This oldest of setters dates back to the fifteenth century and has seen service as a gundog, a pet, and a guard dog. The Irish setter was developed as a bird dog, and was well accepted because of its peculiar habit of indicating the location of quarry by lying down. The breed seems to be a cross between spaniels, setters, and pointers. Its coat was red and white until the nineteeth century, when a chestnut red coat was developed. Today, red is the only color recognized by American standards.
Dark nails are preferred.
The medium-length coat is soft and flat, not wavy nor curly, and is short on the head, the tips of the ears, and the feet, and long and silky on the back of the front legs, paws, hind legs, abdomen, chest, and tail. The coloring includes mahogany red and dark chestnut red with no trace of black. Small markings on the chest, throat, and feet are permissible. Care and Exercise Daily care is necessary to keep the coat and appearance beautiful. Although the Irish setter can live in the city, it has to be taken outdoors for regular, vigorous exercises.