How to Identify an Irish Red and White Setter

Irish Red and White Setters are bird dogs that originated in Ireland back in the 1600s and are members of the sporting group. [1] They have multiple things in common with other dog breeds, as well as several unique traits. This wikiHow will help you with figuring out whether or not a dog is an Irish Red and White Setter.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Looking at the Body Structure

  1. Male Irish Red and White Setters are between 24.5–26 inches (62–66 cm) in height, and they weigh between 60–70 pounds (27–32 kg). Females are a little smaller, being between 22.5–24 inches (57–61 cm) tall and weighing between 45–55 pounds (20–25 kg). [2]
  2. Irish Red and White Setters should have a skull that is rounded, in proportion with their body, and broad, and you should not notice occipital protuberance. [3]
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  3. Irish Red and White Setters have ears that are well back, set level with their eyes, and lie close to their head. [4]
  4. Irish Red and White Setters should eyes that are either dark brown or dark hazel in color, and almost or completely round, with a little prominence. [5]
  5. Irish Red and White Setters have a tail that is strong at the root and tapers to a fine point. The tail should also be of a moderate length yet not reach to below the dog's hock. The tail should be carried either below or level with the dog's back and not bare any resemblance to a rope. [6]
  6. Overall, Irish Red and White Setters should have a powerful, strong, proportioned, and well-balanced appearance with no lumber. When the dog is trotting, their head should be held high, and their gait should appear quite lively, efficient, and graceful. [7]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Noticing the Coat

  1. As the name suggests, Irish Red and White Setters are, in fact, red and white, with white being the base color of the dog's coat, and solid red patches being found on the dog. [8]
    • You may notice some flecking around the dog's feet and face, up the hind leg as far as their hock, and up the foreleg as far as their elbow, but you shouldn't notice it anywhere else on the dog. [9]
  2. On an Irish Red and White Setter, you should notice feathering (long hair that is fine and silky) on the outer ear flap, on the back of the dog's hind and forelegs, and on their flank extending to their chest and throat area, which should form a fringe. The tail should also be feathered well. [10]
    • The feathering should be flat and straight and not be overly profuse. [11]
    • The hair should be short and flat with no curling (though you may notice slight waviness) on all other parts of the dog's body, including the front of the dog's legs and their head. [12]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Checking Temperament

  1. Irish Red and White Setters are known to be loyal to their people and generally won't travel too far away from them if they're out hunting. [13]
  2. Irish Red and White Setters are devoted to their family, and as a result, they don't like being left alone for long periods of time. [14]
  3. Irish Red and White Setters are generally affectionate towards other dogs as well as people. In addition, although they don't do well with them typically, some Irish Red and White Setters may end up doing well with cats they're raised with. [15]
  4. Irish Red and White Setters are energetic, playful dogs overall. [16]
  5. Because they have a lot of energy, Irish Red and White Setters will need regular exercise, through things like games of fetch and jogs or hikes. [17]
  6. Irish Red and White Setters are reliable, and you can count on them to be a good hunting dog as well as a good watch dog (though not a guard dog), thanks to their good sense of smell and them having both retrieving and pointing capabilities. [18]
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      Tips

      • Consider dog DNA testing if you're wondering what breed your dog is, since DNA testing can help confirm this.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/irish-red-and-white-setter/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/irish-red-and-white-setter/
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/IrishRedWhiteSetter.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/IrishRedWhiteSetter.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/IrishRedWhiteSetter.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/IrishRedWhiteSetter.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/IrishRedWhiteSetter.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/IrishRedWhiteSetter.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/IrishRedWhiteSetter.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/IrishRedWhiteSetter.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/IrishRedWhiteSetter.pdf
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/IrishRedWhiteSetter.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/irish-red-and-white-setter-temperament/
      5. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/irish-red-and-white-setter-temperament/
      6. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/irish-red-and-white-setter-temperament/
      7. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/irish-red-and-white-setter-temperament/
      8. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/irish-red-and-white-setter-temperament/
      9. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/irish-red-and-white-setter-temperament/

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