Characteristics of Irish Setters

Irish Setter
Image: dogtime.com

Throughout his career as a self-employed physician in Oklahoma City, OK, William D. Jones, MD, has established himself as a dedicated occupational and preventive medicine specialist. Aside from his work in medicine, William D. Jones, MD, serves as the dog show secretary for the Irish Setter Club of OK.

Easily recognized by its silky red coat and long ears, the Irish setter is a truly unique breed. Irish setters have fun-loving, playful personalities that lend themselves to an extremely affectionate temperament. As puppies, Irish setters are highly intelligent and independent, albeit somewhat mischievous. A notably slow-maturing breed, Irish setters remain puppies for much longer than most breeds. However, they housetrain extremely quickly and are receptive to training.

As adults, Irish setters are naturally clean and enjoy being with people as much as possible. Not necessarily aggressive as a breed, Irish setters are large, high-energy animals enjoy greeting people enthusiastically and require ample exercise. Originally bred for hunting, Irish setters have a tendency to wander, following their noses long distances. Thus, they require a well-fenced yard for exercise.

Irish Setters – Temperament and Personality

As owner of a private medical practice in Oklahoma City, OK, William D. Jones, MD, focuses his professional attention on occupational and preventive medicine. In his free time, William D. Jones, MD, serves as show secretary with the Irish Setter Club of OK.

Originally bred as a hunting dog in Ireland, the Irish setter developed with the keen ability to identify and track prey. It stands out as a highly athletic breed and requires vigorous exercise on a daily basis. Exceedingly intelligent and mentally active as well, the Irish setter thrives best with plenty of company and activity to keep it busy. Setters are typically very affectionate dogs and enjoy playing with children, though their enthusiastic greeting style may intimidate shyer visitors.

The mental capacities of the Irish setter also make it highly trainable, though willful in the face of a less-than-confident owner. It will respond to firmness and willful commands, though harshness is likely to have the opposite effect. Setters expect their owners to remain in a position of authority at all times, even on a lead, so it prefers to walk beside or behind the human when leashed. However, setters thrive best when they have the opportunity to run freely in a safe, enclosed area.