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A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed. From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Kennel Club website for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure.

To view photos of this breed please visit the Kennel Club Picture Library

General Appearance
Strong and powerful, without lumber; athletic rather than racy.

Characteristics
Biddable, highly intelligent, good worker.

Temperament
Happy, good-natured and affectionate.

Head and Skull
Head broad in proportion to body, with good stop. Skull domed without occipital protuberance as in Irish Setters, fairly square, clean muzzle.

Eyes
Hazel or dark brown, round, slight prominence, and without haw.

Ears
Set level with eyes and well back, lying close to head.

Mouth
Jaws strong with a perfect regular scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck
Moderately long, very muscular, but not too thick, slightly arched, free from throatiness.

Forequarters
Shoulders well laid back. Elbows free, turning neither in nor out. Strong, oval bone, well muscled, sinewy, pasterns slightly sloping.

Body
Strong and muscular, deep chest and well sprung ribs. Back and quarters very muscular and powerful. Bone strong, well built up with muscle and sinew.

Hindquarters
Wide and powerful. Legs from hip to hock long and muscular from hock to heel short and strong. Stifle well bent, hocks well let down turning neither in nor out.

Feet
Close-knit, well feathered between toes.

Tail
Strong at root, tapering to fine point, with no appearance of ropiness; not reaching below hock. Well feathered, carried level with back or below in lively manner.

Gait/Movement
Long, free-striding, effortless with drive.

Coat
Finely textured with good feathering. Slight wave permissible but never curly.

Colour
Clearly particoloured, i.e. base colour pearl white, solid red patches. Mottling or flecking but no roaning permitted around face and feet and up foreleg to elbow and up hindleg to hock.

Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog, and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.

Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Last Updated - December 2008

Glossary of Canine Terms

Some links to health information and resources that may be relevant to this breed:

Veterinary screening schemes - The Kennel Club operates these with the British Veterinary Association.

DNA screening schemes - detect disease-causing mutations in a number of breeds.

Current Accredited Breeder Scheme health screening requirements and recommendations - for Kennel Club Accredited Breeders show what is required and recommended for the sire and dam of any litter of this breed bred by a Kennel Club Accredited Breeder.

Breed Watch - a tool aimed at dog show judges and exhibitors to highlight and tackle any current concerns in a breed

Health Test results Finder Tool - access results of any official KC health testing scheme for Kennel Club registered dogs

2004 Purebred Dog Health Survey Results - Individual summaries are available where the breed response rate was greater than 15%.

Recommended Reading

All the below publications are available from the Online Shop.

Kennel Club Breed Standards Kennel Club Breed Standards are available for most breeds indicating the qualities which competition judges normally take into account and the standard or model which breeders endeavour to achieve. The Breed Standards can be purchased by group.

Breed Clubs and Societies

• IRISH RED & WHITE CLUB OF GB. Sec: Mrs F Valentine. Tel No: 01536 790159
• IRISH RED & WHITE CLUB OF SCOTLAND. Sec: Mr B Pilmer. Tel No: 01578 7222208
• SOUTHERN SOCIETY FOR IRISH RED & WHITE SETTERS. Sec: Mrs A Burgess. Tel No: not available, please contact the Kennel Club.

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Gundog Group 

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