Meet the Irish Setter

"The Irish Setter is an active, aristocratic bird dog, rich red in color, substantial yet elegant in build."

So states the American Kennel Club's breed standard for the Irish Setter.

The AKC standard further says that Irish Setters should stand over 2 feet tall at the shoulder, have straight, fine, glossy coats that are longer on the ears, chest, tail and back of the legs.

"Afield he is a swift-moving hunter; at home a sweet-natured, trainable companion."

According to breed standard, Irish Setter male dogs should ideally weigh about 70 pounds; bitches 60 pounds.

The Irish Setter has a frisky, loving personality (the AKC standard calls the breed "rollicking").

"Anyone who has had the pleasure of raising an Irish Setter puppy can tell you exactly what that means," information at the Irish Setter Association of America Inc. Web site said. "It is mischievous and independent, intelligent and stubborn, anxious to please and yet determined to have its own way if it decides to go hunting or steal a treasure from a closet drawer."

Irish Setters, first introduced in the United States in the early 1800s, generally love children. They are usually compatible with other dogs and household pets.

Their sweet dispositions make them often-used as therapy dogs in schools and hospitals.

The Irish Setter is a slow-growing dog, both mentally and physically. It retains puppy-like characteristics for a longer period of time than other dogs.

Despite this, the Irish Setter is fussy about cleanliness and is a relatively easy dog to house train. They are not an aggressive breed, but can be protective of their owners.

Prospective Irish Setter owners should consider several things:

• Do they have the time and space to exercise the dog often? Irish Setters are dogs of boundless energy, and fenced yards where they can run and explore are best for them.

• Can they commit the necessary time to grooming? Irish Setters require frequent brushing to maintain their long, silky coats.

• Are they prepared to actually spend time with the dog? Irish Setters crave human contact, and if one is left alone for long periods of time it may become destructive or hyperactive.

Irish Setters have an average life span of 12 to 15 years.