Origin
Irish Setters are very distinct looking dogs that over the years have consistently been popular both in the show ring as well as in a home environment. Originally bred as working gundogs, they have to be among the most glamorous of dogs which means more often than not, they are the focus of lots of attention from fans of the breed and other people too thanks to the gorgeously rich chestnut-red coats and their very kind natures.
These setters are among the oldest of their type around and were first bred in Ireland where they made their mark as being excellent gundogs although it has to be said, the Irish Setter is known to have a bit of a mischievous streak in them.
Being one of the oldest of the setter breeds, the Irish Setter was around before English or Gordon Setters appeared on the scene. They originate from Ireland where they were developed by crossing old-type spaniels, setting spaniels and Scottish Setters. They were originally bred as hunting dogs and were to become excellent scent dogs. However, the Irish Setters of yesterday were much like the dogs we know today and they boasted a mischievous side to their nature which often got the better of them when they were being put their paces and working.
In 1882, the first Irish Red Setter Club was established all thanks to the efforts of The Earl of Enniskellen who worked hard to breed only the best quality dogs. It was the Earl who developed the breed's striking solid red coat. With this said, many dogs that were exhibited during this time still boasted white or black markings in their coats which was a throw-back to traits seen in the Gordon, Red and White Setters.
The Irish Setter has always enjoyed a tremendous amount of success in the show ring, thanks to their wonderful looks and hyper personalities and these charming dogs continued to do well until the breed was almost lost the 1940s thanks to the onset of an eye disease known as Progressive Retinal Atrophy which today is better known as PRA. Fortunately, with the advancement in veterinary medicine, it is now possible to have all Irish Setters DNA tested for this eye disorder and any dogs with the condition are never used in a breeding programme. This has helped increase breed numbers with fewer cases of dogs suffering from PRA over recent years.
