Information on Loughborough

All About the Irish Setter

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All About the Irish SetterBy Joseph Devine

The Irish Setter is a attractive and flashy sporting breed with a medium-long, silky red coat. The breed was developed in Ireland during the 1700's. Several other breeds were used in the creation of the Irish Setter including the Old Spanish Pointer, setting spaniels, and early Scottish setters. Originally, this type of dog had large white patches of fur in their coat; however, the modern examples display a rich mahogany colored coat. In Gaelic, the Irish Setter's name is Madra rua which translates to "red dog." The breed was developed for the hunting and pointing of upland gamebirds.

The breed was brought to the United States in the early 1800's. During this time period, the Irish Setter was not just a red dog however instead commonly had other colors in the coat such as white. However, only the completely red dog won in the show ring, leading to domination of breeding stock of that color. This trend produced 760 conformation champions however only 5 field champions between the years of 1874 and 1948. This created a trend of the Irish Setter diminishing in the field. To counteract this, certain English Setters were used as an outcross for the breed, beginning a modern controversy between the Red Setter and Irish Setter breeders.

The Irish Setter is an extremely swift breed and the fastest of all the setters. Additionally, they have an excellent sense of smell and are quite skilled at covering many different types of terrain. Male specimensof type of dog weigh about 60 to 70 pounds while females weigh about 53 to 64 pounds. Field dogs differ slightly from the conformation counterparts and only weigh about 45 to 50 pounds. Other colors, such as the inclusion of white patches or a fawn hue, are also acceptable for dogs who hunt in field trials.

The Irish Setter is a friendly and playful canine. They enjoy human company and also actively seek out other dogs for playing. They are a good breed around children, and although not naturally aggressive, they will bark if strangers approach their family's area. They have very high energy levels and need time to run everyday, often until they reach old age.

This type of dog is healthy however as with all purebred dogs, they are susceptible to certain genetic conditions. Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, and bloat are all possible conditions that potential owners should familiarize themselves with before purchasing a dog of this breed.

If you are interested in getting an Irish Setter, this new pet adoption website can provide more useful information.

Joseph Devine

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English Setter - Dog Breeds

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English Setter - Dog BreedsBy John M Williams

Group: Sporting

Weight: male: 60-65; female: 50-55 lbs

Height: male: about 25, female: about 24 inches

Overview

The English Setter is originally from France where they have first been bred in the 1500s by crossing the French pointer with the Spanish Pointer. Sir Edward Laverack then brought these dogs to Great Britain where he perfected them. The English Setter was developed from some of the earlier French hunting dogs during the 1800s. These dogs were not used for hunting until another hunting strain of the English Setteres was created by Llewellin. These dogs are still used as gun dogs, and also do very well as show dogs.

Temperament

English Setters are very calm, easy-going and friendly dogs. They do especially well with children and are also sensitive with good manners. This breed loves affection, is enthusiastic and likes the outdoors. The can be somewhat stubborn and also difficult to housetrain. It is important to start training these dogs from early onwards to stop bad habits from forming. It is important to not treat these dogs in an unkind way. This breed will need a lot of companionship and are very fond of playing with other dogs. The English Setter has a tendency to be very loud and bark a lot if this is not addresses early on.

Care

The English Setter should be brushed often to keep the soft, medium-length coat in a good condition. It is also imperative to make there are no tangles, and also to give themextra care when they are shedding. This breed should only be bathed or dry shampooed when it is really required. Also trim the hair on their paws and clip their nails. The English Setter is an average shedding breed.

Training

The English Setter's instincts do not make them a submissive receiver of instructions, and will therefore require proper training. If these dogs are not going to be used for hunting purposes, they will have to be trained so that they are good, non-destructive, and socially adapted. Training of this breed should start when they are still young to get them housetrained and used to other animals.

Health problems

English Setters are affected by a number of health issues which includes hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism and congenital deafness. Most of the breed is also at risk of certain cancers and skin diseases. The majority of these ailments are inherent, and if you select your English Setter puppy cautiously from trustworthy breeders, you will reduce the risk for your dog.

Visit the following links for more info on the English Setter or a full list of Dog Breeds.

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All About American Cocker Spaniels

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All About American Cocker SpanielsBy Joseph Devine

The American Cocker Spaniel is the smallest sporting spaniel in the American Kennel Club and one of the most admired in the country. In 2007, the Cocker Spaniel ranked as the 17th most fashionable type of dog in the United States, out of 157 total breeds. Although the American Cocker Spaniel is a fairly recently developed breed, spaniels are one of the oldest types of dogs, with references to the Cocker found in Chaucer's and Shakespeare's literature. Cocker spaniels were specifically bred around the 1890's and the word cocker refers to the tendency to use this kind of spaniel while hunting woodcocks. The American subdivision of the breed began around the 1930's, as dog fanciers began noticing the differences of the breeds in conformation shows. About 15 years later, a formal division was made between the English and American Cocker Spaniels.

Physically, this dog is appealing as both a house pet and working canine. Dark, expressive eyes compose one of the breed's signature traits and highlight its lively, friendly temperament. Cockers weigh about 18-28 pounds and are split in three different colour varieties in conformation shows. Black, ASCOB (Any Solid Color other than Black), and parti-colors are the acceptable coat colors of the breed. Black includes solid black and black and tans while ASCOB includes solids ranging from silver to dark cream to deep red. Parti-color cockers include dogs that have an approved colour plus any large area of white. Although other coat colors do exist, such as merle, they remaina source of controversy and are usually indicative of the inclusion of other breeds.

Temperamentally, the American Cocker Spaniel is a friendly, joyous, and trusting breed, making them a good choice as a family pet. They are eager to please which aids in training for both obedience and hunting purposes. They are typically good with children and other pets, even though they are of hunting origins. Because of their soft demeanor, harsh punishments are not recommended.

The American Cocker Spaniel is a healthy breed although they are susceptible to a number of health problems. It is important to buy your dog from a responsible breeder who screens for known health issues such as ear infections, progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma, and cataracts. Additional physical concerns that buyers need to be aware of include hip dysplasia and luxating patellas.

Caring for a new pet is an exciting time. It is important to educate yourself as much as possible in order to provide the greatest home possible for your Cocker Spaniel. If you are interested in learning more, this pet responsibility website can provide useful information.

Joseph Devine