The German Longhaired Pointer is a versatile gun dog able to work both in water and on land. They will retrieve both furred and feathered game, and are also skilled at blood-tracking. As this breed has been strictly bred with hunting in mind, most have the instincts to be valuable hunting dogs – they have even been called “the Ferrari of the gun dog world”. Although they are hard workers in the field, they have a calm and collected temperament in the home. They are social and loving with their families and can make wonderful pets in the right households.

The German Longhaired Pointer is a very social dog who strongly prefers to be around his people as much as possible. If left alone for long hours, he may become bored and destructive. He is in his element when he is around people – this is a friendly, outgoing, affectionate type who simply wants to be loved and give love in return. The breed also gets along well with other dogs as well as children. He may be less reliable toward cats and small pets. It should be noted that the GLP needs to be extensively socialized while still young to avoid timidity. While some can take a little while to warm up to new people, extreme shyness is often due to poor early socialization.

Longhaired Pointers are generally not noisy dogs, provided that they aren’t left home alone all day. Those who are left to fend for themselves in the house or backyard can become nuisance barkers. When this isn’t the case, they tend to only bark when something is amiss or someone is at the door – they make fine watchdogs. Depending upon the dog and the situation, the bark may either be a warning or a welcome.

The German Longhair doesn’t require a ton of grooming however his upkeep must be kept on a schedule and not forgotten about – especially if he hunts or plays outside frequently. Burrs, grass and other debris can get caught in the coat and encourage tangles. Nails and teeth need regular care. And the long ears need regular maintenance and cleaning. Outside of grooming, health care is normally very easy as these dogs have no known congenital problems. 

Longhaired Pointers, like most sporting breeds, have vast amounts of energy combined with very high hunting drives. Unlike many sporting breeds, however, they have not branched off into show lines vs. working lines. Practically all members of the breed have great desires to hunt and won’t do well in homes that don’t allow them to… well, hunt! Even “occasional hunters” might be in over their heads unless they find a puppy with a lower hunting drive to match their infrequent outings! If hunting is out of the question, it is possible to keep one as a companion but it will involve a tremendous amount of time dedicated to higher-impact exercise and frequent mental stimulation.

The GLP is a highly intelligent dog that is very trainable. They are very eager to please their owners. Be aware that this is an intense breed with a lot more power than he may look to have – a young exuberant dog may be much harder to train for a frail or elderly owner. He needs lots of consistency and an owner who can be firm when needed. Some members of the breed can get pushy or even downright aggressive when placed with the wrong type of owner. As this German pointer needs a job to do in order to be happy, obedience training is non-negotiable. After learning the basics of obedience, the GLP becomes an excellent candidate for dog sport competitions such as field trials, agility, dock diving, rally and/or flyball.

It should be obvious, but German Longhairs are not good candidates for apartments – they need lots of room to run and exercise. The best home is a rural or semi-rural home with a fenced yard, owned by an active, experienced dog person (preferably a hunter). Since these web-footed dogs also love to swim, access to lakes or streams are a plus! Clearly, many American families/homes would not make the cut.

The Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer is used as a working gun dog in his home country of Slovakia. While he may look like his cousin the Weimaraner in terms of color and shape, his harsh wirehaired coat sets him apart. The coat is easy to care for and requires little effort to keep up with. This is a healthy breed that rarely inherits health problems. Although hip dysplasia and idiopathic epilepsy are occasionally seen, it is uncommon.

The Slovakian is considered easy to train as he is amenable to learning new things and loves to please! A combination of smarts and energy make him a great choice for performance events, but be aware that he can get bored easily. Keep training sessions short and interesting, and make sure to mix it up to keep him on his toes. While sessions should be primarily fun (after all, he does have a sensitive nature), don’t skimp on rule enforcement! The breed does require proper boundaries and firm, yet fair corrections for bad behavior. Young puppies should also be crate trained early and taught how to cope when owners aren’t around – the breed is known for developing separation anxiety.

Slovakian Wirehairs are frequently upbeat and happy, with an outgoing nature towards everyone they meet (provided they have been socialized properly). They are the life of the party – not only in terms of their sparkling personalities but also in terms of their vigorous and lively natures. Young dogs and dogs who haven’t been given enough training may be prone to knocking people and objects over – be forewarned! With their owners, Slovakians are extremely loyal, affectionate and tend to develop deep bonds. They are good with other dogs as well as children, although small humans or canines can get unintentionally injured from their exuberance. Keep this in mind before adding the breed to a family that has one or the other. 

Like most gun dogs, the Slovakian does require a lot of exercise and particularly enjoys having regular outdoor adventures with his owner. The high exercise requirement is probably the single-most “fault” of the breed for the majority of homes – it is difficult for all but the most active families to give them the amount that they need. This gun dog not only needs to lots and lots of physical exercise, but mental as well. They do best in homes that can give them a full-time job such as regular hunt outings, but also do well with people that compete in events such as agility and/or obedience. When these needs are met, they can be fairly calm and well-behaved in the home. When the needs are not met… they can be destructive.

Slovakian Wirehairs do best in larger homes with property because of their high energy levels. Because they also have a strong hunting instinct, a fenced yard is a must to keep them from pursuing prey. While some will just stand and point at the animal rather than running off, others will race towards it and off the property. For obvious reasons, they are not recommended for apartment life.

The Drentsche Patrijshond (also known as the Dutch Partridge Dog) is one of the rarest pointing breeds in North America but known for being an excellent family dog, farm dog and hunting dog. This Dutch pointer does everything with enthusiasm and happiness and is incredibly versatile. Loved by hunters for his versatility and family for his loving and extra-devoted nature, the breed would be much more popular if he was more well-known. Many owners have commented on the breed’s hyper-awareness of their feelings and emotions, almost as if the dog has a better understanding of their emotions than they do!

Like most hunting breeds, the Drent is active and needs plenty of regular exercise, even when the weather is bad! Along with a daily walk, he should be given at least an hour of free running. Jogging and hiking are other great activities which he much appreciates. Without it, he may become destructive and difficult to live with. Along with physical exercise, the breed also requires mental stimulation in the form of training or other thinking activities, as well as spending lots of quality time with his owner or family. This social breed does not make a good kennel dog since he loves people too much.

The Drentsche Patrijhond is usually reserved towards strangers until he gets to know them, and will bark when unfamiliar people come to the door. This is not a guard dog, rather a “reporting an arrival” dog. The breed gets along well with children, both from the family as well as visiting children, as long as he has been raised with and socialized to them. They also tend to get along well with other dogs.

The Drentsche is soft-tempered and doesn’t do well with harsh training methods. All dogs need to be treated fairly but this breed requires extra thought in this department! Although very intelligent, he can be stubborn at times and can get bored when training is too repetitive. When training is fun and upbeat, he is usually very responsive as he really enjoys pleasing his owner. This pointing breed loves all sorts of activities and, once trained, is happy to engage in dog sports such as hunting, agility, tracking, bikejoring… even sledding and skijoring! As a breed, he tends to think for himself and may try to put his own spin on things – patience and a sense of humor are good attributes for an owner to have! This is especially true for younger members of the breed.

The Patrijshond has a very high prey drive and will likely spend a lot of his free time searching out small animals while outside. First-time owners are often surprised when their gentle Drent turns into a hunting fanatic in the backyard! While most members of the breed can live with a cat, they should be raised from puppy-hood with that cat so they can learn that chasing is off limits. Some may still chase a cat indoors from time to time, however (and most will chase that same cat when outside).

The medium-length coat of the Drent is a single coat, yet is prone to shedding heavily twice per year. Owners will need to invest in several grooming tools to keep the coat in good condition, as well as setting aside time each week to keep up with the coat during these shedding seasons. During the times that the dog isn’t actively losing a lot of coat, grooming won’t need to happen as frequently but the weekly session can still help keep the coat in tip-top shape!

Photo By Eric Broeksma

The Portuguese Pointer is a lively and enthusiastic hunting dog with a loving personality and can make a great companion in the right home. This ancient breed originated on the Iberian Peninsula and was originally only owned by royals. His original task was working with falconers (a task he still does today in Portugal)! In the 19th century the population of the breed began a decline but efforts were made to keep the lines alive. Today they are a rare breed here in America but cherished by those who know and own them.

The Portuguese Pointer is very active and should only be kept by those willing and able to meet his exercise needs. The breed has a ton of endurance and is very hardy – they don’t like taking breaks and prefer to spend plenty of time outdoors. Owners who are able to provide this will be rewarded with a wonderful friend for many years to come (they are fairly long-lived, with lifespans averaging 13-14 years). When given regular exercise, they tend to be calm and easy in the home. Without this exercise, they can become very destructive – prospective owners must seriously consider if they are up for the task!

It should come as no surprise that the Portuguese Pointer loves hunting and is often happiest in a home with a hunter. If this isn’t an option, however, he can be given other jobs to do that will stimulate his mind.  The worst home for this breed is one in which he not given enough to do or enough time spent with his humans. Known to have separation anxiety, he does best with owners who are frequently home and ready to engage in many active adventures with the dog!

This medium-sized breed is very loyal and devoted to his family or master – almost to the extreme. Once a Portuguese Pointer is part of the family, he takes his role as “family dog” very seriously. While social with people and very good with kids, Portuguese Pointers love to play and can be entertained with a game of ball for hours! Most are also very good with other dogs and pets, although they may or may not be as playful with fellow canines than they are with humans.

Portuguese Pointers are quite clever and tend to be easy to train since they were bred to work with people. They naturally like to work close to their owners. The breed doesn’t tend to need hard corrections, and a “softer touch” is usually required to keep them from shutting down. Once trained, they are very reliable dogs to work with. Because of their hunting drive, they may get distracted doing obedience outside while birds and other animals move about so plenty of proofing in those situations is recommended!

Portuguese Pointers don’t require very much grooming, but a good brushing is always appreciated! This is in addition to dental and nail care, and ear cleaning (the regular routines for most dogs). Because their coat tends to repel dirt, they don’t need frequent bathing. Along with the perk of easy grooming, the breed also enjoys very good health for the most part, with no health problems seen on a frequent basis (although responsible breeders still screen for certain disorders to keep the breed healthy).

Portuguese Pointers can make good watchdogs as they will bark to alert when someone arrives. While brave, they are not great guard dogs as they are far too social and people-loving to actually be threatening. When there is nothing around to bark at, they are fairly quiet. While some people may think their quiet nature would make them great apartment dogs, those people should think again! The Portuguese Pointer is not the most adaptable of dogs and does require a fair amount of space. Apartment-dwellers will have a hard time giving this breed the physical exercise that they need.

Photo by Afonso Silva

Not only is the Bracco Italiano a clever and animated breed with a loving personality, but he is also one of the oldest pointing breeds. This Italian pointer is fantastic in the field and gentle in the home. He doesn’t tend to be overly rambunctious (unless out hunting) and can make a reliable companion and friend. Furthermore, he requires very little grooming aside from occasional brushing, baths and regular ear cleanings – the long ears are very prone to collecting dirt.

Bracci tend to be intelligent and easy to train – albeit sensitive, as long as the trainer is patient. As they tend to have an independent streak and distractable nature (they follow their nose frequently), a trainer must be strict about holding up rules while still keeping things interesting and fair. Bracci also tend to mature slowly, oftentimes taking up to three years before fully developed. This is worth noting when working with these dogs as they may retain puppy-ish behavior for longer than other breeds! They tend to love to please, so as long as things remain positive and fun they will have a good time! The breed needs a job to do, and obedience can serve as one of these jobs. Hunting is another great option, although other dog sports can be substituted if the owner isn’t a hunter.

The Bracco Italiano does have a ton of energy and requires plenty of exercise – more so than many breeds. A prospective owner must make sure they have time to dedicate not only to exercise daily, but also additional time for mental stimulation as well. This hunting breed does not make a good couch potato and instead must work, run, play and learn on a regular basis. Without these things they can become fairly bored and destructive – and the mental stimulation is often even more important than physical, so regular training is non-negotiable! One exercise caveat – while they are still young, this heavy-boned breed shouldn’t be over-exercised. When it comes to large puppies such as the Bracco, still-forming joints can be damaged by too much repeated or high-impact activity.

All purebred and mixed breeds can suffer from health issues throughout their lives, but with purebred dogs it is more likely to know what health conditions might happen. Issues that are more commonly seen in the Bracco include hip and elbow dysplasia as well as eye problems such as entropian, ectropian and cherry eye. Responsible breeders seek to minimize the risk of these problems in their litters as much as possible. Make sure to buy a puppy from a breeder who does health tests and understands their lines! When healthy, many Bracci live around 11-12 years.

While many have been captivated by this breed, there are several shortcomings that must be examined before acquiring a Bracco Italiano. First, as might be imagined from their droopy jowls, the Bracco is a drooler! Second, big dogs require big pocketbooks when it comes to care. Both dog food and vet bills are much higher than with smaller breeds! Finally, this is a very social dog who does best when there is a person around the house most of the day. They don’t like to be left to themselves on a regular basis.

The Bracco tends to love children and gets along just fine with them in a household, often due to their gentle nature. In fact, aggression of any sort is not typical of this breed whatsoever. While they make poor guard dogs, some will alert to danger. This hunting breed also gets along with other dogs and pets – although smaller pets such as cats may need to be supervised around the more prey-driven members of the breed.

The Pudelpointer is a versatile hunting breed, created in Germany in the late 1800’s. While they can make fine pets, they are especially sought out by serious hunters and valued for their high drive and bird-sense. This is a large breed whose coat is harsh and wiry (a good source of protection in thick brush, which also happens to be hypo-allergenic) that comes in various shades of brown as well as black. They have a love of water, a strong pointing instinct combined with a natural know-how for retrieving, and possess plenty of endurance. Many also have very strong noses and a good ability to track.

Pudelpointers are intelligent and generally easy to train. They love pleasing their owners and are capable of giving lots of focus when asked. While they excel in hunting and hunting competitions, they can be very talented in obedience competitions as well. Some are also used in Search and Rescue – their skills attributed to their talented noses and attentive nature. With obedience, just make sure to stay consistent and give plenty of praise! It is also highly recommended to socialize them early so that they will keep their natural confidence when practicing outside the home. This is a breed that needs to work which means that without any training they may become destructive and frustrating to live with.

The Pudelpointer should be a “sane” dog in the home, with a sound and friendly temperament being characteristic of most members. They love giving and receiving affection, and tend to be gentle. Random aggression or shyness is not normally seen in the breed, provided they’ve been socialized. Some people are surprised to learn that although this is an active dog that is capable of hunting all day, they are normally calm and polite in the house! Most don’t require a massive amount of exercise either, rather a medium-level of regular walks and outings. Some require more exercise, however, so prospective buyers should research the lines of litters they may be interested in to find a dog that is a good match for them. Even low-key Pudelpointers are not couch-potato dogs, though. This is not a breed for the very sedentary household.

A fence is an important thing to have for a Pudelpointer as they have a strong desire to wander off the property. This is due to their high hunting instincts and prey drive. Their prey drive also means they might be difficult to keep with small pets and cats, although many are ok with direct supervision. The breed is great with kids as well as other dogs, however.

Pudelpointers are not big barkers, however they will bark to announce guests or strangers coming to the door. Don’t rely on them as guard dogs though, they are far too social for this task! As some are prone to separation anxiety, they may bark up a storm if left home alone or in a crate. It is highly recommend to start them getting used to spending time alone while they are still young so it won’t be a big deal for them.

Pudelpointers are fairly healthy dogs that often live between 13-14 years. The most common health issue that is seen in the breed is hip dysplasia, but even that isn’t super common. In Germany there are very strict health, temperament, conformation and even hunting ability tests that need to be cleared before the dogs can be bred which means that most puppies are healthy and sound. Sound too good to be true for a prospective owner? Well, the downside is that the Pudelpointer is a rare breed in America and may require getting on a waiting list.

Photo By Fifat

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a versatile hunting breed and valued companion. Bred not only to point, but also to retrieve on land or water, hunt large and small game, and trail wounded game – as well as get along with both children and adults in the home – this is a dog with many talents. These large dogs are healthy and athletic, and often live between 11-12 years. No wonder they are one of the most popular breeds in the United States! This said, they are certainly not the dog for everyone as their requirements are steeper than many people are prepared to give.

As a very active breed, the GSP requires an owner willing to give this high energy dog lots of exercise several times a day! Jogging, ball-chasing and swimming are all great activities. Not only do they have tons of energy but they are also surprisingly strong. Without training, they can easily overpower a frail owner. Without regular exercise they will become destructive and frustrating to live with. An owner must therefore be able to provide both mental and physical stimulus daily. Crate training is recommended as one of the first skills they should learn so that their curious nature won’t get them into trouble while owner is away (adolescent GSPs especially), but crates are never a substitute for exercise.

The Shorthair can live in a kennel or outside if need be, but only if they are taken out frequently and given lots of human contact. If delegated to outside life without plenty of human interaction, behavior problems such as digging, barking and chewing will often ensue. The same can be said for an inside-dog that is not given the same. GSPs need a job to do, and as they were bred to work with people, they need to do that job with you! Hunting is not necessary, there are many type of activities a Shorthair can participate in including (but not limited to) tracking, search and rescue, therapy, conformation, coursing, flyball, obedience, water trials, agility, CGC, dock diving, flyball or rally. Some even become hearing-ear dogs or service dogs!

The Shorthair is highly trainable, especially if training is started from a young age (although GSPs of any age are very capable of learning). The breed is quite eager to please. Some learn astonishingly quickly while others will require a bit more patience on the side of the owner, although in general they tend to have a higher-than-average aptitude for learning. Consistency is key, as well as keeping lessons short and simple. Some tend to get “creative” with the commands, trying to put their own spin on things so make sure to only reinforce what you want! Remember, also, that GSPs are sensitive creatures and may get spooked or alarmed with quick arm movements. Be prepared to work them through any anxieties they may have. 

Although the coat of the German Shorthair is (like the name) short, it is thick and somewhat harsh to the touch. This coat helps to protect them in the cold elements as well as from the thickets and brush of the outdoors. This said, they may still require a coat when outdoors in extreme cold temperatures, especially if they haven’t grown accustomed to the weather. This German breed does indeed shed, and the short length of each hair means that it will embed itself into furniture and carpeting and be generally difficult to vacuum out! Be prepared to brush and bathe the coat in order to keep the shedding to a minimum.

Most German Shorthairs enjoying a good game of fetch, and may also try to “fetch” everyday objects in the house! Teach the dog early on what he is and isn’t allowed to grab. They also may be keen on trying to hunt the family cat… the level of prey drive differs depending on the line, the individual dog, and the amount of socialization they had with cats as puppies. Many are not able to live with the smaller species. One other trait that many Shorthairs seem to have is an affinity for escaping the yard. Thus, these too-smart-for-their-own-good dogs may need a more secure yard than usual!

GSPs are friendly and devoted to their owners, with some becoming almost dependent. Separation anxiety can be an issue for many members of the breed. Many love the children of the family just as much as the adults – although their enthusiasm and tendency to bounce around means they’re ill-suited living with very young kids. Among their many talents, they also make fine watchdogs as they hold their owner’s safety in high regard.

The Irish Setter, with his deep red coat and soulful expression, is truly a beautiful dog. In addition to great looks, this Irish breed has a great personality to boot! Playful, happy and loving – these dogs make wonderful companions for those who can meet their needs. Furthermore, they make great hunting companions and even therapy dogs in nursing homes. Their high prey drive, high energy and cold-weather-ready coats makes them fantastic in the field, but less so in an urban environment.

Irish Setter puppies have a lot of energy and a stubborn temperament – they need plenty of training and exercise in order to mature into the gentle dogs they will eventually become. As the breed can take a while to fully mature, an owner should be prepared to deal with a lot of mischief in the meantime! This may include a propensity for nabbing your belongings or just general destructiveness. On the bright side, most puppies can be housebroken without too much trouble, however. When that mischievous puppy eventually grows up, he will still need lots of exercise throughout his life as this is a high-energy breed. Having a large fenced yard and/or being prepared to give the dog plenty of outdoor activity should be a requirement for ownership. This is not the best match for someone in an apartment.

Irish Setters are intelligent but can have short attention spans, so when it comes to training the owner should know what they are doing. They can alternate between wanting to please and deciding that they would rather go do something else during training time. It is the trainer’s job to keep them focused and motivated in a firm but fair (and fun) way. Like all sporting breeds, the Irish thrives when he has a job to do, and obedience training is one such job that will keep him happy and fulfilled. Once the basics of obedience are taught, an owner can move into other dog sports if desired – Irish Setters do great at hunting, dock diving, tracking, agility, rally and flyball – just to name a few!

Irish Setters are extremely social animals who want to be around “their people” as much as possible (they don’t make good outdoor-only dogs for this reason). They love adults and children alike, as well as other dogs. Some have issues with cats, and some are too rambunctious to be around very small kids. They are outgoing with strangers and love making new friends! They will announce visitors to the home with great vigor, although they are too friendly to be relied upon as guard dogs. While some members of the breed have protected their owners from dangerous individuals, this is usually only in the most extreme of circumstances.

The Irish Setter does shed, and he needs a fair amount of grooming upkeep. Brushing the coat twice a week and giving him regular baths will help keep him in good shape. Show dogs sport an understated traditional clip, which means an owner should be prepared to learn or pay a groomer if they want their dog to have the particular “show look” of an Irish Setter. Finally – ears, teeth and nails will all need regular grooming as well.

Irish Setters adore visiting new places and tend to bring their enthusiasm with them wherever they go! Calm in the car, once they reach their destination they are likely to bounce out ready for adventure once the car door is opened. These athletic, playful dogs love anything that involves activity, wildlife and other people. On the flip side, an Irish Setter that is constantly left at home by himself is likely to develop separation anxiety.

The Brittany is a medium-sized gun dog with a happy-go-lucky personality. This pointing/retrieving dog is generally easy to care for, possessing a coat that protects from the elements while remaining a breeze to groom. This makes him appealing to many hunters who want a dog which will go all-out in the field without needing endless coat care. The Brittany also makes a great companion dog with his friendly, easygoing temperament, although potential owners should be aware of his exercise needs. Unlike some gun dog breeds which have been divided into “show” and “hunting” lines, many Britts compete in both arenas successfully.

Britts are high-energy dogs who may prove too much to handle for a laid-back household. They do best in homes where they are given a job to do, preferably hunting although other dog sports can be substituted.  In addition, he needs regular exercise every single day. Assuming that he is given enough exercise, he should be calm in the house and not overly rowdy. Because of his medium size, a Britt can live in an apartment but only if all of his physical and mental needs are met – which will often mean more work than someone who lives on a bigger property. There is also some variation in different lines as to how much exercise the dog may need so it is paramount to research breeders if you are looking for a particular activity level.

Brittanys take very well to obedience training and usually need only mild corrections (when corrections need to be given). They are generally very eager to please and catch on quite quickly when taught something new. The breed does have a naughty, impish side that can come out from time to time. They may try to make training into a game with their own rules. A sense of humor is therefore always good to have!

The Britt tends to be gentle and patient with children, while still retaining a fun-loving playfulness. As with all dogs, however, they should be socialized to kids (ideally when still a puppy) in order to ensure the best results. The breed also tends to get along very well with other dogs – most never meet another dog that they don’t like! While it can happen, aggression issues are very uncommon. Finally, if raised with cats then the breed can get along with them. If not raised with cats… a Britt may be heavily inclined to chase one. This is a hunting breed, after all!

Brittanys do shed year-round, although not in copious amounts. Keeping the dog brushed out on a regular schedule (two or three times a week) will help this issue, and the relatively short coat is easy to groom. Some members of the breed have longer feathering on their legs which may need to be combed more often than the rest of the coat. Nails need to be clipped every couple of weeks, and the teeth need to be brushed regularly. Baths only need to be given when the dog gets dirty, or slightly more often if the dog has a show.

While the Britt is a French breed, there is a distinction between American lines and French lines – and the lines are no longer crossed by most breeders. In fact, the French Brittany is now considered a separate breed. American Brittanys are leggier and have a racier build than their European counterparts, they also are not allowed to have black in the coat. To make matters confusing, however, French Brittanys can be registered by the AKC although they may or may not be able to become show dogs. Although it is the same breed genetically, some people feel that the two types are different enough to separate them.

The Brittany does not make a good kennel dog as he needs plenty of attention throughout the day. This is a breed that lives  12-14 years – make sure you are able to dedicate enough time every day, for the rest of the dog’s life! Some individual dogs will be ok in homes where the owner works all day, but usually only if a friend or pet professional is enlisted in caring for the dog daily (a pet sitter or dog walker, for example). While your Britt would really prefer you, this breed tends to love everyone and will generally be ok as long as they are being given enough attention by someone.

Photo By Pharaoh Hound

The Irish Red and White Setter is not just another color variation of the Irish Setter, rather he is an entirely separate breed. He is touted for his gun dog abilities and effortless stamina in the field. He also makes an excellent companion with a joyful and friendly temperament, provided that he is given exercise and training. These setters can become destructive if they aren’t given a job to do. They were bred to work, after all – not lie around the house all day.

Irish Red and White Setters are a very active breed requiring plenty of activity (they have been described as “tireless”). Ideally, they would be taken hunting on a regular basis but if this isn’t a possibility, other energy-challenging activities can be substituted, such as agility and obedience. This is in addition to regular jogging and free-running in the yard. Spirited and determined, this pointing breed is always happy to work! Males are said to be more active in general, but this is dependent upon the individual dog. Because of their high activity level, this breed is generally not recommended for apartment living.

The playful Red and White is good with children, but may be too boisterous for toddler-age kids. They also get along well with other dogs, as well as cats as long as they are raised with them. They are vastly loyal toward their owners but have a silly, clownish side as well. This is an affectionate breed that will always let you know that you are loved! With strangers, they are equally friendly and accepting (making them poor guard dogs). While they are stable enough to live in busy family settings, without enough time dedicated to them they will add to any household chaos.

Red and Whites are very versatile and trainable, although a touch of patience may be required, particularly when the dogs are in the adolescent stage. It is important to start the training while the dog is still young, so that by the time he has matured (at 3 or 4 years of age), he will be easy to handle. As long as training is consistent and fair, however, they can learn how to be very polite members of the household. They tend to become great breed ambassadors when out in public, as a trained Red and White is often a joy to be around. Furthermore, these dogs tend to learn fast – sometimes faster than a trainer might expect!

One of the key features of the Irish Red and White Setter is his beautifully marked coat – always red “islands” splashed on a white background. Although it is medium-long in length, the coat shouldn’t be too difficult to keep groomed. Brushing it out 2-3 times a week will keep it free of mats, and bathing it when necessary (once a month or so) will keep it clean. Most coats are fairly easy to take care of as long as they are looked after regularly. When well taken care of, the coat of the IRWS will help to keep him happy in cool weather – a temperature that these dogs particularly love.

Because of their activity level and social nature, the Red and White does not make a good kennel dog. He prefers to live inside the house where he can stretch his legs and visit with his owners. If there will be no people in the house for long periods of time (such as a working owner), it is highly recommended to get another dog to keep him company.

Photo By Pleple2000