Irish Red and White Setter

Irish Red and White Setter

Breed: Irish Red and White Setter
Temperament: Active, can be standoffish with strangers
Cost: $450
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Recommended for: Families

Appearance: As the name suggests, these are large red and white dogs, similar to the more common Irish Setter, but with a stronger look and broader head. The coat is flat and silky with feathering on the tail and between the toes. They are 63-69cm (25-27") tall.

Temperament: The Irish Red and White Setter is said to be affectionate and loyal to its family but reserved with strangers. Texts suggest, that while being exuberant and enthusiastic, they are less excitable than the Red Setter. They appear to be good with children.

This is a breed which needs to be part of the family, not left alone in the backyard all day. Longtime owners say they need to be with people and socialised otherwise they can become timid and nervous.

Health: A very sound breed with few hereditary problems. Some eye problems have been reported.

Breeding: Easy whelpers with nine to 10 pups common.

Cost: Puppies cost about $450 but, as this breed is rare in Australia, buyers may need to go on a waiting list.

Housepet potential: Dogs enjoy being inside with their family but will probably want to share the lounge with you! The coat does not shed excessively.

Space & exercise: A well-fenced backyard is important. Regular exercise (a daily walk of 30 minutes) is advised.

Grooming: Owners recommend a regular monthly bath and brush through afterwards. If the dog has been in the bush, prickles and knots will need to be brushed out when they occur.

Ideal owner: Owners must be prepared to include the Irish Red and White with family activities. They are said to be good with children, generally tolerant and good-natured even when being dressed in fairy costumes like the dogs in our story! They may be too lively for older people to exercise them adequately.

Uses: These are good watchdogs but texts say they don't usually have a bite to match the bark.

Trainability: These need sensitive training, responding best to a reward system. As a setter they are more receptive to training than some breeds but will think for themselves. In this case, punishment is not recommended and is more likely to result in the dog becoming withdrawn than aggressive.

Popularity: This is one of the rarer breeds in Australia, ranking 141st of the 175 breeds registered by the Australian National Kennel Council.

History: The Irish Red and White Setter was refined in Ireland in the late 1800s but has never been as popular as its cousin the Red Irish Setter. In its homeland pedigree registrations fell to only seven animals in the 1970s until an organised breeding program began. They are affectionately known as Red and White Setters.

Further information

Contact the Canine Council in your state;

ACT
Canberra Kennel Association
PO Box 815
Dickson 2602
Phone: (02) 6241 4404

NSW
NSW Canine Council
PO Box 632
St Marys 2760
Phone: (02) 9834 3022

NT
North Australian Canine Association
PO Box 375321
Winnellie 0821
Phone: (08) 8984 3570

QLD
The Canine Control Council (Qld)
PO Box 495
Fortitude Valley 4006
Phone: (07) 3252 2661

SA
South Australian Canine Association
PO Box 844
Prospect East 5082
Phone: (08) 8349 4797

TAS
Tasmanian Canine Association
PO Box 116
Glenorchy 7010
Phone: (03) 6272 9443

VIC
Victorian Canine Association Inc.
PO Box K9
Ascot Vale 3032
Phone: (03) 9376 2255

WA
The Canine Association of WA
PO Box 301
Gosnells 6110
Phone: (08) 9455 1188

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