The Irish red and white setter was once the preferred setter in Ireland, used by landed gentry to search and indicate game by crouching or ‘setting’ in front of hidden birds to be caught by falcon or net.
This dog has a noble and athletic appearance, slightly heavier and broader than the red setter but still lean with a deep chest, long legs, tucked up abdomen and silky white coat marked by dark red patches. It is a fast and wide-ranging dog that requires plenty of space and consistent training to reach its potential. It is considered affectionate and good-natured in the home, sociable with children and other dogs.
In Britain setters are specialists, used to search and point game birds like partridge, pheasant and snipe on the moors and in woodland and stubble. They are also used to count grouse in the spring and summer.