With all that’s going on these days I can’t think of a topic. If it’s okay with the peeps, I’ll just post pics and vids of setter dogs. But first a word from our sponsor:
Sighted peeps can tell the breeds apart by their coloring but how do you explain the difference to a blind person? I hope I can give you some idea.
I’ll start with the most common breed of setter in the US, the Irish. They’re the lankiest of setters. They’re quite excitable with ditzy, mischievous, happy-go-lucky personalities. Some people think they’re dumb but don’t be fooled — they’re not. They’re just very sweet dogs. Most Irish setters adore children but—be careful—they can get so enthusiastic they can knock a small child over.
Here’s one with a fancy show clip. Don’t be fooled, it takes a lot of Ostering to get a setter to look like this. I used to fill 2 paper grocery bags when I clipped my Gordon setter Duggan every Spring.
My Gordons used to do this in their sleep. Their legs often got quite the workout, too.
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Now for English setters. Or, if you’re a Brit, you may call them Llewellin setters. Of all the setter breeds, they have the silkiest of coats. Notice some have black ticking, others tan, some both. They’re also a bit smaller and finer boned. They also need a lot of vigorous daily exercise.
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Here’s some pups learning to hunt. Eleven weeks...a perfect age for adoption!
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Now for the breed that’s nearest to my heart, the Gordon setter. They were first bred by the 4th Duke of Gordon. What with their Scottish roots they are the stockiest of the setters. In a pinch, they’ve even helped out by herding sheep. Their coats are a bit coarser than their cousins. They are a bit more cautious in general than their Irish cousins. They are sometimes stubborn, too. They can--can—also be a tad more aggressive around strange dogs. But they’re wonderful with children, especially their own family’s.
This one is from a couple of my Gordons’ breeder:
First things first.
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This is one obedient woozle.
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I don’t know much about the last breed, the rare Irish Red and White setter. According to breed standards, they’re a bit smaller than their Irish cousins. The red and white markings are supposed to make it easier for their human partners to pick their dog out of brush and tall grass.
You thought setters were born with their beautiful feathers? Nope. They grow in as your puppy grows up.
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All setters are sweet, beautiful dogs but, remember, they need a yard and lots of brisk daily exercise.
That’s it, Peeps. So what’s going on with your critters?