Description written by: Jerry Spears
It is fairly certain that the breed was developed and recognized during the eighteenth century in Ireland. It also seems likely the the big red dogs came from the blending of the sporting dogs of the time - the spaniels, bloodhounds, pointers, and Gordon and English setter cousins.
Three distinct color strains were common in Ireland in earlier times - solid red, red and white, and red with very small white sprinkles.
With the advent of dog shows in England in the mid 1800s, the Irish setter began a new chapter in its development. By 1860, the first dog show to have a separate Irish setter class was held in Birmingham, England.
In 1870, a dog named Palmerston changed things forever. A hunting dog before he was a show dog, Palmerston was once sentenced by his owner to be destroyed. not really wanting to kill the dog the owners kennel man sold Palmerston to a dog fancier, J.M Hilliard. Hilliard began to show him in 1875. Palmerston went on to have a phenomenal show career and an even better career as a stud dog. It seems fitting that Palmerston has been credited as the most important sire in the development of the modern Irish setter.
After World War I, there would be a "red explosion". The Irish setter became "the" dog to own. Top quality Irish setters began to be produced consistently, and what had begun with a dog with a death sentence over his head became the development of the beautiful and useful Irish setter of today.
A.K.C. Standard
The Irish setter is an active, aristocratic bird dog, rich red in color, substantial yet elegant in build. Standing over 24 inches tall at the shoulder, the dog has a straight, fine, glossy coat, loner on ears, chest, tail and back of legs. A field it is a swift-moving hunter; at home, a sweet-natured, trainable companion with a rollicking personality.
Irish Setter Traits
Although Irish setters are bright, intelligent dogs, they mature slowly. It takes two full years for your Irish pup to physically grow up. 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.
Living with Big Red is never boring. An exceptionally beautiful animal, he moves with lively grace, attracting admiring attention
wherever he goes. Spirited and sweet-natured, loving and loyal, this breed greets each day with renewed cheer.
