1)How big will an Irish R&W Setter grow?
They grow to between 23" to 26" from the ground to the where the neck joins the back, or half way up your leg, or tall enough to rest your hand on its head when you stand together.
2) Will a dog be better than a bitch?
It depends on the dog or bitch and what you expect of it.Dogs are generally more boisterous and bitches are generally smarter at solving problems like opening doors or emptying the rubbish bin. Both are affectionate and of course bitches come in season twice a year!
3) Do Irish R&W Setters need a lot of exercise?
Yes, they cannot get too much (when adult) and the best exercise is free running and controlled roadwork.Puppies should be exercised very carefully, generally speaking limited off lead running and no climbing stairs until they are around 9 months of age because they are growing so fast.Breeders will give detailed information on the amount and type of exercise they recommend.
4) How much grooming does an Irish R&W Setter require?
Not very much.Well brushed and combed on a weekly basis and tidying of wispy hair round the feet, thinning of bushy hair behind the ears, keeping the nails short by clipping or by wear.Bathing when necessary.
5) Are Irish R&W Setters easy to train?
Yes, but it depends on the trainer.Potential trainers should have a clear idea of what they want to train the dog to do, approach it calmly in carefully graduated steps with patience.The dogs learn quickly ? often quicker than the trainer!
6) Do Irish R&W Setters make good family dogs?
Oh yes!Good dogs for good families ? wild disorganised families will have trouble, the dogs will run rings around them.Irish R&Ws love the rough and tumble of a busy family life but they may prove too boisterous for children under five.
7) Are they destructive in the house/garden?
Only if left with opportunity and time on their paws.Bored dogs are very inventive.Routine and imaginative management usually prevent this becoming a habit in puppyhood. The correct amount of exercise, both physical and mental, encourages the dog to rest - whereas an under-exercised dog thinks of mischief.
8) Do they have health problems?
Less than most breeds ? health is an intensive study within the breed and any problems are dealt with quickly and efficiently. Why not take a look at our Health Matters page for more detailed information.
9) Should I buy two puppies to keep each other company?
No, concentrate on rearing one puppy correctly and then purchase another later if wished.That way, the younger will defer to the older and you will have had time to perfect your knowledge without being distracted!Avoiding two puppies together also minimises the possibility of them bonding together and paying no attention to you, their supposed leader!
