The Irish Setter Club of America is the Parent Club of all organized activities concerning the breed. It is one of the oldest breed clubs in the United States, having been formed in 1891, and thus is the focal point through which local clubs gain approval to hold shows and field trials. ISCA is represented at the American Kennel Club by an elected Delegate. It conducts an annual National Specialty and Field Trial and educational seminars for breeders and judges. It has a Breeder's referral service, through the Breeder's Directory, and a Rescue referral service through which local clubs can gain information about how to establish a rescue service for dogs in need of placement.

The Irish Setter Club of America publishes an award winning magazine, Memo to Members, six times a year, which is free to all members. It also produces an historical Pictorial every five years which is open to all members.

The Club also gives numerous annual awards through the generosity of its members, to those dogs and persons who have distinguished themselves in show, field and obedience throughout the calendar year. These are presented at a gala banquet held in conjunction with the National Specialty.

The Club, through its Health Committee, a Committee formed by the Board of Directors, funds research into medical problems which affect the breed and disseminates information about medical problems to the members through the Memo to Members.

The Club has a Register of Merit (ROM) which recognizes those sires and dams who have made significant contributions to the breed through the numbers of champions produced in conformation, field, and obedience.

The Club maintains a Library of historical material, books, catalogs and other information which contains the history and activities of the club. Most of the historical references have been donated by members. A video library is also available with copies of our National Specialties beginning with the 1986 show.

Events

Each year ISCA hosts two outstanding events. In the month of June, our National Specialty and Obedience Trial is held in one of four regions throughout the United States on a rotating basis. This four to five day event allows breeders, exhibitors and fanciers the opportunity to exhibit, discuss and examine the quality Irish Setters around the country. An educational seminar, sight seeing tours and hospitality are some of the attractions of the National Specialty, in addition to the annual awards banquet.

In October, the National Field Trial is held. Traditionally the week-long event is held in the Mid-west and includes competition for the National Champion and National Amateur Champion titles. Hunting tests, versatility tests and a field seminar are some of the features of the National Field Trial.

Regional field trials are held by some local clubs in different parts of the country, and many local clubs hold specialties, field trials and hunting tests in their areas during the year.

Versatility

The Irish Setter is a sporting dog, although many people today do not have the wherewithall to hunt or the ability to field train a dog to its field title. Conversely, many people who prefer the field to the show ring do not bring their dogs to be evaluated through the show ring. In order to demonstrate that the Irish Setter has ability in the field as well as the conformation called for in the standard and the brains to compete in obedience, ISCA developed the versatility program. Through this program a dog may be tested for field ability without the rigorous training needed to compete in field trials, and may be evaluated as to its conformation by a licensed judge without being formally shown. Qualifying scores in an AKC novice obedience class may be counted as part of the versatility qualifications. Once a dog has completed the requirements according to the rules for versatility it may be awarded a V.C. title by ISCA.

Membership

Membership in the Irish Setter Club of America is open to all persons interested in the breed. There are several categories of membership: individual, family, junior and senior. Prospective members must be sponsored by two ISCA members, unless they are already a member of a local licensed Irish Setter Club, and must be in good standing with the American Kennel Club. There is a membership application which must be completed and annual dues are charged.

Anyone interested in joining the Irish Setter Club of America should contact:

Craig Hackenberg
152 Mountain Ave.
Park Ridge, NJ 07656-1656