The Irish Setter has been termed by artists to be the most beautiful of all dogs. With its flowing, silky red coat, long ears, soft expression and regal bearing, this dog turns heads wherever it goes.

Along with its appearance, the Irish Setter's personality is fun loving, playful and affectionate. The standard calls for a "rollicking" temperament, and anyone who has had the pleasure of raising an Irish Setter puppy can tell you exactly what that means. It is mischievous and independent, intelligent and stubborn, anxious to please and yet determined to have its way if it decides to go hunting or steal a treasure from closet or drawer. Hunting instinct is strong and the breed enjoys a fine reputation as a reliable companion in the field.

The Irish Setter is a slow maturing dog, both mentally and physically. It stays a puppy for a long time, and retains some of its merry Irish character forever. Some believe that the setter is difficult to train, but this is not so. The Irish Setter is very smart, sometimes smarter than its owner, so one must use care and patience in training this dog. Once learned, a lesson is never forgotten, so it behooves the owner to train a puppy with love and firmness, never harshness or cruelty.

The breed is naturally clean and fastidious and will housetrain quickly, if given the opportunity to go out at regular intervals when it is young. It loves to be with its people and will adapt to riding in a car, preferably in a crate where it can stretch out comfortably and be secure. This breed is not aggressive but it will energetically announce the arrival of all comers, and if put to the test has been known to protect its owners from harm.

One of the primary requisites for owning an Irish Setter is the time and the facilities to exercise it often. This is a high-energy-level breed, needing an area to run and play big enough for it to stretch its legs. This is the single most important factor in rasing a happy and healthy dog. Exercise, however, does not mean opening the door and allowing the dog to run free. Irish Setters will follow their noses and cannot be guaranteed to remain within one's property until they are well along in years. Sometimes this happy state never occurs. Either an ample fenced yard or the means to walk or run the dog daily are a must if you wish to have a happy and adjusted Irish Setter.

In order to be a satisfied owner of this beautiful breed you must honestly evaluate whether an Irish Setter is the dog for you. Do you have the space to accommodate an exuberant dog that may grow to 80 pounds, with a tail that swishes everything off the coffee table? Do you have the patience to train this animal from the time you bring it home until it matures at two or three years of age? Do you have the requisite exercise facilities, or someone in the family who will undertake to maintain this regimen faithfully? Do you have the temperament and the sense of humor to enjoy an Irish Setter? Are you committed to a lifetime of care and responsibility for this animal? Are you prepared to include your dog as a true member of the family?

If you can honestly answer affirmatively to all these considerations, then perhaps an Irish Setter is the dog for you.

The Irish Setter Club of America through its members and local clubs, is here to help you find the right dog and guide you along.

The absolute first rule is always buy from a reputable breeder and not from a retail outlet. The Irish Setter Club of America publishes an annual Breeder's Directory, listing breeders in almost every state of the United States. These breeders sign a document called Principles of Integrity to which they must subscribe before being listed in the Directory. ISCA does not police its members, but the Principles serve as guidelines both for breeder and buyer.

Here are some things to consider when you go to buy your puppy. The breeder, whether someone who owns one bitch and breeds an occasional litter, or someone who runs a large kennel with several litters a year, must run the same type of operation. The place, whether family room or kennel, must be clean and the puppies well maintained and contented. You should be able to see the mother, or receive a convincing explanation of why the mother is not with the puppies. Most breeders have the dam on the premises with the puppies, although occasionally the puppies were born elsewhere. This is acceptable, unless the puppies were bought commercially for resale. You may see the sire, but most often the sire is not present, as breeders go far afield to find the perfect mate for their bitch.

You should see a copy of the pedigree of the puppies, plus pictures of the sire, if he is elsewhere. You should be given proof that the puppies are registerable with the American Kennel Club.

There are some health-related problems in the breed, as there are with all breeds and mixed-breeds, too. Among them are hip dysplasia, PRA (an inherited eye disease) and epilepsy. You should ask if the sire and dam have had their hips X-rayed and are free of this crippling disorder and if either the sire or dam are known to have had epilepsy or if they have produced it in other litters.

Some breeders have had their animals test-mated to be certain that they do not carry PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), a degenerative eye disease. Many breeders are not able to do this, but should be able to tell you whether any close relatives are known to have this disease. Breeders often check their dogs' eyes and register them with CERF (Canine Eye Registry Fountation). (This does not mean, however, that the dog will be clear of all eye problems for life.)

In addition, the Irish Setter Genetic Registry maintains a list of all test-mated and genetically clear dogs. This list is available from the Genetic Registry. There is no 100% guarantee against PRA, or any other known genetic problem. Breeders can only decrease the chances of any or all of them occurring by careful breeding practices.

You are entitled, as a prospective buyer, to an honest evaluation of the litter. Ethical breeders produce puppies which they hope will improve the breed. They may be breeding for certain characteristics which they hope to achieve. Some may be looking for the ideal show champion, others may be breeding for the best field potential, still others may look to combine all the attributes of show, field, and obedience. Others may be interested in producing the best pets with stable temperaments and adequate looks. Whatever the goals are of the breeder, he or she should honestly convey them to you.

Here are a few caveats: Do not accept the word of a breeder who guarantees you a champion when the litter is eight weeks old. Even though the puppies may look wonderful at that age, too many variables are possible for a breeder to honestly sell puppies on that basis. Do not be pressured into buying a puppy if you have any doubts about the condition of the litter, the dam, or the breeder. Look around. Once you find a line that you like you may have to wait for a puppy. Don't take the first puppy that you see unless all the conditions are right.

Almost every litter contains dogs of varying quality. Depending upon the lineage, some may turn out to be show stoppers, while others may have minor faults which in no way precludes them from being excellent pets. A puppy from one of these litters is a very good bet because you are pretty well assured that the breeder has done his or her best to produce top quality in looks, temperament and health.

If you are in an area in which dog shows are held, or in which a local Irish Setter club is represented, take the time to go to a show or a match and see the puppies. Meet the breeders and exhibitors and get a feel for what is available in your area. Take your time. Remember this puppy will be part of your family for a long time, so you want to make the best choice possible.

Don't be surprised if the breeder asks as many questions about you as you do about the puppies. In fact, be happy that the breeder is concerned about where his or her puppy is going. Responsible breeders put an enourmous amount of time, energy, emotion and money into a litter. They want to make sure the puppies are going to appropriate homes where they will be happy and well cared for their entire lives.

Breeders who sell pet puppies whom they do not consider of top breeding quality may require a spay or neuter agreement from the buyer. Or they may sell a puppy with limited registration papers, which would preclude any offspring of that puppy from being registered with the AKC. Most people who buy a pet are happy to have it altered and this has no bearing on whether the puppy will be a good pet.

Once you have selected a puppy from a litter you have chosen, here are things you should be given by the breeder:

1. You should recieve the AKC "Blue Slip" which is the application enabling you to register your puppy with the American Kennel Club. Sometimes breeders prefer to register all their puppies with kennel names beforehand and this is acceptable, just so long as this is done promptly and necessary transfer papers are timely and in order. AKC has a 6-month time limit during which puppies may be registered without penalty, and there is no reason for a breeder to delay any of the paperwork involved. In addition, it is against AKC regulations for a breeder to charge for the registation certificate, and ethically it it is wrong to charge for a pedigree.
   
   
2. You should receive the pedigree at the time you purchase the puppy, or before. You should not have to wait for this. It is part of the breeders' responsibility to keep their paperwork current.
   
   
3. You should receive a list of the vaccinations which the puppy has received and the veterinarian who has given them.
   Some breeders vaccinate their own puppies, but you should receive a document stating when the vaccinations were given and which pharmaceuticals were used. In addition, you should receive a document stating when and if the puppies were wormed and which medications were given. If the puppies were examined by a veterinarian, there should be a certificate of health provided by the examining doctor.
   
   
4. The breeder should recommend that you take the puppy to a veterinarian of your choice within a specific time. Usually 48 hours from the time of purchase is considered reasonable. If the puppy, upon examination at that time, is found to be ill or with some visible defect, the breeder should be willing to take the puppy back.
   
   
5. You should receive a guarantee that the puppy is healthy and free of known defects at the time of purchase.
   
   
6. The breeder should state in writing that he or she will take the puppy back if the buyer is unable to keep it, or that they will do their utmost to place the puppy in another home within a reasonable time.
   
   

Just as you have reasonable expectations as a buyer when you go to purchase a puppy, the breeder, who has put so much heart and soul into this litter, has the right to expect certain things from you.

1. If the breeder has suggested that you follow a certain regimen in raising the puppy, you should abide by those suggestions concerning feeding, grooming and exercise to the utmost of your ability. It is always advisable to consult with your veterinarian about this.
   
   
2. The breeder has a right to expect you to keep the puppy clean and healthy.
   
   
3. If you agreed to have the puppy altered, you are obligated to do so within a reasonable time. Six months is usually considered the norm.
   
   
4. The breeder has the right to expect that you have represented yourselves and your family honestly regarding your ability to care for this animal.
   
   
5. If you have signed a breeding contract which governs when and how a bitch or dog will be bred, you are bound to abide by that contract. It is important to a breeder that puppies they produce are in turn bred to improve the line. It is for this reason that many breeders sell puppies, particularly bitch puppies, with "strings" attached. You should know what the conditions are and the breeder should explain them to you thoroughly before any contract is signed.
   
   

Many breeders like to co-own their show stock so that they can have a voice in the show career and breeding potential of that dog. There are many kinds of co-ownerships and the responsible breeder will explain the details to you before you buy your puppy. There are also many pitfalls to co-ownerships, so the buyer needs to thoroughly understand what is involved. Co-ownerships are a little like a marriage. You had better like each other and know each other very well before engaging in any complicated arrangements. Co-ownerships work best when the details are thoroughly understood and the expectations of all parties are in agreement.

If you, as a puppy buyer, have doubts about co-ownerships, but you really want to buy from a particular breeder, a limited time co-ownership sometimes works best. That way both of you can evaluate one another to see if this marriage will work. Such a contract would continue through the first litter or until the dog is mature and shows its worth as a show dog. You can then decide whether to terminate the contract or continue with it if both parties are satisfied.

Members of the Irish Setter Club of America, Inc., agree to abide by the Constitutional objectives of the Club. Among these are provisions to protect and advance the interests of the breed, and to do all that is possible to bring the natural qualities of the Irish Setter to perfection.

To further these objectives members listed in the Breeders' Directory agree to follow these principles of integrity:

1. Comply with all American Kennel Club rules and regulations.
   
   
2. Maintain a high standard of health, care and cleanliness for our dogs.
   
   
3. Act in a sportsmanlike manner and not deliberately degrade other exhibitors/breeders or their dogs.
   
   
4. Make every effort to learn about the structure, anatomy, action, behavior and other inheritable traits of the Irish Setter. To use this information to adhere to the breed standard and produce sound, healthy dogs with good temperament.
   
   
5. To use or give service only to registered stock that is believed to be free of serious abnormalities which are considered inheritable.
   
   
6. To provide a written contract/agreement for each sale or service which includes all special conditions related to the sale.
   
   
7. Provide each buyer with accurate records regarding health and pedigree for the Irish Setter being purchased.
   
   
8. Truthfully and realistically represent the Irish Setter being sold in terms of quality, health and genetic history.
   
   
9. Refuse to sell to commercial wholesalers, retailers or to research laboratories.
   
   
10. When selling an Irish Setter known to manifest hereditary defects considered to be detrimental to the breed, use written contracts or spay/neuter agreements to prevent the dog from being bred.
    
    

General Appearance - The Irish Setter is an active, aristocratic bird dog, rich red in color, substantial yet elegant in build. Standing over two feet tall at the shoulder, the dog has a straight, fine, glossy coat, longer on ears, chest, tail and back of legs. Afield he is a swift-moving hunter; at home, a sweet natured, trainable companion.

At their best, the lines of the Irish Setter so satisfy in overall balance that artists have termed it the most beautiful of all dogs. The correct specimen always exhibits balance, whether standing or in motion. Each part of the dog flows and fits smoothly into its neighboring parts without calling attention to itself.

Size, Proportion, Substance - There is no disqualification as to size. The make and fit of all parts and their overall balance in the animal are rated more important. 27 inches at the withers and a show weight of about 70 pounds is considered ideal for the dog; the bitch 25 inches, 60 pounds. Variance beyond and inch up or down is to be discouraged.

Proportion - Measuring from the breast bone to rear of thigh and from the top of the withers to the ground, the Irish Setter is slightly longer than it is tall.

Substance - All legs sturdy with plenty of bone. Structure in the male reflects masculinity without coarseness. Bitches appear feminine without being slight of bone.

Head - Long and lean, its length at least double the width between the ears. Beauty of head is emphasized by delicate chiseling along the muzzle, around and below the eyes and along the cheeks.

Expression Soft, yet alert. Eyes somewhat almond shaped, of medium size, placed rather well apart, neither deep set nor bulging. Color dark to medium brown. Ears set well back and low, not above level of eye. Leather thin, hanging in a neat fold close to the head, and nearly long enough to reach the nose.

The skull is oval when viewed from above or front; very slightly domed when viewed in profile. The brow is raised, showing a distinct stop midway between the tip of the nose and the well-defined occiput (rear point of skull). Thus the nearly level line from occiput to brow is set a little above, and parallel to, the straight and equal line from eye to nose.

Muzzle moderately deep, jaws of nearly equal length, the underline of the jaw being almost parallel with the top line of the muzzle. Nose black or chocolate; nostrils wide. Upper lips fairly square but not pendulous. The teeth meet in a scissors bite in which the upper incisors fit closely over the lower, or they may meet evenly.

Neck, Topline, Body - Neck moderately long, strong but not thick, and slightly arched; free from throatiness and fitting smoothly into the shoulders.

Topline of body from withers to tail should be firm and incline slightly downward without sharp drop at the croup. The tail is set on nearly level with the croup as a natural extension of the topline, strong at root, tapering to a fine point, nearly long enough to reach the hock. Carriage straight or curving slightly upward, nearly level with the back. Body sufficiently long to permit a straight and free stride. Chest deep, reaching approximately to the elbows with moderate forechest, extending beyond the point where the shoulder joins the upper arm. Chest is of moderate width so that it does not interfere with forward motion and extends rearwards to well sprung ribs. Loins firm, muscular and of moderate length.

Forequarters - Shoulder blades long, wide, sloping well back, fairly close together at the withers. Upper arm and shoulder blades are approximately the same length, and are joined at sufficient angle to bring the elbows rearward along the brisket in line with the top of the withers. The elbows moving freely, incline neither in nor out. Forelegs straight and sinewy, strong, nearly straight pasterns. Feet rather small, very firm, toes arched and close.

Hindquarters - Hindquarters should be wide and powerful with broad, well developed thighs. Hind legs should be long and muscular from hip to hock; short and perpendicular from hock to ground; well angulated at stifle and hock joints, which like the elbows, incline neither in nor out. Feet as in front. Angulation of the forquarters and hindquarters should be balanced.

Coat - Short and fine on head and forelegs. On all other parts of moderate length and flat. Feathering long and silky on ears; on back of forelegs and thighs long and fine, with a pleasing fringe of hair on belly and brisket extending onto the chest. Fringe on tail moderately long and tapering. All coat and feathering as straight and free as possible from curl or wave. The Irish Setter is trimmed for the show ring to emphazize the lean head and neck. The top third of the ears and the throat nearly to the breatbone are trimmed. Excess feathering is removed to show the natural outline of the foot. All trimming is doen to preserve the natural appearance of the dog.

Color - Mahogany or rich chestnut red with no black. A small amount of white on chest, throat or toes, or a narrow centered streak on skull not to be penalized.

Gait - At the trot the gait is big, very lively, graceful and efficient. At an extended trot the head reaches slightly forward, keeping the dog in balance. The forelegs reach well ahead as if to pull in the ground without giving the appearance of a hackney gait. The hindquarters drive smoothly and with great power. Seen from the front or rear, the forelegs, as well as the hind legs below the hock joint, move perpendicularly to the ground, with some tendency towards a single track as speed increases. Structural characteristics which interfere with a straight true stride are to be penalized.

Temperament - The Irish Setter has a rollicking personality. Shyness, hostility or timidity are uncharacteristic of the breed. An outgoing, stable temperament is the essence of the Irish Setter.

The Irish Setter Club of America, Inc. urges all interested parties in purchasing an Irish Setter to familiarize themselves with the "Standard for Irish Setters."