pad or napkin.

The claws of your pet are also subject to regular inspection. It is recommended to shorten them with forceps, and at least once a month. You should remember about the fifth toe, which is only on the front paws. It does not come into contact with surfaces, so it practically does not wear off - you have to shorten it with tongs.

Be sure to examine the eyes - the breed is prone to souring. A proven remedy will come to the rescue here - concentrated tea leaves. Rinse your eyes several times a day at the first sign of souring.

Another disadvantage of the breed is its tendency to skin diseases. It is quite difficult to avoid dermatitis, so it is recommended to regularly examine the dog, especially if it begins to itch and lick vigorously.

Irish Setter training begins from childhood. You should not try to force or use too harsh methods - such experiments will not bring anything good. The Irishman quickly remembers commands, so it is better to show some patience, which will certainly be rewarded.

There won’t be any particular difficulties in keeping an Irishman. The dog eats it with pleasure natural food(porridge, pasta), meat. The Irish Setter will also like boiled vegetables. Like for a pet and fish, but be sure to expose it first heat treatment and completely remove the bones. Occasionally pamper your pet with dog biscuits or dry food. High-quality canned food and varieties of hard cheese will also bring a lot of pleasure to your dog.

Before using dry store-bought food, it is better to consult a specialist. Only a veterinarian will select a perfectly balanced composition that will benefit your pet.

The Irish Setter is a great friend and faithful companion on long walks, so it is recommended to give this breed preference to families who cannot imagine their life without regular movement. The Irishman will not cause any trouble in caring for and maintaining them; he will gladly take part in all joint activities and thank his owners for their care and attention with friendliness and boundless love.

Irish Setter, by its hunting profession, belongs to the cops, and all cops descended from ancient hound-like dogs - marriages. Distinctive feature All cops have their unique stance - the pet freezes in a wary position with a raised paw in the direction of the hidden game. Irish Setter serves an indispensable assistant hunter for searching and importing shot game and wounded animals.

Until almost the nineteenth century, long-haired pointers were not divided into separate breeds in Britain. Setters from various kennels could represent different lines breeds english setter. So at the 1859 exhibition, all exhibited setters were judged in one class, and at the Birmingham exhibition in 1860 Irish Red Setter, for convenience, was tried separately. In 1861, Gordon received the same privilege.

Red piebald and red longhaired pointers began to be bred in Ireland from the end of the thirteenth century, which were descended from red piebald spaniels. As a result of selection and breeding work, crossing with Foxhound and other hunting breeds I bought modern look and working qualities.

The Irish highly value and are proud of their national breed. These pointers are ideal for hunting among the moors and hills of Ireland, they are used to hunt partridges, snipe and pheasants. Irish Setter It is very resilient and energetic in its work; in search of prey, it goes into a silent gallop, holding its head at the level of its back. By the end of the millennium, the majority of field victories in trials held in Ireland, England and Scotland were won by the Irish Red Setter.

According to standard must be athletically proportioned with a lean constitution. The pet's movements are light, smooth and wide, the thrusts of the hind limbs are powerful. By nature, the setter is lively and very energetic. According to FCI standard should weigh from 22 to 27 kilograms, and the height at the withers should correspond to 55-62 cm in females and 58-67 cm. in males.

The shape of the head is long and dry, the muzzle is moderately deep. Nose with wide nostrils, lips dry and thin; The color of the nose and lips can vary from dark red to black. Almond shaped eyes average size dark brown color. The ears are medium in size, rounded at the ends, set at eye level, hanging down, forming a small fold. Muscular neck of moderate length without signs of dewlap.

The setter's chest is long and deep, but not wide, the back is straight, the withers are clearly visible, and the loin is short. The tail is of moderate length, set low, and does not rise above the line of the back. The limbs are set parallel, the thighs are muscular and long. The hocks are set low and the pasterns are slightly sloping.

A close-fitting coat of medium length with a straight and thick hair. The front side of the limbs, head and tips of the ears are covered with thin and short hair, and the underside of the chest and abdomen, back side limbs are decorated with more long hair. Irish Setter According to the standard, it should have a dark red-red color. It can also be the color of polished red wood, but without interspersing black hair. White markings are allowed on the forehead, muzzle, throat and chest.

Irish Setter character

Irish Setter has an independent and proud character, the pet will never allow harsh influence towards itself, which must be taken into account when training and coaching.

In general, the breed is considered strong and healthy, although sometimes diseases such as immune deficiency and dysplasia may occur. elbow joint, as well as progressive retinal atrophy. All breeding dogs in mandatory should be tested for these diseases at one year of age.

By life expectancy refers to long-livers, since it is absolutely not uncommon for pets to live up to the age of eighteen.

To maintain good coat structure, your pet should be brushed and combed regularly, but washed no more than once every three months. In preparation for the exhibition, dogs are trimmed with scissors and trimmed with scissors. Your pet's drooping ears should be examined periodically, especially upon returning from a hunt.

Everyone who wants to receive Additional information For information on raising, feeding and training your pets, I recommend visiting the “Reading” section.

The Irish Red Setter or Irish Setter is a breed of hunting dog.

History of the origin of the Irish Setter breed

The Irish Setter is one of the oldest hunting breeds. The breed originated in Ireland, where it was used for gun hunting. Scientists have found that several breeds took part in crossbreeding: Irish water spaniel, Irish Terrier, pointer, several Gordon setters.

The breed was officially recognized in 1876.

The deep red-red hue appeared in the 19th century and became a sign good quality breed and excellent physical fitness. Actively gaining popularity for a hundred years, the dog gained a reputation as a tireless hunter in England.

Today, the Red Irish Setter is considered the most common breed of setter in the world, and is already used not only for hunting, but also as a companion dog.

Appearance of the breed Irish Setter

A beautiful, proportionally built dog. The stand is high. Used in the summer-autumn hunting season for swamp, steppe and upland game.

The Irish Setter is one of the large dogs, however, their body is not nearly as muscular and strong as that of many other equally tall dogs.

The height of males is 58-67 cm, females 55-62 cm.

The body of these dogs is elongated, the legs are long and strong, and Irish Setters move quite quickly.

The head is small, with close-set eyes, the ears are large, soft, hanging.

The coat of such dogs is long, but not soft; on the contrary, it is hard and thick, but without undercoat.

The skin of Irish Setters is devoid of folds, it is very thin, but elastic.

Irish Setter color

The color of dogs varies from rich red to equally rich chestnut. The standard allows for the presence of a small amount of white hair in the area of ​​the toes, on the sternum, and muzzle.

Considering that almost all setters are similar, the color of Irish setters is their business card. If speak about like dogs, but with white fur and red spots, then they belong to separate breed Irish red and white setter. And dogs with black fur and red markings are black Irish setters, which are, in fact, a breed of Scottish setter. Similar dogs black and white color- these are also setters, but English.

Temperament and Training of the Irish Setter

Modern Irish Setters are a universal breed that can be kept both in an apartment and in a private home. But they are not suitable for an enclosure or outdoors, since they do not have a particularly developed undercoat.

When choosing a representative of this breed as a pet, you should take into account that it will take quite a lot of time to raise and train it. The Irish have a tendency to run away, so they need to be adapted and trained with early age until the dog learns “good manners.”

The most difficult command to give is “come to me!”, since the dogs are very reckless and, carried away by the chase, may not respond to the owner’s call. In this case, you may need the help of professionals, but other commands are much easier for setters.

It is always worth taking into account highly developed hunting instincts dogs They are able to react to the slightest noise, and whenever possible, they will pursue prey. Therefore, until the end of training, the pet should not be let off the leash or released, but only in open areas. Free walking in forest and park areas is possible only with excellent assimilation of the “come to me” command.

During the “hunt” the dog may show aggression; such attacks should not be encouraged, but punishment should not be done either. Setters respond well to emotions, so if they are shamed or offended, they are able to repent of what they have done. In extreme cases, you can pat your pet on the rump with a rolled-up newspaper. But physical punishment will cause the pet’s mistrust and significantly complicate the learning process.

Irish Setters are excellent athletes, excellent for coursing, agility, Frisbee, and they are also excellent swimmers. Dogs instinctively love to fetch balls or sticks, so “fetch” is one of their most favorite games.

If you give your pet the necessary exercise and feed it correctly, the dog will become extremely loving and devoted. Setters get along well with all members of even a large family and are tolerant of children. For them, separation from their owner is a real test. Setters can get along with dogs and cats, but only if they good upbringing. But the rest of the small animals will always be the object of hunting and no amount of education will help here.

Irish Setter Care

The dog will require daily care and supervision. The coat of the breed is dense, quite thick and long, but without undercoat. The setter sheds twice a year, but there is no intense shedding of fur, so this stage may not be noticed. The coat changes only along the dog's body; the fringe on the paws remains intact. Setter owners claim that if a dog has a luxurious fur coat, there is no smell at all.

The Irish Setter needs to be brushed every day. The dog's coat is very beautiful, but only in well-groomed condition. By brushing your pet, you not only bring beauty, but also remove dead particles and dust from the skin, and also give a massage, which is so pleasant for the dog!

It is recommended to bathe your setter no more than once every ten days. Of course, if the need arises, sometimes this rule can be broken. Frequent bathing is not recommended because the coat loses natural substances that protect the dog from dust, dirt, and getting wet.

There is no need to trim the setter, he has a beautiful haircut by nature! But sometimes pay attention to the areas between the fingers, tangles may form there; to avoid such a problem, sometimes cut the hair.

The ears of dogs of this breed are droopy and need to be regularly cleaned. A damp cloth or dampened cotton pad will help remove dirt. Cleaning your ears is very easy. Setters are prone to ear infections, so check their ears as often as possible for irritation and infections.

The described breed prefers to run on grass and earth, but not on asphalt, so the claws themselves do not grind down. Buy a nail clipper and trim it from time to time, not forgetting the fifth toe on the front paws. If you don't trim your dog's nails, they will get in the way when walking, and this can lead to lameness.

After each walk, wipe your setter's heels with a damp towel. Wipe your dog's eyes with a damp towel every day; he won't be able to do this on his own.

IN natural diet dogs should always have meat (beef, chicken, liver), sea ​​fish seedless.

Pork - unwanted product because it's too fat. The dog should be given meat both raw (but scalded with boiling water) and boiled.

In addition to meat ingredients, do not forget about grains and cereals (oatmeal, rice, wheat).

The setter will gobble up vegetables with great pleasure.

The daily intake for an adult setter is 500 grams of meat ingredient + 300 grams of porridge and vegetables. But this is only an approximate figure, because each representative of a given dog breed has personal needs and standards.

The number of feedings per day is from 2 to 3 times.

If the owner decides to feed the dog dry balanced food, then you should consult your veterinarian to choose the best one. When feeding food, do not forget about a full bowl of clean water.

The setter loves to eat high-quality canned food and dog biscuits, which can be replaced with biscuits.

Irish Setter puppies should eat a balanced diet, at least 6 times a day. The baby's diet requires cottage cheese, kefir, milk, boiled eggs and other foods rich in calcium, protein, vitamins and minerals.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Irish Setter breed

Everyone loves the Red Irish Setter for its beautiful appearance. appearance, elegance of lines and habits, good disposition. He gets along well with pets and everyone in the household, and loves to play with children. The dog is very active, energetic, cheerful, playful, and smart. Its natural working qualities, with good training, can be of great help during hunting. In addition, the dog is unpretentious and will not require any special care or care.

There are certain inconveniences in keeping this breed. The main thing is the need for frequent and active walks (the dog definitely needs to run out) and careful care of the coat. Setters are prone to allergic reactions Therefore, you should be careful about your diet and the use of wool washing products.

The Irish Setter is a dog of medium height, proportional build with a pronounced high front. , searching for prey at a fast pace is also a breed standard. The appearance of the Irish Setter is closely related to its hunting behavior. The dog works energetically, with free, wide movements. The setter has a characteristic high expressive stance, devoid of emphasized tension.

Setters are the owners of a dry, strong type of constitution. The elongation index (the ratio of body length and height) for males is 100-105, for females – 102-107. The standard height at the withers for males is 57-66 centimeters, for females - 54-63 centimeters.

The Irish Setter's chest is deep, the transition from the chest line to the belly line is smooth, the ribs are arched. The groins are tucked, the withers protrude sharply above the line of the back (especially in males). The back is straight and muscular, the croup is long, wide and sloping. The loin is convex, short, with well-developed muscles.

The Irish Setter's forelimbs are straight, parallel, and their elbows point straight back. The angle of the glenohumeral joint is slightly greater than 100 degrees. The forearms are long, the pasterns are narrow with a slight slope and are of medium length.

Straight, parallel hind limbs widely spaced. The articulation angles are well defined. The lower legs are long, the metatarsals are slightly pulled back when at rest.

The paws are small, tightly compressed into a ball, the claws are directed towards the ground. The fingers on them are strong, closed, arched. The tail feather continues the line of the croup and is set low. The tail is saber-shaped or straight, thick at the base, becoming thinner towards the end. In females, the length of the tail reaches the hock; in males, the tail is 2-3 cm shorter. The Irish Setter carries its tail no higher than the line of the back.

The Irish Setter's head is long and dry. The skull between the ears is oval, slightly narrowed at the back, and has a beautifully defined occipital protuberance. The brow ridges are raised, forming a noticeable transition from the forehead to the muzzle, and the line of the skull runs parallel (slightly higher) to the muzzle. The muzzle is long, slightly lowered, slightly tapering towards the end. The lips fit tightly, gums to gums, are pigmented to match the nose, trimmed upper lip rounded The bridge of the Irish Setter's nose can be either straight or hooked, and its nose is dark brown, dark red or.

The color of the Irish Setter should be uniform, chestnut with a red tint, dark or light red (like the color of polished mahogany). However, a lighter color of the elongated coat is acceptable. hind legs. Small marks are also acceptable white on the muzzle, crown, forehead, chest, throat, fingers.

The thick, soft coat is of medium length, straight and close-fitting. The length of the coat varies: it is shorter on the head and front of the legs and longer on the body. The coat is longer and thicker than on the body, on the ears, the underside of the chest, the back of the legs from the elbows to the paws, and from the tail to the hocks of the legs.

Oval brown or dark brown eyes are set shallow, slightly askew. Thin, soft, hanging ears of medium length, rounded at the ends, set at eye level. The teeth are white and strong. The priku is scissor-shaped.

The Irish Setter is large, active and cheerful dog with a kind and peaceful character. Perfect for a young family leading healthy image life. For older people it's so active dog will become a burden.

As a companion dog, the Irishman scores 9 out of 10. Non-aggressive. Lives in a world where everyone is each other's friends and there is no hatred or malice. Attached to a person. Loves games and gets along well with children. 10 out of 10 cannot be chosen just because setters have character and some independence. It is impossible to achieve complete obedience; it always leaves the right to choose: agree to demands or not. At a certain age, the Irish Setter's hyperactivity leads to chaos in the house and theft of food. To prevent this from happening, give your pet the necessary attention, satisfying the need for movement with walks, and love endlessly.

History of the breed

Ireland is considered the birthplace of dogs. In the 18th century, the breed was bred for the purpose of hunting in marshy and steppe areas. As the years passed, they began to evaluate her based on her external appearance and present her at various exhibitions. The color was different. Previously, representatives of the breed were allowed impurities or not entirely pure color.

How independent breed was determined in the middle of the 19th century. Initially it was used exclusively for hunting. For a long time was not considered as family dog due to naughty nature. Later, the breeders noticed the shortcoming and began making adjustments. Today the setter is devoid of aggressiveness.

IN different countries popularity is due to for various reasons. For example, in the United States of America there is a boom in the Irish Setter as the perfect dog for the family began when two successive presidents, Truman and Nixon, often appeared in public with playful auburn pets.

As hunting dog The setter is perfect for hunting on water, in swampy areas. A fast, agile and resilient dog, it is with great joy that it takes part in hunting raids, drives and brings up game.

Breed standard

The Irish Setter is a harmoniously built medium-sized dog with a dry, strong type of constitution.

The body is narrow, dry, with a moderately developed muscular frame, smooth, curved lines. The above applies to the abdomen, back, sternum, and head parameters. The paws are smooth, long, thin, the hind legs are set slightly wider than the front ones. The toes are tightly set, wide, and the claws are clearly defined. The elbow bends of the front paws are directed backwards. The ribs are rounded, evenly curved, rib cage deep, groins tucked. The muscles are not as well developed as in dogs of other breeds with similar height and similar parameters.

Irish Setter Personality

The Setter has a peaceful, good-natured, slightly peculiar character. Energetic and active, creates a similar owner. Devoid of aggression towards dogs, to strangers, the Irishman takes everyone for a friend, without expecting a catch. Despite its large size, it will not be possible to make it from an animal watchdog and an intimidating security guard. Not suspicious of strangers. Quality is not embedded in genes.

Dogs of the breed are not distinguished by impeccable obedience; owners talk about extraordinary intelligence and the ability to subtly respond to what is happening around them. An intelligent, humane, soft and kind look gives the Irish Setter a certain aura of tenderness.

The dog is good with children. Never allow you to accidentally push or scare your baby. The setter gets along well with pets, especially if it grows up living together in a house.

The dog is fast, energetic, with excellent reactions. Not aggressive, friendly, obedient, loyal. He gets along well with children, rarely shows aggression, but in case of an attack he is able to show fighting qualities!

Irish Setter Care

The Irish Setter is an apartment dog. It is difficult to imagine a good-natured creature, loving family members with all its heart, in an enclosure or on a leash. Gone are the days when hunting was considered the purpose of the breed. Today the setter is a family dog, pleasing to the eye with activity and love of life.

look after long hair dogs will have to daily. It is enough to comb the dog to prevent the appearance of tangles, and bathe as necessary. You can’t bathe your dog often; the coat is soaked in special fat that protects against external environment, making it waterproof. With frequent bathing, the layer is damaged and the coat takes on an unhealthy appearance.

Setters' ears, like dogs with floppy ears, require special care to prevent inflammation. The veterinarian regularly checks the condition of your pet's ears. The ears often suffer from all kinds of infections. The dog should visit a doctor once every 3 months.

Dog breeds are different good health and high tone. We list a number of diseases characteristic of the breed:

• Bloating (volvulus);
• Allergic dermatitis;
• Hypothyroidism;
• Epilepsy;
• Melanoma;
• Bone cancer;
• Congenital idiopathic megaesophagus (enlargement of the esophagus);
• Otitis.

Let us emphasize the main rules of care:

1. The dog is large and requires walking fresh air, active games, excess space and freedom of movement.
2. Walk at least twice a day, giving him plenty of opportunity to catch up. You should not give excessive loads, especially after meals.
3. Brush regularly, at least 2 times a week, otherwise tangled balls of hair will appear, disturbing the dog and worsening its appearance.
4. Bathing is preferably regular, infrequent, as needed. Ideally, once every 2-3 weeks. The exception is rainy weather, mud on the street - in the latter case, Irish Setter puppies and adults require washing after each walk. To ensure that the dog brings less dirt and does not freeze its paws, the hair between the toes is periodically shortened. Otherwise, it does not need regular haircuts. During shedding, the fur does not cling and falls to the floor. Regular cleaning will minimize its amount in the room.
5. In the context of the topic of caring for the Irish Setter, it is important to mention that these are clean dogs; you will need to monitor the cleanliness of the toilet, sleeping area and dishes.

The veterinarian will advise you on how to properly vaccinate your dog and comment on your pet’s need for pharmacy vitamins and mineral complexes.

What to feed

Dogs eat little, given their size, but the diet is not provided for the same type and ill-conceived. An adult dog eats cereals, vegetables, and meat. In winter, the diet includes sufficient quantity fish oil. He loves meat and will not refuse pasta.

If you want to give your dog fish, make sure there are no bones that can hurt oral cavity, get stuck in the throat and cause suppuration.

You should not give your Irish Setter smoked meats. sausages, too spicy dishes. The ban applies to cakes and other store-bought sweets.