A Brief History Of Irish's in the Field
The Irish Red Setter, as we know him today, was a distinct breed by the 1600s. He was bred as an upland bird dog, designed especially for the rigors of Irish bird hunting. He had to be fast and rangy, to cover the vast expanses required due to the scarce nature of birds in Ireland, and the subsequent need to cover more territory. The Irish Setter has a high intelligence, necessary to handle flighty wild game such as grouse and pheasant. He was bred with endurance to allow him to go all day, every day.

Until more modern times, he was a champion, both in field trial competition and as a hunter. He was a favorite of the market hunters, whose livelihood required that they be successful. He had one fatal flaw; his beauty. Early breeders couldn't resist the urge to breed strictly for looks and with the advent of dog shows in the 1860s, this type of breeding began to dominate. The records of Irish Setters being imported to the US show that most were brought over for the show bench. Breeding for looks became dominant here and the death knoll started ringing for the field Irish Setter.

In the 1940s and 50s, a group of dedicated people set out to restore the Irish Setter to field prominence. While the stories of their work can be read on other pages, suffice it to say that were wildly successful. The modern Irish Red Setter is a match for any dog, on any bird and in any cover. As for competition, the two winningest dogs, of any breed, in the history of American field trials, are both red dogs.

The Irish Red Setter Today
It's easier than ever to find the hunting companion of your dreams. Many breeders of Irish Red Setters have websites, some advertise in the popular magazines. Since they don't breed for the diversity seen in other hunting breeds, you'd have trouble finding a poorly bred dog.

Today's red dog is at once a throwback to his hunting ancestors and a thoroughly modern, high on both ends, classy bird dog. He's better than ever, but has retained the rollicking and biddable nature whose heart and mind is always eager for the hunt regardless of the weather, and the devil-may-care attitude that has endeared him to generations of fans.



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