Irish Setters

1. Irish Setters are a gundog breed originating from Ireland.
2. They were originally bred for rough hunting, specifically for flushing game birds.
3. Irish Setters are known for their silky, soft, and abundant coats, which require significant grooming.
4. Their coats come in a variety of colors, including black, white, red, wheaten, and brindle.
5. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train.
6. Irish Setters are known for their affectionate and friendly personalities.
7. They were traditionally used to flush game birds for hunters, then the hunter would follow up with a shot.
8. They have a distinctive, slightly "lion-like" mane around their necks and shoulders.
9. Irish Setters are part of the Irish Kennel Club's show dogs.
10. Their tails are naturally short and plumed.

Breeding

1. Irish Setters originated in County Wexford, Ireland.
2. They were originally bred as gundogs, specifically for retrieving game birds.
3. Historically, Irish Setters were distinct from Irish Wolfhounds and Irish Terriers.
4. Selective breeding focused on creating a smooth, short-haired dog with a distinctive, flowing coat.
5. The breed's distinctive "sit" was developed through careful training and selection.
6. The breed's development was heavily influenced by the needs of sporting estates.
7. Early Irish Setters were known for their exceptional stamina and drive.
8. They were often used to retrieve waterfowl, including ducks and geese.
9. Breeders selectively bred for traits like temperament, conformation, and retrieving ability.
10. Different lines within the Irish Setter breed have evolved with varying coat characteristics.
11. The "Irish Setter" name became established as a recognized type of setter.

Genetic Traits

1. Irish Setters originated in Ireland, specifically the Galway and Mayo regions.
2. They were developed primarily for hunting vermin, particularly rabbits, and later for the show ring.
3. Early breeding focused on creating a versatile gun dog with a distinctive, soft feathering coat.
4. Historically, they were part of a broader group of Irish Setters, including the White Setter and Gordon Setter.
5. Selective breeding has resulted in a fairly stable genetic population, though variations in coat type and color exist.
6. Common genetic traits include a high pain tolerance and a tendency towards gentleness.
7. The breed's genetic makeup contributes to their distinctive coat texture – a soft, wavy, and dense feathering.
8. Genetic predispositions can contribute to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
9. Genetic testing is increasingly utilized to screen for these inherited conditions.
10. Significant genetic diversity was reduced during the breed’s development, leading to a relatively homogenous gene pool.

Coat Type

1. Irish Setters are a breed originating in Ireland, known for their distinctive feathered coats and friendly, gentle nature.
2. Historically bred for hunting, specifically for baying game (following wounded animals).
3. Early Irish Setters were selectively bred for specific traits, contributing to the genetic diversity within the breed.
4. Genetic variations exist that contribute to differences in coat color and feathering patterns.
5. The breed developed distinct genetic markers associated with their particular coat types.
6. Coat type genetics heavily influence feather length, density, and overall coat appearance.
7. Different coat types – short, medium, and long – are determined by multiple genes.
8. The "American" Irish Setter has undergone some genetic drift due to increased population size and less intense selection pressure.
9. Coat color genetics include genes controlling red, wheaten, black, and chestnut shades.
10. Feathering length and density are influenced by genes affecting hair growth and distribution.

Broken Coat

1. Irish Setters are a breed of gundog originally developed in Ireland for retrieving game.
2. Historically, Irish Setters were selectively bred for their distinctive appearance and retrieving abilities, with breeding lines often focused on specific qualities like coat texture and feathering.
3. Genetic testing has revealed a relatively low level of genetic diversity within the Irish Setter breed, largely due to historical breeding practices emphasizing a consistent type.
4. The Irish Setter's coat is a double coat – an undercoat and a topcoat – providing insulation against cold weather.
5. The coat type is defined by long, abundant hair and significant feathering, particularly on the legs, chest, and tail.
6. A *broken coat* in Irish Setters refers to a variation in coat pattern where the black and red markings are not uniformly distributed, instead appearing in patches or streaks.
7. The broken coat pattern is believed to be influenced by both genetics and environmental factors, such as nutrition and climate.
8. Specific genes are associated with the broken coat pattern, with a dominant gene being primarily responsible for the appearance.
9. Breeders have historically favored dogs with broken coats due to their aesthetic appeal.
10. The expression of the broken coat pattern can vary within families, indicating that multiple genes contribute to this coat variation.

Long Coat

1. Irish Setters were originally bred in Ireland for hunting vermin, particularly rabbits, and later for field trials.
2. The breed's development is closely linked to the Gaelic aristocracy of Ireland.
3. Historically, Irish Setters were carefully bred to maintain a specific, highly prized coat type.
4. Genetic traits contributing to the breed's temperament include intelligence, gentleness, and a strong hunting drive.
5. The long coat of the Irish Setter is dense, silky, and slightly wavy.
6. The coat requires regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles.
7. Long coats can vary considerably in color, including red, wheaten, black, brindle, and blue.
8. The coat’s texture and density are influenced by genetics.
9. A well-maintained long coat contributes to the breed's distinctive appearance.
10. Genetic testing is increasingly used to assess for coat type and related traits.

Short Coat

1. Irish Setters were originally bred in Ireland, primarily for hunting and specifically for retrieving game, particularly waterfowl.
2. The Irish Setter breed traces its ancestry back to the ancient Irish Wolfhound and was developed over centuries by Irish gentry, emphasizing beauty and athleticism.
3. Genetic testing reveals a relatively stable gene pool within the Irish Setter breed, contributing to its consistent temperament and physical characteristics.
4. Irish Setters exhibit a wide variety of coat colors, including red, white, wheaten, black, brindle, and liver, with red being the most common.
5. The short coat is a distinct variety of Irish Setter, characterized by a dense, fine, and silky texture.
6. Short-coated Irish Setters have a closer undercoat than their longer-coated cousins, offering some protection from the elements.
7. The short coat requires less grooming than the long-coated varieties but still benefits from regular brushing to maintain its sleek appearance and distribute natural oils.
8. Specific genes influence the length of the coat; while 'short' is genetically determined, environmental factors can slightly influence its texture.

Wire Coat

1. Irish Setters were developed in Ireland, primarily for hunting waterfowl.
2. They were originally bred for their ability to retrieve game, specifically ducks and geese.
3. The Irish Setter breed was established in the 19th century through careful breeding programs.
4. Genetic traits related to temperament include being friendly, gentle, and intelligent.
5. The breed's genetic makeup contributes to their high energy levels and need for regular exercise.
6. Irish Setters have a characteristic double coat - a soft, dense undercoat and a longer, harsh outer coat.
7. The coat type is typically described as "feathering," with long, flowing hair covering the body and legs.
8. The coat is naturally water-resistant due to its dense layers.
9. A wire coat Irish Setter is a rare variation resulting from specific genetic mutations.
10. The wire coat results in a coarser, shinier coat with a slightly convex curl.
11. The genetic cause of the wire coat is associated with a mutation in the FGF5 gene, responsible for hair follicle development.
12. Wire-coated Irish Setters are generally considered a fault in show standards due to the unusual coat type.
13. The wire coat is a dominant trait, meaning one parent carrying the mutation can produce wire-coated puppies.

Eye Color

1. Irish Setters are an ancient breed originating in Ireland, primarily bred for hunting vermin.
2. They were historically bred in two distinct types: the “soft” or “smooth” Irish Setter and the “rough” Irish Setter, with most modern Irish Setters being the smooth variety.
3. The "rough" Irish Setter was traditionally favored for its ability to handle wet, muddy conditions during hunts.
4. Breeding lines within the Irish Setter breed have been carefully maintained for centuries, contributing to the breed's consistency.
5. The breed's development reflects specific hunting demands, with selective breeding emphasizing traits like speed, agility, and a soft mouth.
6. Genetic traits influencing coat type (smooth vs. rough) are primarily controlled by several genes.
7. The *S* gene determines the smooth coat, while the absence of this gene results in a rough coat.
8. Coat length is also influenced by other genes, contributing to variations within the breed.
9. Eye color in Irish Setters is primarily determined by genetics and is usually dark brown.
10. The dominant gene for eye color is *E*, which produces dark brown eyes.
11. A recessive gene, *ae*, produces agouti (reddish-brown or fae) coloration and often results in amber or hazel eyes.
12. The *ee* genotype results in dark brown eyes.
13. Blue eyes are extremely rare in Irish Setters and are considered a fault by many breed standards.
14. Genetic diversity within the breed has been maintained through careful breeding programs.

Hip Score

1. Irish Setters are a distinct breed originating from Ireland, historically used for hunting game birds.
2. The Irish Setter breed's development involved selective breeding, often crossing Irish Setters with other setters and spaniels to refine their characteristics.
3. Genetic traits that are common in Irish Setters include a rich, chestnut red coat (ranging from light to dark), a feathered tail, and a well-proportioned, athletic build.
4. Coat colors primarily consist of red, liver, and black, although roan variations (where the hairs have a cream or white undercoat) are also recognized.
5. Irish Setters have a relatively stable genetic makeup, though variations exist within different bloodlines.
6. Hip scores are a crucial part of the Irish Setter breed's health assessment.
7. In Ireland, hip scores are assessed using the PennHIP® method, a biomechanical test that evaluates hip joint motion.
8. A good Irish Setter hip score is typically a 0-4, indicating minimal hip laxity.
9. A score of 5 or higher is considered unacceptable, suggesting a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia.
10. Breeding Irish Setters with good hip scores is a vital practice to minimize the incidence of hip problems in the breed.
11. Hip scores are typically recorded and maintained by the Irish Setter Club of America (ISCA) and other breed registries.

Mating Programs

1. Irish Setters were originally bred in Ireland for rough hunting of game birds, particularly the hare, in the 18th and 19th centuries.
2. Early breeding programs focused on developing a dog with a waterproof coat, a strong, athletic build, and a good temperament for hunting.
3. Historically, Irish Setters were often bred to other Irish gundogs, such as Irish Wolfhounds and Irish Whippets, to improve their hunting abilities and coat characteristics.
4. Selective breeding emphasized a distinctive, feathered coat, known for its thick feathering on the legs, chest, and belly, essential for maintaining warmth in wet conditions.
5. Mating programs historically prioritized traits like a strong, carriage, a cheerful and intelligent temperament, and a consistent feathering pattern.
6. The Irish Kennel Club, established in 1924, played a significant role in regulating breeding standards and promoting responsible breeding practices.
7. Modern breeding programs continue to value the original characteristics of the Irish Setter, with a focus on conformation to breed standards and maintaining a healthy, well-adjusted temperament.
8. Genetic testing is increasingly used to identify and eliminate undesirable traits and to assess the health of potential breeding stock.
9. Careful consideration is given to pedigree research and selecting breeding pairs with desirable lineage and conformation.
10. Planned matings are often conducted to achieve specific breeding goals, such as improving coat texture or enhancing certain physical traits.

Puppy Sales

1. Irish Setters were originally bred in Ireland for sport hunting, specifically for retrieving game birds.
2. Historically, Irish Setters were primarily bred by Irish gentry and landowners.
3. Early breeding focused on developing a dog with a strong natural pointing instinct and a smooth, glossy coat.
4. The breed's development involved crossing with other Irish hounds, including Foxhounds and various types of Irish Wirehaired Setters.
5. Selective breeding aimed to achieve a consistent, medium-sized dog with a distinctive, elegant appearance.
6. Specific lineages and bloodlines are carefully tracked and prioritized by reputable breeders.
7. Puppy sales from established Irish Setter breeders are typically facilitated through referrals and breed clubs.
8. Many breeders require prospective owners to complete application forms and demonstrate knowledge of the breed.
9. Reputable breeders typically perform health testing on their breeding stock, including hips, elbows, and eyes.
10. Puppy prices can vary widely depending on the breeder's reputation, bloodlines, and health testing results, generally ranging from $2,500 to $8,000 or more.
11. Breeders often provide a health guarantee and ongoing support to new owners.
12. The Irish Setter Puppy Market is active, with demand driving prices.