Gun Dog Breeders: Grooming Tips for Irish Setters

While most gun dog breeders tend to focus more on hunting instincts of Irish setters, others admire the dogs for their fiery red coat. The famous red Irish setter fur, which is long and luxurious on some parts of its body, is what makes it stand out from the rest of the breeds. With such a beautiful coat, Irish setters will require more grooming than just a weekly brushing and occasional bath, according to the American Kennel Club.

Irish setters were developed in the 18th century in Ireland from English setter, Gordon setter, spaniel and pointer bloodlines. What most Irish setter fans do not know is that Irish setters originally had a white coat with specks of red fur. It was not until 1812 when the Earl of Enniskellen wanted the Irish setters in his kennel to have a solid red coat, when the coloration started to become a standard for the breed, the AKC says.

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Today's Irish setters have a short and fine hair on the head and forelegs, and have slightly long hair on the rest of the body that have a mahogany or chestnut red color. On the dogs ears, back of the forelegs, thighs and tail have feathered and silky hair. Fringes of hair are also on the chest and belly of Irish setters, according to Dogtime.

The breed is also popular for its exuberance and seemingly boundless energy. They require about an hour of exercise daily to help it use up its energy. Since gun dog breeders have successfully bred back the hunting instincts in the breed, Irish setters take naturally to hunting for hours with their owners in the brush. This can compound the dog's grooming as their fur can get tangled up or gather debris and burrs from their active life.

Dogtime recommends brushing Irish setters once every other day to remove any tangles in its fur and to keep it shiny. It would be a good idea to start brushing the dog on its feathering to prevent tangles and matting. Unless the dog will be entering any show competitions, they will do fine with just a couple of baths a year, according to the AKC.

Due to the dog's feathering on the ears, Irish setters are prone to developing infections on the area. Dogtime recommends checking the ears every week and cleaning with a veterinarian-recommended cleanser and a cotton ball.

Brushing the teeth of Irish setters daily is ideal to prevent bad breath and gum disease.

If the dog's nails are not worn down from its daily activities, they should be trimmed once or twice a month.

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