The Irish Setter is a member of the gundog group and is very popular nowadays as both a working gundog and family pet. This gundog’s outstanding attribute is its rich, chestnut to mahogany coloured coat.
It is a silky, flat coat with feathering at the legs, ears and on the tail. Irish Setters are the oldest of the setter group, preceding Gordon and English setters.
The breed was first developed for hunting and has always had a good nose for scent.
However, it has not always proved to be the greatest of hunters as its mischievous, fun-loving nature sometimes gets in the way.
The Irish Setter plays enthusiastically but gently with children and is extraordinarily sweet and affectionate as a pet.
They get on well with other dogs but do need early exposure to cats and other pets in order to live in peace with them.