Are Irish Setters hyper or dumb?
Like most sporting breeds, Irish Setters have a lot of energy. They are athletic, have good noses, and want to explore the world. They are hunting dogs, and a lazy dog doesn't bring many birds to the table.
Many people choose not to use their Irish Setters to hunt, but their energy remains and needs to find an appropriate outlet. They need to run. A mile or two daily walk for these dogs is no substitute for a grand run in a fenced yard or dog park. Many people who complain about their dog's behavior are not exercising their dog sufficiently.
Irish Setters are intelligent, creative, can be pranksters, and will try to manipulate any situation to their advantage. Most setters owners have some entertaining stories about their dog's antics and cleverness. They will test you to see if you really mean what you say.
For example, if an Irish Setter attempts to board your sofa from the right side and you tell he/she "off", they will try to board from the left side. After all, it might be ok from the other direction. They will try the sofa the next day to see if "off" means everyday. They will try when you are out of the room to see if "off" means always. They are persistent experimenters, and if you fail to make corrections consistently you will be sitting on the floor looking up at your dog. They understand perfectly well; it's a game to discover who's training who.
They do learn quickly, and retain what they learn, and often make wonderful obedience dogs.
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Are Irish Setters good with kids?
All sporting breeds are sociable. They are meant to work and live closely with their people. Gentle dispositions are the ideal, and are typical.
Like kids, Irish Setters enjoy toys and games. Even rambunctious puppies are generally naturally gentle. Irish Setters are playful, however they are not always aware of their size, and can knock kids down. Sticky hands and faces will likely be washed off with a tongue. Little people with food will be asked to share.
All children, however, must be taught how to interact with dogs. Setters are gentle and sensitive and do not appreciate roughness from anyone.
At right, Dana with some young admirers at Milwaukee's Irish Fest. The dogs are part of a 2 1/2 day exhibit of Celtic Canines and they participate in demonstrations, parades, and act as ambassadors of their breed to the public.
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Do Irish Setters get along with other dogs? What about cats?
Irish Setters are a sociable breed. Most setters seem to enjoy the company of other dogs, and many people have more than one setter. Occasionally there me be other setters or dogs that an individual does not like. We humans don't like everyone we meet, and it seems natural that dogs have their preferences too.
We had a stray cat who decided to adopt us some years ago. The adult dogs always found her very interesting, and it took about a year for them to accept she was not a fuzzy soccer ball. The puppies who were raised with the cat considered her a funny looking dog. One bitch in particular really liked the cat and the two often slept together.
If a young dog is well socialized--exposed to travel, other dogs, cats, etc--they will become dependable and tolerant of new situations.
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Are Irish Setters good watch dogs?
Irish Setters watch everything, and keep you well informed of events. You will know if anything interesting--birds, squirrels, small furry creatures--have invaded your yard. Strangers may be greeted by a barking chorus. The UPS man has made it a personal challenge to get to the door before the setter alarm. The dog alarm usually goes off as the truck comes up the drive.
Irish Setters are not guard dogs. Their size and barking may scare an intruder, but do not expect an Irish Setter to act as an attack dog. Usually deep barks are accompanied by wagging tails.
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Do Irish Setters shed a lot? What grooming do they require?
Irish Setters do shed, but you will not see fluffy tumbleweeds rolling across the kitchen floor (as compared to a breed like a Golden Retriever). Irish Setter hair is similar in texture to human hair and requires brushing at least two to three times a week to remain tangle free.
Setters groomed in the "show" style have the tops of the ear, under ear, and necks clipped with an electric clipper. Fine blending of clipper lines is done with a thinning shears. Dead coat is pulled out of the back with a stripping comb. Excess hairs is trimmed on the feet and foot pads, and nails are trimmed.
Grooming is not difficult, and owners can easily learn to groom their own dogs (hey mistakes grow back). About 45 minutes every two weeks is enough to keep a setter looking groomed.
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Can Irish Setters hunt?
Some Irish Setters have better noses than others, but most will naturally point birds. Many setters pass hunting and tracking tests. Some of our dogs have worked in the field or passed hunt tests. Often the it is the owner's interest--not the dog's nose--that determines whether the dog will be used in the field.
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I had a setter years ago, where can I find a dog just like him/her?
Each dog is an individual. You may get other dogs, but you never replace the ones you lose. Setters share certain personality traits that will remind you of the dogs you've had before, but each is unique and special. Each puppy is the start of a new relationship.
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Do you make money selling puppies? Why do they cost so much?
Irish Setters are comparably priced to other sporting breeds. No one should breed a litter expecting to profit. Consider some of the costs reputable breeders incur to breed and raise a litter:
- The initial cost of the bitch and her maintenance (vet bills, food, training costs, etc.)
- Costs incurred in earning titles (entry fees, travel expenses, equipment)
- Health screening tests (OFA Hips, OFA Thyroid, PRA, at minimum)
- Stud fee and the cost of travel to breed the bitch
- Whelping equipment and other supplies
- Any extra vet cost should their be complications during pregnancy, delivery, or post delivery
- Vaccinations for the litter
- Food for the litter
- Having the litter checked by a vet
- AKC registration fees
There are also costs which are incalculable:
- Time spent researching pedigrees to find the right stud.
- Time spent socializing and maintaining puppies (feeding, cleaning, trimming nails, grooming, vaccinating, etc.)
- Time spent screening potential owners
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