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between the toes — a trait belonging to
his relative, the Irish Red and White Setter, a
breed currently enjoying a revival after coming
close to extinction.A JOY TO OWN
Breeder of the Irish Setter for more than 30
years, Myra Thomas-Rhodes from Western
Australia says it is an absolute joy to own an
Irish. “I never cease to enjoy and love the breed,”
she says. “There are always wonderful moments,
some full of laughter and some poignant.”
The exuberant Irish Setter is a lover of fun
and frolic, has a great joy for life and absolutely
thrives on physical activity and human
attention. “The Irish Setter is best suited to
someone who is relatively energetic and young
at heart, with a sense of fun,” Myra suggests.
“A caring, loving person who will appreciate
the extreme gentleness of an Irish, but who
can accept a little bit of devilment the breed
occasionally delivers.”
The Irish Setter is a wonderful companion dog
that excels in obedience, tracking and agility.
“Irish Setters are not diffi cult to train, provided
they are trained properly and with love,” Myra
says. “They were originally bred for working live
game on the moors and therefore should have
brains and instinct and must be soft mouthed
— meaning they will not mark a bird in any way
once the bird is in their mouth. They can carry
fresh eggs without breaking them. Irish Setters
do well in obedience and would love something
like agility or fl yball, where their rollicking
personalities can come to the fore.”PLAYFUL YET PLACID
This playful nature and love of activity means
the breed requires a reasonable amount of
exercise. “They love to run free in the park
or through the water,” Myra says. “However,
they can be easily accommodated in suburbia
providing the owner gives their dog a good
walk at least once a day.”
This placid breed is perfect for the most active
of people and families and even though it is
naturally clean, attention is needed to look after
its red, silky coat. “Irish Setters require someattention to their feathering to keep it free from
knots or tangling, but twice a week is probably
adequate for the busy owner,” Myra recommends.
“However, if the breed is allowed to exercise
in areas with grass seeds or prickles, then it is
necessary to spend time on a daily basis checking
through the coat and between the toes.”
She adds that Irish Setters can be brought
up around children, cats and livestock as
they are reliable and gentle, with no malice
whatsoever. However, like all breeds, they
should be supervised around young children.
Irish Setters are also alert and loyal and will
bark at visitors or unusual activities around the
home. “They make good watchdogs from the
point of view of having a very deep bark and are
alert to sound, as well as using their wonderful
gundog noses to smell something diff erent on
the wind,” Myra says. “They are not vicious by
nature; however, I do believe they would sense
danger and create pandemonium, thus calling
attention to a situation.”
With the breed’s loving nature and exuberant
personality, it’s easy to see why Myra and many
others have fallen in love with this red-haired
Irish beauty.Creature feature | PETS
Grooming:
Exercise:
Size: Large (Height: 64–69cm;
Weight: 27–32kg)
Lifespan: 13–14 yearsAt a Glance
For more information on the Irish Setter
or to contact a local breed club, visit
your state canine council website via
ankc.org.au New Zealand readers can
visit nzkc.org.nz for information.PLF070_pg084-085_Irish Setter.indd 85PLF070_pg084-085_Irish Setter.indd 85 6/21/2017 11:19:16 AM6/21/2017 11:19:16 AM