Information on AKC Irish Setter Puppies
AKC MEET THE BREEDS®: Irish Setter
One of the most distinctive Sporting breeds, the mahogany red Irish Setter is an active, aristocratic bird dog. Originally bred to be red and white, the solid red color appeared in Ireland the 19th century and became a mark of quality and superior sporting ability. Over two feet tall at the shoulder, the Irish is known for his style, powerful movement and clown-like personality.
A Look Back
The Irish Setter became popular in the 18th century throughout Ireland and the British Isles. Developed from a mix of Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Terrier, English Setter, Spaniel, Pointer, and a dash of Gordon Setter, the breed was originally used to "set" game, crouching low near the birds so that the hunters could walk up and throw a net over bird and dog. When firearms were introduced, the Irish adapted into a gun dog that pointed, flushed and hunted in an upright stance.
Right Breed for You?
A rollicking breed, the Irish Setter is high-energy and requires regular exercise. His outgoing and stable personality make him a favorite with families. Their long, glossy red coat, although beautiful, must be groomed regularly to prevent snarls or mats.
If you are considering purchasing an Irish Setter puppy, learn more here.
- Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1878.
- Average size: 60 to 70 pounds and 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Bird dog, show dog.
© The American Kennel Club, Inc.
Irish Setter Breed Standard
General Appearance
The Irish Setter is an active, aristocratic bird dog, rich red in color, substantial
yet elegant in build. Standing over two feet tall at the shoulder, the dog has
a straight, fine, glossy coat, longer on ears, chest, tail and back of legs.
Afield, the Irish Setter is a swift-moving hunter; at home, a sweet natured,
trainable companion.
At their best, the lines of the Irish Setter so satisfy in overall balance that
artists have termed it the most beautiful of all dogs. The correct specimen
always exhibits balance, whether standing or in motion. Each part of the dog
flows and fits smoothly into its neighboring parts without calling attention
to itself.
Size, Proportion, Substance
There is no disqualification as to size. The make and fit of all parts and their
overall balance in the animal are rated more important. 27 inches at the withers
and a show weight of about 70 pounds is considered ideal for the dog; the bitch
25 inches, 60 pounds. Variance beyond an inch up or down is to be discouraged.
Proportion --Measuring from the breastbone to rear of thigh and
from the top of the withers to the ground, the Irish Setter is slightly longer
than it is tall. Substance--All legs sturdy with plenty of bone.
Structure in the male reflects masculinity without coarseness. Bitches appear
feminine without being slight of bone.
Head
Long and lean, its length at least double the width between the ears. Beauty
of head is emphasized by delicate chiseling along the muzzle, around and below
the eyes, and along the cheeks. Expression soft, yet alert. Eyes
somewhat almond shaped, of medium size, placed rather well apart, neither deep
set nor bulging. Color, dark to medium brown. Ears set well back
and low, not above level of eye. Leather thin, hanging in a neat fold close
to the head, and nearly long enough to reach the nose. The skull
is oval when viewed from above or front; very slightly domed when viewed in
profile. The brow is raised, showing a distinct stop midway between the tip
of the nose and the well-defined occiput (rear point of skull). Thus the nearly
level line from occiput to brow is set a little above, and parallel to, the
straight and equal line from eye to nose. Muzzle moderately deep,
jaws of nearly equal length, the underline of the jaws being almost parallel
with the top line of the muzzle. Nose black or chocolate; nostrils
wide. Upper lips fairly square but not pendulous. The teeth meet
in a scissors bite in which the upper incisors fit closely over the lower, or
they may meet evenly.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck moderately long, strong but not thick, and slightly arched;
free from throatiness and fitting smoothly into the shoulders. Topline
of body from withers to tail should be firm and incline slightly downward without
sharp drop at the croup. The tail is set on nearly level with
the croup as a natural extension of the topline, strong at root, tapering to
a fine point, nearly long enough to reach the hock. Carriage straight or curving
slightly upward, nearly level with the back. Body sufficiently
long to permit a straight and free stride. Chest deep, reaching
approximately to the elbows with moderate forechest, extending beyond the point
where the shoulder joins the upper arm. Chest is of moderate width so that it
does not interfere with forward motion and extends rearwards to well sprung
ribs. Loins firm, muscular and of moderate length.
Forequarters
Shoulder blades long, wide, sloping well back, fairly close together at the
withers. Upper arm and shoulder blades are approximately the same length, and
are joined at sufficient angle to bring the elbows rearward along the brisket
in line with the top of the withers. The elbows moving freely, incline neither
in nor out. Forelegs straight and sinewy. Strong, nearly straight
pastern. Feet rather small, very firm, toes arched and close.
Hindquarters
Hindquarters should be wide and powerful with broad, well developed thighs.
Hind legs long and muscular from hip to hock; short and perpendicular from hock
to ground; well angulated at stifle and hock joints, which, like the elbows,
incline neither in nor out. Feet as in front. Angulation of the forequarters
and hindquarters should be balanced.
Coat
Short and fine on head and forelegs. On all other parts of moderate length and
flat. Feathering long and silky on ears; on back of forelegs and thighs long
and fine, with a pleasing fringe of hair on belly and brisket extending onto
the chest. Fringe on tail moderately long and tapering. All coat and feathering
as straight and free as possible from curl or wave. The Irish Setter is trimmed
for the show ring to emphasize the lean head and clean neck. The top third of
the ears and the throat nearly to the breastbone are trimmed. Excess feathering
is removed to show the natural outline of the foot. All trimming is done to
preserve the natural appearance of the dog.
Color
Mahogany or rich chestnut red with no black. A small amount of white on chest,
throat or toes, or a narrow centered streak on skull is not to be penalized.
Gait
At the trot the gait is big, very lively, graceful and efficient. At an extended
trot the head reaches slightly forward, keeping the dog in balance. The forelegs
reach well ahead as if to pull in the ground without giving the appearance of
a hackney gait. The hindquarters drive smoothly and with great power. Seen from
front or rear, the forelegs, as well as the hind legs below the hock joint,
move perpendicularly to the ground, with some tendency towards a single track
as speed increases. Structural characteristics which interfere with a straight,
true stride are to be penalized.
Temperament
The Irish Setter has a rollicking personality. Shyness, hostility or timidity
are uncharacteristic of the breed. An outgoing, stable temperament is the essence
of the Irish Setter.
Approved August 14, 1990
Effective September 30, 1990
