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, long on ears, chest, tail, and
back of legs. Afield he is a swift-moving hunter; at home a sweet natural trainable
companion. His is a rollicking personality. (From the Standard)This
magnificently colored hunting dog came into his own early in the eighteenth century in his
native Ireland. He soon gained popularity throughout the British Isles also. The early
specimens of the breed were not the solid color we associate with the breed today. They
were for the most part, red and white. They became great favorites as general hunting dogs
and were used for various game birds.
The solid red setter as distinguished from the parti-colored dog came
into prominence in Ireland early in the nineteenth century. They earned their reputation
as a hunter in the United States primarily with birds strange and new to them —
ruffed grouse, quail, and the prairie chicken.
The Irish Setter Club of America is responsible for the name "Irish
Red Setter" to designate the breed in this country. His beauty, gaiety, and
personality have made him also an ideal show dog.
