The Irish Red and White Setter

This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, April 2021 issue.

The Irish Red and White Setter

Breed Comparison

We judge the Irish Red and White Setter exhibits chiefly from the working standpoint! The Irish Red and White Setter is strong and powerful, never racy or elegant as is its cousin, the Irish Setter. The Irish Red and White Setter is not as tall as an Irish Setter.

They have a level topline, whether standing or moving, with a tail held level with the back. Body length of an Irish Red and White Setter can range from square to a 9/10 proportion, whereas in an Irish Setter the body should be slightly longer than it is tall.

You will also find that the Irish Red and White Setter is exhibited with whiskers intact; a requirement in the standard. The standard also calls for no clipping of any kind. Tidying of the neck and body without ever showing a sculpted look is allowed. Both breeds move at a gait that is long-striding, very lively, graceful, and efficient. The Irish Red and White Setter should always have a moderate setter look in body and in coat length. Both breeds have an outgoing and friendly personality!

Color

The Irish Red and White Setter is a parti-colored breed. The base color is white with patches of red color. The red color has been described to be that of a freshly opened chestnut. There is NO specific patch placement mentioned in any standard, and no Irish Red and White Setter has incorrect red patch placements as long as it shows to be a parti-colored dog! In a description of the ideal Irish Red and White Setter, most would agree that an Irish Red and White Setter should have red patches over the ears and eyes, and clear islands of red spread in an eye-pleasing way over the body.

A hands-on evaluation is essential when judging the Irish Red and White Setter, as the human eye can be misled by patch placements. Also, depending on how the patches are physically placed, angulation can be made to look correct or incorrect. The body can appear too long, too short, tall, or lacking in height. We tend to find fairly consistent patching over eyes and ears, but patching on the body can range from none to small or large red areas—and anything in between.

The white is that of a pearly white! Our standard allows for ticking on the muzzle and legs. Ticking on the body is not considered ideal. We do have to remember that the breed is to be judged chiefly on its ability to work, which requires correct construction. Our color is more cosmetic and clearly does not contribute to or interfere with working! The color is the breed hallmark, but the breed must always be judged chiefly from the working standpoint.

Head

The Irish Red and White Setter skull is broad, but is in proportion to the body, and rounded without showing an occipital protuberance. The stop is distinct, but not exaggerated, and is not to appear to have an upturned or roman nose. The muzzle of an Irish Red and White Setter is clean and square, of equal length to the skull, with parallel planes.

Nose color of the Irish Red and White Setter can range from black (ideal) to dark brown. The occasional pink streaks or spots can be found and are part of the breed. You may also find winter noses.