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Choosing an ideal dog breed: Irish setter
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Red and White variety Irish Setter
Today, I'm profiling the Irish Setter; an intelligent and fun-loving dog with a beautiful red coat, which makes him a head-turning favorite in the show ring. His amiable personality also makes him a popular choice for a family pet. But, this same friendly temperament makes him a poor choice for a watch dog.
The Irish Setter is a proficient hunter, with superior instincts in both the water and in the woods. As a sporting dog, he is exuberant and requires a great deal of exercise. A large fenced yard is the most appropriate environment for him, so it is ill-advised to move this breed into an apartment. It is also recommended to avoid leaving him alone too long, as his enthusiasm can quickly become destructive when he is confined for an extensive period of time.
These dogs love children, and get along very well with other dogs. However, they tend to be very boisterous, which can be overwhelming for a very young child. They also get along well with other pets and animals when given the opportunity to become properly socialized with them.
Training can sometimes be a challenge, due to the Setter's relatively short attention span. They are extremely curious and can become easily distracted. They are very bright, however, and are eager to please their masters. The most affective training methods involve shorter intervals, which should be scheduled frequently.
The Setter will bark to alert the household of anyone approaching, but again, since he has such a gregarious personality, that is pretty much the extent of his guard dog capability.
Since the Irish Setter has such a long, gorgeous coat, he needs to be brushed often. He also needs his ears cleaned regularly to prevent infection.
These dogs are generally very healthy, with a life expectancy of 11-15 years. Some possible health problems include: arthritis, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism (an under active thyroid gland), osteosarcoma (bone cancer) progressive retinal atrophy (also known as PRA, this is a disorder which can eventually lead to blindness) and Von Willenbrand disease, which is an abnormality in the coagulation of blood platelets. Lastly, the Irish Setter can also be vulnerable to what's referred to as "bloat"; an over expansion of the stomach, due to excessive gas content.
In conclusion, I'd say that an Irish Setter would be an ideal choice for any active family with a fenced yard. They make excellent companions, and won't intimidate your children's playmates or your house guests.
Thank you for reading, and if you liked this article, please look for some of my previous installments, featuring: the St. Bernard, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and many others. Thanks again for stopping by!
For more info: For more details about the Irish Setter, or if you're interested in adopting one, please visit http://pets.com/breed/details/122/all.
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