20 Questions to Get to Know the Red Irish Setter

I have always been captivated by the innate distinction of this beautiful breed, which I saw in books and magazines, and I have always hoped to become an Irish Setter breeder one day.

Naturally, having 'serious intentions,' as they say, I extensively researched everything concerning this breed and, as I believe is right, opted for the country of origin, turning to the greatest breeder of that time, Mr. Mc. Keever, whose affix was Derrycarne, an Irish kennel in Dublin from which my first Setter, Derrycarne Paddy Boy, came.

Paddy Boy and Orma dei Diavoli Rossi were the foundation dogs of the Mezzaluna Kennel.

The breeding method is undoubtedly aimed at increasingly careful selection so that the right pairings can achieve a uniformity that is the basis of a breeder's well-executed work. I am still hesitant regarding artificial insemination, also because we are not yet well-prepared for it in Italy.

There are not many difficulties in breeding this specific breed. Since they are hunting dogs, the broodmares instinctively raise the puppies very well, and even the youngest mothers seem highly experienced right from the start.

This is a painful point: there is no ideal bulk; there is a Standard that must be followed as closely as possible, and in any case, this is where the experience gained from producing many litters plays a major role. It is important that the dog is harmonious, elegant, and efficient for its hunting nature, even if nowadays the focus is often more on aesthetics than on functionality. Our beautiful Irish Setter lends itself to this because the majority of my clients are immediately captivated by the breed's charm.

As I mentioned, it is important to select the pairings to achieve the correct size (or 'bulk'). Certainly, even a slightly large Setter is capable of performing its hunting duties and moving gracefully, provided it is well-proportioned.

As in all breeds, the head is the concentrated expression of the breed's type; there is lack of parallelism in very few cases, but, as we know, the perfect dog does not exist!

As I mentioned, I started with the best Irish and Italian bloodlines, but after years one must 'refresh the blood' (or 'resanguare'), so I renewed my broodmares and studs by purchasing specimens in Belgium that, for three generations, gave me immense satisfaction both in shows and in field work, achieving results well known to those in the trade.

The Irish Setter requires a great deal of affection and care. I have always personally overseen everything and will only stop breeding when I am no longer able to do so. This breed gives back everything you give to it, in every sense. Difficulties? None, only the difficulty of resigning yourself when one of them begins to leave you...

It is the only hunting dog that also acts as a guard dog. It doesn't bark much, only if something is wrong, and I think this is important!

The Irish Setter's behavior is that of a dog in symbiosis with its owner, and even if it doesn't go hunting because the owner is not interested, it still knows how to fit perfectly into home life, also appreciating a nice sofa, on which it makes a fine—in fact, a most beautiful—display!

The people who choose an Irish Setter are almost always families with children who see in him an ideal playmate, and thanks to the breed's excellent health, they know this friendship will last a long time.

The issue of space is relative; in my opinion, and based on what I have observed, dogs generally tend to stay where the owner is, and the Irish Setter even more so. However, especially during the growth period, it needs fresh air, sunlight, and movement. Therefore, if you do not have a garden, it is important that those who care for him commit to taking him out often.

He doesn't like German Shepherds... who knows why? But I have thirteen dogs at home, including Setters, Dachshunds, Spitz, Border Collies, and occasionally some Dogo puppies. You won't believe it, but they all love each other passionately.

The puppies must socialize! This is extremely important, and it only happens if they stay with their mother, who teaches them how to behave, play, and be disciplined, and they must also stay with their siblings for at least 60–65 days of age. I play with them, talk to them, and call them often throughout the day, and they also socialize with the staff, with whom they immediately establish an excellent relationship.

Sometimes people are suspicious and think that if the breeder recommends one dog over another, there must be 'something behind it' (or 'something fishy'); but smart people immediately say, 'You choose, who knows better than you?'... And I happily go along with them.

Dog buyers are a breed apart, and do you know why? They are convinced they know everything. I rarely entrust my dogs to people like that—even I, at "almost a certain age", still have a lot to learn, and therefore it would be wise to be wary of know-it-alls.

My ideal type of Irish Setter? I do not like dogs that resemble other breeds—a bit Afghan, a bit Breton, a bit English, a bit Gordon. The Irish Setter must be and look like an Irish Setter, pure and simple, as the Standard teaches us!

Collaboration with other breeders is decisive for an infinite number of reasons: an exchange of views can be useful, but in Italy, I believe I am the only one who has done it. One must not be presumptuous; drawing from the experience of others can only be beneficial, and if you are humble, believe me, you achieve excellent results. If I may have one passionate outburst: let's work hard for this breed! In Italy, we are last in Europe due to squabbles, favoritism, and envy. Everything is done, except loving this wonderful dog.