Page 245 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

GUNDOGS

Irish Setter BIG RED

In North America the Irish Setter’s free spirit
HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN was made famous by the 1962 Disney film Big
25–27in 60–71lb 12–13 years Red. Set in Canada, the film tells of a champion
(64–69cm) (27–32kg) show dog, Big Red, who makes friends with
an orphan boy called René. Big Red becomes
more interested in hunting with René than
This exuberant, enthusiastic dog is both glamorous being a good show dog, and as a result his
and affectionate but needs a patient and active owner owner gets rid of him. Big Red escapes across
country and is reunited with René when the
two friends heroically save the dog’s owner
Hunting dogs called “setters”—dogs that color became the standard for the Irish
from a cougar.
would crouch, or “set,” near game birds to Setter. Even now, however, some dogs are
show the birds’ location—were first born with small, white markings.
mentioned in English texts of the late 16th By the 1850s the red Irish Setter had
to early 17th century and were recognized as spread through Ireland and the UK, and
a distinct type in the 18th century. The Irish began to be seen in the show ring. A male
Setter was created in the 18th century, named Palmerston, born in 1862, was the
possibly from crosses of breeds including the first champion show and stud dog and is the
English Setter (see p.241), the Gordon Setter ancestor of most modern Irish setters.
(see p.240), and the Irish Water Spaniel (see Today the breed is mainly a show dog or a
p.228), as well as other spaniels and companion, but some breeders still produce
pointers. Bred for hunting birds in upland dogs for working ability as well as looks.
areas, it was valued for its speed, efficiency, The Irish Setter makes a striking,
and keen nose. affectionate pet with a love of children and
The first dogs were red other dogs and a great sense of fun. Slow
and white like today’s Irish to mature, it requires firm training from
Red and White Setter (see an early age. The breed needs a home
Almond-shaped
p.240), but during the 19th where it will have plenty of daily exercise, eyes with kind
expression
century the deep, rich red including chances to run freely.

Low-set ears hang close
to head in neat folds

PUPPY Red

Soft, silky coat Deep, square
muzzle

Deep,
narrow chest
Heavily feathered
tail

Feathering on
back of forelegs

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