How to Select an Irish Setter
- 1). Choose an Irish setter if you have children or other pets. They're happy when playing with children and get along well with all animals.
- 2). Be aware that you're definitely not getting a watchdog with this breed. They're just too loving and will befriend any stranger.
- 3). Realize that Irish setters are not good indoors and should not be kept in an apartment. This breed is too energetic for the house and needs a large backyard and a lot of activity.
- 4). Know that the Irish setter has a great sense of smell and can endure all types of weather.
- 5). Look at an Irish setter's features before you choose yours. The dog's appearance should be regal yet lively, and the coat should have a fine, silky gloss to it. The head should be long and narrow; the eyes, almond-shaped and dark brown. The dog will also have a long, feathery coat with colors ranging from mahogany to chestnut.
- 6). Expect male Irish setters to grow to 26 to 28 inches and weigh between 65 and 75 lbs. Females will grow to 24 to 26 inches and weigh between 55 and 65 lbs.
- 7). Keep in mind that Irish setters are prone to certain health conditions. These include hip dysplasia (a malformed ball and socket in the hip joint), bloat, epilepsy, skin allergies, eye problems, progressive retinal atrophy (progressive damage to the retina) and hypothyroidism (a condition that causes the body to slow down). Talk to a breeder or whoever you get yours from to find out what type of screening they've done for some of these health problems.
- 8). Check out potential breeders very carefully, being sure to ask if they're members of breed clubs, specialty clubs or obedience clubs. Affiliation with a club means you can check their references to make sure they don't run a puppy mill (a place where puppies are constantly bred for financial gain without consideration of the integrity of the breed).
- 9). Understand that you'll probably pay between $300 and $1,500 for a purebred Irish setter.
- 10
Prepare to enjoy a full 11 to 15 years with your new puppy, as that is the average life expectancy of an Irish setter.