The Irish setter is one of the most affectionate of breeds and loves to be with people. However, early training is recommended, as this dog is overflowing in enthusiasm and will quickly develop bad habits if left unchecked. Be sure to have a large back yard for your Irish setter to play in, and plenty of off-leash time for her to run.
Instructions
1. Vaccinate your Irish setter when you first get her and then get yearly booster vaccinations to maintain the dog's immunity to diseases. Also worm your adult dog every three months and consult your veterinarian about flea-control products.
2. Give your Irish setter high-grade dog food. The first ingredient listed should be meat if you want a quality product. Crude protein should be no less than 30 percent and crude fat no less than 20 percent. Also, the fiber content needs to be 4 percent or less.
3. Consider feeding your Irish setter two or three smaller meals a day, instead of one large one, as this breed is prone to bloat.
4. Work with your Irish setter very early on in obedience training. It is a high-strung breed and will quickly become unruly if it is not reminded to behave. However, setters are friendly and playful with other animals and children.
5. Run your Irish setter once or twice a day. Irish setters have a lot of energy and will need plenty of time off leash to exercise.
6. Learn to challenge your Irish setter as you train her, by varying the activities you do with her. Irish setters get bored quickly and can be stubborn at times.
7. Brush your Irish setter's coat daily. This is essential so that her coat does not get tangled. They are medium shedders and will need to be bathed infrequently. Trim your dog's nails every two to three weeks.
8. Be aware that Irish setters are prone to certain health conditions. These include hip dysplasia (a malformed ball and socket in the hip joint), bloat, epilepsy, skin allergies, eye problems, progressive retinal atrophy (progressive damage to the retina) and hypothyroidism (a condition that causes the body to slow down).
9. Expect male Irish setters to grow to 26-28 inches and weigh between 65 and 75 pounds. Females will grow to 24-26 inches and weigh between 55 and 65 pounds.
10. Know that an Irish setter is a sturdy breed that thrives in all types of weather.
11. Be prepared to enjoy a full 11 to 15 years with your Irish setter, as this is the Irish setter's average life expectancy.
Tags: Irish setter, your Irish, your Irish setter, Irish setters, Irish setter, between pounds, every three