Irish Red & White Setter

 History  Irish  Red & White Setters

From many references and writings, it would seem that the Irish Setter was in its heyday in the 18th century and early in the 19th century.  The Red & White Setter is in all probability the ancestor of the Red Setter. Whole colored specimens were rare at a time when Ireland could boast of a number of kennels of Red and Whites. (early 1800's)  Although paintings and written descriptions from this period depict most of the Irish Setters as red and white on paws or chest; the red and white with white predominating with large blotches of red; and a pattern called "shower of hail" (red base coat with scattered spots of white). It was found primarily in the northwest coastal areas of Ireland, was always rare, and apparently disappeared by the early 1900's. It was in the mid-1800's , as dog shows became popular,  that the breeders began selecting for     appearance (color) rather than strictly for working ability. Thus the Irish Setter became known as  self-colored red as it gained popularity by show people. This was the fashion and the Red and Whites disappeared from the show ring. In fact, the Red and Whites became nearly extinct as food shortages during World War I brought breeding of dogs for sport nearly to a halt.  The Red and Whites underwent two revivals circa 1926 and again in the 1940's. In 1944 the Irish Red and White Setter Society was formed. Since then through the unswerving efforts of a few, one of the most handsome and serviceable breeds has been reintroduced to the public of today.  Gradually the Irish Red and White Setter is being accepted by the various kennel clubs throughout the world, and the breed is making its mark slowly but surely. The majority of the breed is being purchased for the show ring or personal hunting.  It is enjoying much success in the United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Spain, Canada and the United States. Also the American Hunting Fancy is becoming aware of this stylish dog with its great working ability.  Most importantly, this highly intelligent dog makes an affectionate and devoted companion. 

Breed Standards

HEAD*** Broad in proportion to the body.

CRANIAL REGION ***   Skull: Domed without showing occipital protuberance, as in the Irish Red Setter.
Stop: Good Stop.

NECK***  Moderately long, very muscular, but not too thick, slightly arched, free from all tendency to throatiness.

BODY ***   Strong and muscular.  back:  To be strong and well muscled.chest:  Deep, with well sprung ribs.

   

TAIL ***   Moderate length, not reaching below hock, strong at root. Tapering to fine point; no appearance of ropiness and carried level with or below the back.

   

LIMBS ***  Legs well muscled and sinewy; strong bone.

FOREQUARTERS ***  Shoulders: Well laid back.
Elbows: Free, turning neither in nor out.
Forelegs: straight and sinewy, well boned.
Pastern: Strong.

COLOUR ****  Base colour white with solid red patches (clear islands of red colour), both colours should show the maximum of life and bloom; flecking but not roaning permitted around the face and feet and up the foreleg as far as the elbow and up the hindleg as far as the hock; roaning, flecking and mottling on any other part of the body is most objectionable and is an eliminating fault.

SIZE ***  (Height)
Desirable height at withers:
Dogs 24½ - 26ins (62-66cm)
Bitches 22½ - 24ins (57-61cm)

FAULTS ***  Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

SEVERE FAULTS ***   Any dog or bitch not conforming to the height standard

NOTE:  ***  Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

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