I am by far not an expert on the Irish Setter as this is the first one that I have owned, having had Cavaliers since 1994, but in the two years or so that we have had our Irish Setter, I have found them to be not so different than the Cavaliers.  This could because she has been brought up around smaller dogs, or just her general nature.  Our Irish Setter like the Cavaliers is definitely a lap dog and likes nothing more than to sit on your lap forgetting the 28 kilos  or so that she is! 

We have found her to be extremely clever and easy to train and just like the Cavaliers they are a pleasure to have around.  We have had many a  funny moment with Jess our Irish Setter and whilst she might be the first one that we have owned, I doubt very much that she will be the last. One thing I will say if your looking to own an Irish Setter its important to ensure that both parents have been Hip Scored and are CLAD and PRA clear.   If you intend to breed from an Irish Setter it is also best to get them HIP Scored prior to breeding.  Most Irish Setters are now hereditary clear for CLAD and PRA.  It is also worth while enrolling in a local puppy class to ensure that you  do a little bit of basic training with your Setter, to ensure that in the future they are well behaved.  We enrolled our Setter in a local puppy class and did a basic 12 week training course with her under The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme.

Jess our setter is nearly two, and when she was a pup I tought her to return a ball whilst out playing with the simple command "bring it back".  For the last year I have been unable to get the ball of her and have spent many a time waiting till she got fed up to go home.  The reason for this, I had forgotten the command I gave her, but she hadnt!!  Until very recently we told her to "bring it back"  and I was gob-smacked when she did.  Of course I thought it was a fluke, until I realised that was the command I gave her when she was a pup and although I had forgotten,  she obviously had not,  but boy didnt she enjoy me, my kids and the other dogs giving her a run for her money around a huge pitch trying to get the ball back!!!  Now she is 100% perfect in everyway possible. I just wish she would stop taking the washing off the line as I really dont need her help in doing this!!!!

So it just goes to show you how clever the Irish Setters are and the remarkable capacity to recall commands given over 2 years ago and how she was able to recall what was required of her, when after a year I had finally remembered!!  So who do you think had the last laugh, me or Jess.  Definately Jess, of course.

So I will include a little bit of information about the Irish Setter.

The Irish Setter, alslo known as the Red Setter, is a beed of gundog and family dog. The term Irish Setter is commonly used to encompass the Show-bred dog recognised by the AKC as well as the field-bred Red Setter recognized by the Field Dog Stud Book.

Appearance

The Coat is moderately long and silky and of a deep red color.  It requires frequent brushing to maintain its condition and keep it mat-free.  The undercoat is abundant in winter weather.  Irish Setters range in height from 25 to 27 inches (64-69cm), males weigh 60 to 70 pounds (27 to 32 kg) and females 53 to 64 pounds (24-29 kgs).   The FCI Breed Standard  for the Irish Setter stipulates males: 23 to 26.5 inches (58 -67cms), females: 21.5 to 24.5 inches (55-62 cm).

Temperament

This happy, playful breed is known for its joie de vivre and thrives on activity.  It loves to run in open spaces.  It is faster and has more endurance than other setter breeds.

In general, Irish Setters are friendly enjoy human company, and actively look for other dogs with which to play.  They are affectionate and like to be petted.  Irish Setters are excellent with children. Due to the breed's need for frequent activity, this is an inappropriate dog for inactive families or apartment dwellers.  Irish Setters are not aggressive, although can bark to protect the area from strangers.  They have been marked as being stupid, but are really quite intelligent.