The origin of the Irish Setter dates back to the early 1700s in Ireland. The breed is a result of cross breeding between the Irish Water Spaniel, the English Setter and the Gordon Setter. In the beginning, it was not identical to the breed today. Its ancestors primarily were red and white. The solid red colouring came about by selective breeding practices. The solid red setter first appeared in the 18th Century.
Famous Irish Setter owners include Nixon and Olivia Newton-John.
FUN FACTS:
The Irish Setter tends to have a high metabolism and may need more food than a similar size dog of a less active breed. The Irish Setter matures slowly, both physically and mentally. The breed standard describes a 'rollicking' temperament, so owners must be prepared to share their home with a mischievous, intelligent, independent and stubborn redhead, who will remain a puppy for a long time!
The Irish Setter is Britain's 41st most popular dog.