Page 14 - ShowSight Presents - The Irish Setter

The Irish Setter is an active, aristocratic bird dog, rich red in color and standing over two feet tall. With its flow-
ing silky coat, long ears, soft expres- sion and regal presence, this dog turns heads wherever it goes.
HISTORY
The origin of the Irish Setter is not known, however, it is reasonable to believe that it evolved from a combi- nation 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 willing- ness to please, participating in many events including Field Trials, Hunting Tests, Obedience, Rally, Tracking, Agil- ity, Conformation or just being that lov- ing companion lying on the couch at home or fetching the ball.
“THE IRISH SETTER IS AN ACTIVE, ARISTOCRATIC BIRD DOG...”
JUDGING THE BREED
The Standard for any breed is its blueprint. For breeders, the standard is what they work towards in their breed- ing programs and for judges, the stan- dard 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 per- fect dog, balance is most important. It is not just about front and rear angula- tion but about each part and how these
THIS IS THE
IRISH SETTER
BY SAM HOUSTON MCDONALD
276 • SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, DECEMBER 2017