Irish Setter Club of America Foundation

In 2000, recognizing the need to take care of their own, the Irish Setter Club of America Foundation was established by its parent club, the Irish Setter Club of America (ISCA).

Set up as a tax-exempt public charity under IRS Code Section 501(c)(3), the Foundation was initially funded with a $50,000 contribution from ISCA Health Committee funds and $40,000 from the Virginia Hardin Trust. The Foundation continues to grow today with donations from its membership.

The Foundation Board of Directors consists of twelve Directors; all are ISCA members, all require ISCA board approval, and four are elected annually by the Foundation for three-year terms. The Foundation also maintains an Advisory Committee, selected by the ISCA Foundation Board to serve at its discretion.

Health-related projects are administered through the parent club Health Committee with the consent of the ISCA Foundation Board. In much the same fashion, rescue and rehabilitation grants are administered through the Rescue Committee with the consent of the ISCA Foundation Board.

Our Purpose

• Enhancement: To enhance the quality of life and appreciation of dogs in general and the Irish Setter in particular.
• Research: To investigate the causes and effects of diseases and genetic anomalies that affect the Irish Setter.
• Education: To provide and facilitate educational information about the proper care, health, breeding, development, and training of Irish Setters.
• Placement: To provide placement for displaced Irish Setters.
• Support: To provide scholarship opportunities for veterinary students and graduates.

Foundation fundraising has several efforts each year: a very popular annual calendar, an after-party following Veteran Sweepstakes at the National specialty with a silent auction, and an annual raffle drawn at the National. Understanding the importance of this Foundation, club members are generous with year-end donations, and many have left significant bequests in their Wills.

The ISCA Foundation, in conjunction with the ISCA Health Committee, has been a leader in advancing research regarding common diseases of the Irish Setter. We have a strong partnership with the AKC Canine Health Foundation, most recently becoming a Champion Sponsor of the AKC CHF Bloat initiative.

We also sponsor grants for research on HOD, osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, the use of probiotics in treatment of Irritable Bowel Disease, and incontinence. In 2012, the Foundation, in conjunction with OFA, conducted a health survey to determine what breed-specific health challenges we need to focus on in the future.

In keeping with its purpose to promote education and knowledge, the Foundation provides funds to sponsor speakers at the annual National Health Seminar and Breeders Seminar. At every National, the Foundation also provides a clinic where free DNA collections via blood samples are offered and then stored in the OFA CHIC DNA database, along with titre testing for distemper and parvovirus.

Through the leadership of Foundation president Connie Vanacore, the ISCA Foundation has been heralded for its vision in supporting so many aspects that benefit the Irish Setter. Other breeds may learn from this model and explore the possibility of creating a Foundation to the advantage of their breed.

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The Dual Irish Setter: The Essence of the Breed

Wind gently blowing the mahogany coat, he is a majestic statue standing on point. His head high his body ridged as he takes in the aroma cone of the game bird he has located. The Irish Setter on point is as stunning and beautiful as he is in the ring. Unfortunately he is often thought of as just a show dog that no longer has the ability to work as a true sporting dog. The fact is the Irish Setter is a versatile dog; he excels in the show ring but is equally comfortable working in Obedience, Rally, and Agility and also in the field. He is an outgoing friendly dog that loves people; however, he is devoted to his owner when it comes to working in the field he prefers his owner as his working partner.

Starting in the late 50s and 60s there was a movement within the Irish Setter fancy to identify and bring back strong pointing genetics to make the Irish Setter competitive with other pointing breeds. This movement was successful and the Irish Setter today is competitive in all breed field competition; however it did cause a split in the breed as to show and field type.

To be recognized by AKC as a Dual Champion, a dog must achieve the title of Champion of Record and Field Champion. In the years between 1956 and 1981 Irish Setters were achieving Dual Championship titles on the average of one every couple of years, then larger gaps in time of 6 years, 8 years and 5 years between titles. Since 2008 we have had resurgence in Dual Champions. In 2008, four Irish Setter achieved the title of Dual Champion and in April 2013 we crowned Dual Champion #23. Of note these talented dogs are not only Dual Champions but many have also achieved multiple titles.

What factors have influenced this increase in Dual Champions?

In the late 70s the Irish Setter Club of America introduced the Versatility Certificate. Dogs earning the ISCA VC or VCX title had to demonstrate virtues in Conformation, Obedience and Field. This was a first step in promoting breeders and owners to identify inherited genetics for pointing ability. This program introduced many fanciers to field performance who would otherwise not have ventured into the field.

During this same period of time, AKC picked up on the fact that many parent clubs were offering field performance working certificates. The AKC Hunt Test was born.

Hunt Tests provided entry level noncompetitive competition that gave fanciers more opportunity to work with their dogs in the field, with the added plus of earning an AKC title. Junior Hunter is a basic instinct test, Senior and Master Hunt Tests require more ability and training and demonstrate the abilities a hunter would want in a class gun dog.

The Hunt Tests have been helpful identifying dogs with natural hunting instincts and pointing genetics. There is no bigger thrill than seeing your dog on point for the first time. Once owners become familiar with the field performance and find out how much their Irish Setter enjoys the work they often move up into Field Trial competition.

In 2001, a rotating ISCA National Hunt Test and Walking Field Trial was initiated. This event has been very instrumental in bringing Irish Setter owners into the world of field performance and is responsible for sparking the interest for many of our current dual minded breeders and owners. Five of the last eight Dual Champions either started in Hunt Tests or also earned a Hunt Test Title. During this same time period, the Irish Setter Club of America increased parent club support and recognition of those breeders and owners pursuing Dual Titles. They did this by offering more annual awards for dogs competing in combined Field, show and obedience events and by giving more recognition to dogs earning Dual Championships with annual awards, article in the Memo to Members and cover page advertising.

In 2010, ISCA started the process to seek approval to offer an AKC Titled National Walking Gun Dog Championship. This Walking Championship will rotate around the country and will give Irish Setters the opportunity to compete in different venues to earn not only a National Championship title but also points towards Field Championships.

Identifying dogs with natural pointing genetics and hunting instincts is necessary to developing breeding programs that will produce dogs with the potential of becoming Dual Champions and maintaining the essence of the breed. Proof of strong genetics titled dogs achieving National Field Championship, National Amateur Field Championship, Field Champions, Amateur Field Champions and Master Hunter.

What is the essence of the breed—maintaining breed type and maintaining function—does it conform and does it perform. Breed essence can be judged by looking and the number of dogs earning Dual Champions plus Champion/Amateur Field Champions plus Champions/Master Hunters to the number of dog registrations. There is no one single factor that determines it—breed popularity, show ability, inherent field ability and the collective interests of the breed supporters. Between the years 2002-2007, Irish Setters earned 283 JH, 24 SH, 11 MH, 26 FC and 11 AFC. Since then we have seen an increase in dogs achieving performance titles including approximately 45 Master Hunters.

I have been involved with Irish Setters for 40 years and the last fifteen years I have seen an increase appreciation of the Dual champion Irish Setter, and as a result more Dual minded breeders dedicated to producing Dual Irish Setters. With continued support dedicated breeders and owners, the Irish Setter is and will continue to be a beautiful, aristocratic bird dog.

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The Irish Setter From Then…Until Now!

Going back as far as records and stories allow, it is commonly thought that the Irish Setter today, started as a mix of European spaniel, most likely Spanish, some Irish Water Spaniel, and perhaps a Pointer. It is felt that the spaniel most likely arrived in Ireland via the Spanish Armada and that the inhabitants of Ireland added the Irish Water Spaniel and Pointer into the mix, producing a versatile hunting dog whose form would work well over the soft bog-like terrain of Ireland.

The Irish Setter developed into a single breed in the early 1800s, and by somewhere around 1850 was seen regularly in the families of Irish aristocracy who were busily developing their own lines. The breed was both solid red, and in the same whelping box, red and white. Over time the solid mahogany became preferred; solids red pups were kept and bred to other solid specimens. The red and white was not the dog of choice in these times and those in existence were sent to the kitchen or stables to work. With this culling for color, the Irish Red and White became almost extinct until their resurrection in the mid 1950s. But the dark red Irish Setter thrived.

In 1870, a dog came on the scene in Ireland that solidified the make and fit of the breed. This dog was Ch. Palmerston. While his exact date of birth is not known, we can track his ownership back to Cecil Moore, one of the founders of the Irish Setter Club in Dublin. Moore later sold Palmerston to J. M. Hilliard who proudly showed him in London in 1875. From here records are clear; show records prove Palmerston was a sensation in London, dark in color, with a small patch of white on his muzzle that later became known as the Palmerston snip. On occasion today we still see evidence of that snip, and some allowable white elsewhere, too.

Palmerston was used at stud in England, and while his feet never touched U.S. shores, sons and daughters arrived in America at the homes of serious breeders and hunters. One of the most influential breedings was that of Rose, a Palmerston daughter imported by Dr. William Jarvis in 1877, bred to Elcho, an Irish import. Elcho became the first American bench champion, with an impressive show career that included appearances in the ring at Chicago, St. Louis, New York and Boston. His mating with Rose set the look in America for the Irish, in both the show ring and the field. In 1878 the Irish Setter standard was accepted by the AKC, and the breed was on its way. The first AKC registered Irish, was Admiral 534 and registrations grew in abundance as this beautiful breed took hold.

The breed remained popular in the show ring, but was equally admired in the field. Developed to retrieve upland game, the breed originally “set” (crouched) on the bird, and the hunter came and threw a net over both dog and game. Today, this versatile hunter is popular in field trial events and hunting tests and happily awaits the gun shot and to be sent for the retrieve.

Fast forward to the mid 1970s. The Irish Setter consistently ranked in the top 5 most popular AKC breeds, spurred on by the movie Big Red and the presence of the breed in the Nixon White House. Over 70,000 were registered in just a few years. The breed suffered in form and function, families who coveted their dog as a puppy, did not know how to handle the rollicking personality of the breed, nor deal with its need for exercise. People were one-time or backyard breeders with little to no experience of their own and new puppy owners had no one to rely on. The breed suffered greatly, and it took a good deal of work by serious breeders to bring the Irish back to its current status, that of a wonderfully rollicking, loyal family dog. Where we once ranked high up in popularity we now are in about 74th place with registrations annually somewhere between 1,200 to 1,500.

The Irish Setter is the ultimate show dog, but their versatility and spirit make them happy to participate in any challenge. They are commonly seen holding the blue ribbon in Obedience, Agility and Rally. They are known to be splendid dock divers and can catch a frisbee with the best of them. They are frequently the choice of junior handlers competing at the highest levels. The breed’s work in the field has not suffered, as can be evidenced by an annual trip to Booneville, Arkansas for the national field trial championship. The dual dog is re-emerging, and during the past 5 years through the work of a select group of breeders the breed has added many more duals to its ranks. In the hunting test venue, at last count 45+ Irish held Master Hunter titles.

Like everything in life, you can’t be all things to all people. The Irish Setter is not for everyone; he is slow to mature, both physically and mentally, and has a very high energy level.

This combination can be a challenge to live with at times. At 2 years of age a light bulb goes on somewhere and he usually becomes the dog of your dreams. He requires regular exercise and there is the need for consistent though not difficult grooming. When I receive puppy inquiries, my first question is always, “Have you owned an Irish before?” Those that have, go to the top of the list.

Through the approximate 200 years of history, the Irish Setter has endured fads and fashion, over population and movie stardom. Gratefully the breed as we see it now is in excellent hands and the Irish Setter has returned to its origins, that of an athletic, aristocratic bird dog. Today, this breed is happy circling a group ring, on point in a field or just “flopped down on the hearth.” What could be better than that?

The Irish Setter is the ultimate show dog, but their versatility and spirit make them happy to participate in any challenge. They are commonly seen holding the blue ribbon in Obedience, Agility and Rally.

The post The Irish Setter From Then…Until Now! appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

This is the Irish Setter: A Discussion of Swift-Moving, Big Lively Gait, And a Rollicking Personality!

In a review of the Official Standard, one can see in the opening remarks that the Irish Setter is described as, “Afield, the Irish Setter is a swift-moving hunter; at home, a sweet-natured, trainable companion.” In the section under Gait, movement is described by stating, “At the trot the gait is big, very lively, graceful and efficient.” Though the field and the show ring may be far from the same conditions, there are reasons why the two are related. And if we add a big dab of rollicking personality and correct structure, the picture is complete.

If truth be known, there is much uncertainty about the origin of the Irish Setter. It is supposed that through the use of spaniels, bred to other breeds, so came the setting spaniel of red and white. Broke to net, they crouched or “set” whenever they came upon game such as partridge. Once guns were were introduced, the style of hunting changed, finding the dogs working in a more upright position. Some breeders took a fancy to those with more red than white. Subsequently, through selective breeding, there came the “whole reds.” By the early 1800s, we had our Irish Setter in type and function. Certainly, through the comparison of pictures and paintings over the years, we can see changes today. But the basics then are still the basics!

In many publications from the middle to late 1800s, such as the Dogs of the British Islands by J. H. Walsh (1886), authors wrote descriptions about the build of the breed with its slightly longer than tall frame, sufficient bone, and a head allowing plenty of brain room. The chest is deep with well sprung ribs, allowing sufficient lung space, that ribbing is carried back along the spinal cord to support the firm back. Forelegs are straight and sinewy, feet small and firm. Mr. Walsh, based on his own observations and those accounted by well-respected breeders of the time, including Mr. Llewellin and Mr. Macdona, wrote that due to build and character, “the Irish Setter is fast and enduring” and he is an “invaluable aid to the gun.” They spoke to a “style of going” with free action, allowing the legs to move well under the dog, and yet, these swift-moving dogs with their heads well up were able to have “feelings for the scent.” But to be fair, in their complete observations they wrote of their Irish Setter puppies (and even broke dogs) having a different personality and courage than others, which required work to “keep him in a state of control.” And so, this author suggests that this was a first glimpse into that “rollicking personality.”

In early written Standard of Points, movement was not included in the schedule, yet it was followed by an explanation of correct gait. Then, as now, at a trot the gait is big and lively, referring to the forelegs reaching well ahead as if to pull in the ground, with hindquarters driving smoothly and with great power. At an extended trot, the head reaches slightly forward, keeping the dog in balance. Feet stay close to the ground, appearing to clip the top of the grass. The head is held high, not back. There should be no hackney gait or any unnecessary lifting of the feet. The correct specimen always exhibits balance, whether standing or in motion. This is an animated (yes, rollicking) breed with its personality coming through in the ring or in the field—or in performance or companion events.

Through an understanding of an Irish Setter standing and moving, I hope one takes away from this article the following:

• The correct specimen is built to perform its intended functions.
• Overall balance between parts is integral to the complete picture, whether standing or moving.
• The breed is capable of running big in the field, covering a lot of ground, and in the show ring he exhibits ground-covering motion with his great forward reach and powerful rear drive.
• The rollicking personality is apparent in this breed, and one (judges) should not be too critical when it is displayed in the show ring, especially when it comes to evaluating puppies.
• Moving at a trot in the ring, and as speed increases, the Irish Setter may move at a fast speed, but should never be racing around the ring.

The post This is the Irish Setter: A Discussion of Swift-Moving, Big Lively Gait, and a Rollicking Personality! appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Judging the Irish Setter

A breed’s standard is like its own personal piece of poetry; as with poetry interpretations will differ reader to reader, judge to judge. The following is based on maintaining the essence of the breed, the absolute essentials that make an Irish Setter an Irish while still leaving considerable room for a judges’ personal preferences. NOTHING is more important than the standard, and adhering to the fact that these are sporting dogs, as such, they are athletes and while they may not be asked to quarter a field for an afternoon of shooting, they should indeed be built to do the job! I personally feel that a deviation from the standard is a fault, but a fault that inhibits the dog from completing its intended purpose is a sin.

As you take your initial look at your class, whether just checking them in, or making a first walk down the line, the snapshot in your mind should be one of elegance and balance. Slightly longer than tall, rich red in color, gently sloping top line.

Starting at the head, its structure is long and lean, with parallel planes, and an overall proportion of equal lengths from tip of nose to defined stop, and from stop to occiput. The skull when viewed from the top is that of an oval. Depth of muzzle should be in proportion but deep enough to easily carry large upland game, lips are squared off but not pendulous. Bites are to be scissor with level being acceptable. You will frequently see dropped teeth, which if in alignment are not to be, in my opinion, penalized. Eyes are oval with tight rims (remember, when hunting this would prevent seeds or grasses from getting into the eye); color ranging from dark to medium brown. The eye has a raised brow which enhances the overall expression of intelligence and softness. It is this construction of the head, and its melting expression that makes this setter an Irish Setter.

The front assembly shows a moderate but evident forechest, with a scapula that is well laid back and with an upper arm that is equal in length, all contributing to good reach. The neck fits smoothly into good shoulders, and should be of a length appropriate to the breed’s purpose meaning long enough to reach the ground to pick up game without crouching. Bone on the Irish Setter is moderate, but neither fine nor coarse. Remember, the Irish Setter’s origins are the bogs of Ireland where the ground is soft and neither a heavy dog, not a too fine animal would be appropriate for the terrain, so substance without heaviness is key. Feet are small, tight and well knuckled.

As a judge moves along the side of the dog, the chest reaches to the elbow, and a judge’s hand will note that the length of our “slightly longer than tall” dog is in the rib cage and not in the loin. The top line is firm and gently sloping (not a ski slide!!) and the tail is a direct extension of that top line, neither tipping downward, nor overly upward. It is important to look at tails with a view to their set and their carriage as tails can rise with excitement (carriage), but we are talking structure at this time (set).

Moving to the rear, the Irish Setter has good rear angles, matching the front angles which contributes to overall balance both standing and moving. Evidence of a wide thigh and second thigh should be noted, with a well-defined bend of stifle and with the leg ending in a moderately short perpendicular hock. Again, feet are small, well knuckled and with hair left between the toes. Examining the rear also includes checking for muscling. Step back for one more look, and the overall picture should be a pleasing silhouette of elegance and balance.

Having examined the dog standing, it should be no surprise how it moves. We are a breed that moves as it stands, and correct movement on the Irish Setter is where all the pieces flow together, with no one piece overpowering the other. A judge always checks the down and back for basic soundness, (please note a good dog can move widely in the rear to start, but converge to center after a few paces) but it is on the silhouette that you see the true components of this breed. Proud head carriage reflecting correct head planes, with heads that move slightly forward as speed increases and would definitely move forward when carrying the weight of a bird, neck fitting smoothly into well laid back shoulders, a firm slightly sloping top line ending in a level tail set. The reach and drive should reflect good ground cover, with the feet “clipping the grass” exhibiting no wasted motion or excess picking up of feet. Remember, a full day of hunting would require efficient movement to reduce fatigue.

Over this dog lies a coat, rich red in color, with a silky quality and with a pleasingly long fringe on ears, belly, brisket and chest. All coat should be as free from curl or wave as possible. You will see small acceptable patches of white, most commonly on the chest, throat or toes, and even on occasion a slight “snip of white” on the head… these are not to be penalized. The standard states that all trimming is done to preserve the natural appearance of the dog. We are currently seeing what could only be considered extreme grooming and sculpting but I am sure there are none among us who think that a moderate dog in tons of coat outweighs a good dog in modest coat! Coat can be grown by anyone; good headpieces and correct body type come from good breeding.

Judging puppies: Our breed is not fast to develop, looseness on the move is to be expected (not to be confused with unsoundness), our heads will develop long past 2 years of age, with the chiseling that makes a setter head so special, not evident until maturity. You should expect to see decent planes, good eye shape and correct body proportions. Frequently the occiput can appear pronounced in a puppy head, but this disappears as the top skull fills in. Remember when examining an Irish pup, the best is yet to come. Breeders ask that as you approach a pup you not speak to it, just scratch its head to announce you are there and examine it. We always laughingly say if you talk to a pup, you could end up wearing it! Remember, this breed’s standard calls for a rollicking personality and it is likely you will see it more than once during a day’s judging. Frequently when moving an Irish pup, it forgets its party manners, just be patient and say, “Go again please.”

Personality: An outgoing, stable temperament is the essence of the Irish Setter, timidity shyness or hostility are uncharacteristic of the breed and are not to be rewarded.

There is nothing like a National for total immersion. Entries are in very good numbers at our National, and we have a two-day Judges Ed. program with classroom experience, hands-on and ringside mentors for Best of Breed. This experience is where the written word comes alive. We have multiple specialties across the country, and can almost always arrange for ringside mentors. We have two field events: the National Hunting Test coupled with The National Walking Field Trial and the breed’s Fall National Field Trial. Come and join us and watch form and function work together.

My book shelves are stuffed with books of breeds I judge, am researching or just want to know about. Two books come immediately to mind to help sort out the Irish Setter: The Essence of Setters: An In-Depth Study of the Four Setters by Marsha Hall Brown and The Official Book of the Irish Setter by Connie Vanacore.

For further information on our breed, visit our website www.irishsetterclub.org.

The post Judging the Irish Setter appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. What is your “process” for selecting show puppies? Performance puppies?
3. In your opinion, is your breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?
4. As a Preservation Breeder, can you share your thoughts on the sport today? How’s the judging these days? What do you think about the number of shows?
5. In your opinion, is social media good for the sport? Is it harmful?
6. What are the biggest challenges facing the dog show community as a whole today and how can these be addressed?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport over the past decade?

1. I’m Laura Heidrich of Laurent Cocker Spaniels, Pointers, and Irish Setters. I have a 10-acre home/kennel/grooming shop in the country outside of Manhattan, Illinois. Cockers are my first breed and I’ve bred over 250 champions. I started in Cockers in 1988, Pointers in 1996, and Irish Setters in 1999.

2. For me, I still believe that dog shows are a proving ground for breeding stock. I try not to really start evaluating them until at least 6 weeks, usually more like 8-10 weeks. I stack them daily, watch them play in the front pasture on their own, and see who catches my eye. About that time, I meet up with my good friend and sometime co-breeder, Genea Jones, at a gas station partway between our homes, and stack and watch them walk on a lead. We call it the “Pet Parade.” It is good to evaluate them away from the comfort of home. I almost always keep the top two picks until their bites come in and try to make my final decision then.

3. I think that Cocker Spaniels are not as well-structured as they were in the past. We need to work on improving with every breeding, and that means knowing where each dog could be better. There are no perfect dogs, but we need to do a better job breeding to a stud dog that will ADD to our bitches, not just who wins the most or has the prettiest pictures. We need better front construction, better layback of shoulder, and the better reach that comes from these.

4. As a Preservation Breeder, I have been very successful in using frozen semen from the past, when there were many more good dogs to choose from. I think the sport has gotten more “commercial” in that it takes more money to campaign a dog than it used to in the past. If you do the National Owner-Handled Series, it’s a little less that way, but I personally show my dogs to prove them, not for the glitz and glory. Now, if I had more $$$$ it may have been a little different. I think we need more and better educated judges in the sport. I actually think that AKC puts too much emphasis on the procedural exams and not as much on the true hallmarks of each breed. The dog with the best overall type, movement, and soundness should be the winner. It shouldn’t be that hard. Judges should be mentored by BREEDERS, not handlers also. I think that’s important.

5. I think that social media is a good tool for meeting people, but I see too many people who put their mediocre dog’s picture on there and so many people make “nice” comments just to be nice. If they are truly nice examples of the breed, I will comment. If not, I usually scroll on by. So, my advice to the newer people in the breed is to get a mentor and get THEIR opinion. They will tell you the truth, as hard as that can be to listen to, so take their advice! That’s how you improve, not just get “likes.”

6. The biggest challenge for the dog show community is to remember that we all came to the show to prove our dogs, not to BEAT other dogs. It is a gentlemanly sport. Be civil, be NICE, and show your dogs!!! You get to take them home!

7. I think, in the past decade, AKC has tried to implement new rules to facilitate the championships, like majors for Reserves in large entries, majors for some Group placements if the numbers are high enough, and the NOHS dog show. I’m not sure that the whole Grand Champion title is really a great idea. Some people keep showing dogs that are not really happy to show, just to get the Grand or Bronze, Silver, Gold, etc. What I would like to see is a “Breeders Certification” where dogs can be evaluated by, say, five “Breeder Judges” with a minimum of 20 years and 50 champions. Their stamp of approval is worth more than a Grand, etc., which just means you kept on showing your dog. We need to breed better dogs, not breed to dogs just because they are big winners.

The post Laura Heidrich | Laurent Cocker Spaniels, Pointers & Irish Setters appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

In a review of the Official AKC Breed Standard, one can see in the opening remarks that the Irish Setter is described as, “Afield, the Irish Setter is a swift-moving hunter; at home, a sweet natured, trainable companion.” In the section under Gait, movement is described by stating, “At the trot the gait is big, very lively, graceful and efficient.” Though the field and the show ring may be far from the same conditions, there are reasons why the two are related. And if we add a big dab of rollicking personality and correct structure, the picture is complete.

If truth be known, there is much uncertainty about the origin of the Irish Setter. It is supposed that through the use of spaniels, bred to other breeds, so came the setting spaniel of red and white. Broke to net, they crouched or “set” whenever they came upon game such as partridge.

Once guns were introduced, the style of hunting changed, finding the dogs working in a more upright position. Some breeders took a fancy to those with more red than white. Subsequently, through selective breeding, there came the “whole reds.”

By the early 1800s, we had our Irish Setter in type and function. Certainly, through the comparison of pictures and paintings over the years, we can see changes today. But the basics then are still the basics!

In many publications from the middle to late 1800s, such as The Dogs of the British Islands by J. H. Walsh (1886), authors wrote descriptions about the build of the breed with its slightly longer than tall frame, sufficient bone, and a head allowing plenty of brain room. The chest is deep with well-sprung ribs, allowing sufficient lung space, that ribbing is carried back along the spinal cord to support the firm back. Forelegs are straight and sinewy, feet small and firm.

Mr. Walsh, based on his own observations and those accounted by well-respected breeders of the time, including Mr. Llewellin and Mr. Macdona, wrote that due to build and character, “the Irish Setter is fast and enduring” and he is an “invaluable aid to the gun.” They spoke to a “style of going” with free action, allowing the legs to move well under the dog, and yet, these swift-moving dogs with their heads well up were able to have “feelings for the scent.”

But to be fair, in their complete observations they wrote of their Irish Setter puppies (and even broke dogs) having a different personality and courage than others, which required work to “keep him in a state of control.” And so, this author suggests that this was a first glimpse into that “rollicking personality.”

In early written Irish Setter Standard of Points, movement was not included in the schedule, yet it was followed by an explanation of correct gait. Then, as now, at a trot the gait is big and lively, referring to the forelegs reaching well ahead as if to pull in the ground, with hindquarters driving smoothly and with great power. At an extended trot, the head reaches slightly forward, keeping the dog in balance. Feet stay close to the ground, appearing to clip the top of the grass. The head is held high, not back. There should be no hackney gait or any unnecessary lifting of the feet. The correct specimen always exhibits balance, whether standing or in motion. This is an animated (yes, rollicking) breed with its personality coming through in the ring or in the field—or in performance or companion events.

In early written Standard of Points, movement was not included in the schedule, yet it was followed by an explanation of correct gait…The correct specimen always exhibits balance, whether standing or in motion.

Through an understanding of an Irish Setter standing and moving, I hope one takes away from this article the following:

• The correct specimen is built to perform its intended functions.
• Overall balance between parts is integral to the complete picture, whether standing or moving.
• The breed is capable of running big in the field, covering a lot of ground, and in the show ring he exhibits ground-covering motion with his great forward reach and powerful rear drive.
• The rollicking personality is apparent in this breed, and one (judges) should not be too critical when it is displayed in the show ring, especially when it comes to evaluating puppies.
• Moving at a trot in the ring, and as speed increases, the Irish Setter may move at a fast speed, but should never be racing around the ring.

The post This Is the Irish Setter: A Discussion of Swift-Moving, Big Lively Gait, and a Rollicking Personality! appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

The Irish Setter is an active, aristocratic bird dog, rich red in color and standing over two feet tall. With its flowing silky coat, long ears, soft expression and regal presence, this dog turns heads wherever it goes.

Irish Setter Breed History

The origin of the Irish Setter is not known, however, it is reasonable to believe that it evolved from a combination of land spaniels. These land spaniels were imported to Ireland from Spain when the Spaniards helped the Irish in their rebellion against the British.

The breed, established as early as 1800 was not originally of solid color, but rather a combination of red and white. Through selective breeding, the color was derived and these “whole reds” became a breed unto themselves. Irish Setters were used to “set” game, hence the name “setters.” They were used to find upland game birds and crouched down close to their find so that the hunter could advance and throw a net over both dog and bird.

When firearms were introduced, the setter took on a more upright stance, and the breed became proficient in retrieving their game. It is important to understand the original functions of this hunter as it relates to form and function.

Today one may find this breed, with its rollicking personality and willingness to please, participating in many events including Field Trials, Hunting Tests, Obedience, Rally, Tracking, Agility, Conformation or just being that loving companion lying on the couch at home or fetching the ball.

Judging the Breed

The Standard for any breed is its blueprint. For breeders, the standard is what they work towards in their breeding programs and for judges, the standard is the tool they use to evaluate each exhibit that comes into their ring.

In the article, “Judging the Irish Setter” by breeder/judge Karolynne McAteer, she writes, “NOTHING is more important than the standard, and adhering to the fact that these are sporting dogs, they are athletes; and while they may not be asked to quarter a field for an afternoon of shooting, they should indeed be built to do the job!”

If one is approved to judge the breed, it goes without saying that being knowledgeable about the standard is of utmost importance. As you examine the standard you will find several key words. Medium, moderate and balanced can be found throughout the written text. Though all three adjectives play an important role in describing the perfect dog, BALANCE is most important. It is not just about front and rear angulation but about each part and how these pieces all fit together. Each part of the head should be in balance with the other parts.

The head should be in balance with the neck both in substance and length. The head and neck should be in balance with the body. The body being slightly longer than tall should end with a tail that is of correct shape and length. No single part should draw attention to itself. Each piece should fit smoothly into the adjoining part. This is a dog that should stand as it moves, with a slightly sloping topline exhibiting ground covering reach and drive with no wasted motion. And remember that when judging a class, “that one”, which is not like the others, could be the most correct specimen.

New Judges

For those planning to apply for this breed, all of the above applies to your learning the nuances of the breed. There are opportunities to become educated about the breed through seminars and workshops. This is a must in my book! There is a list of breeders/mentors on the AKC website under breed information or one can contact the Judges Education Coordinator to assist you in your endeavors. Whether it is ringside mentoring or making a kennel visit, the Parent Club coupled with local clubs, are here to help.

To you “newbies” I wish to suggest you attend the National Specialty. We have a two day program which includes classroom experience, hands on and ringside mentoring. There are local specialties throughout the country as well as field event including the National Hunt Test, National Walking Field Trial and National Field Trial. There is nothing like the experience of witnessing the Irish Setter at work to better understand the breed. Come and join us and watch form and function work together.

In Reference to the Irish Setter

As with any breed there are exhibits that are more correct in structure than others. Breeders are always trying to maintain correctness or to correct faults that have filtered into their breeding programs. When referencing the Irish Setter, one should make sure that they are using correct terminology for the breed and that it is in the standard.

Therefore we ask that the use of comments like, “our breed is not straight in front like the Irish Setter,” or “our breed is not over angulated like the Irish Setter,” or “our breed does not have a ski slope topline like the Irish Setter,” be eliminated when referencing this breed in a dialogue or a comparison. Also the term “racy” does not appear in the standard and should not be used in reference to this breed.

Conclusion

This breed has inherent charms which attract people to the breed. With a rollicking personality and high energy, they enjoy exercise each day and you will find they are more than willing to entertain their owners and others. A willingness to please, Irish Setters are never too old to be playful both at home and in the ring. 

History and Standard of the Irish Setter – From the December 2019 Issue of Showsight Magazine. Click to subscribe.

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