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Early History
IN 500 BC, Carthaginians landed in
what is now called Spain. They saw many rabbits which in their native tongue
were called SPAN and dogs chasing them became known as Spaniels What does this have to do with IRWS?
These Spaniels were taken to many
parts of the world and developed into different land and Water Spaniels . One
of the land spaniels was called a setting spaniel. They were called this before
people hunted with guns and used nets to capture game birds. The dogs would SET
or lie down while the hunter tossed the net over both the dogs and the birds.
This was later shortened to Setter
The IRWS has been known for
centuries and is not a new variety. It is believed by many to be the original
Irish Setter. When dog shows came into being the dogs with more red were
favored for the show ring. Over time the solid red Setter became more popular
as a show dog and the R&Ws were used mostly as personal hunting companions
in Ireland over the next several hundred years
After World War 1 the breed was so
scarce many thought they were actually extinct. Through the efforts of a few
men in Ireland a few specimens were found and collected to revive the breed.
Over the next few years litters were produced and interest grew in the breed
again. In 1944 the first recorded breed club was formed and once again IRWS
were seen again in the show ring. However fashions changed and once again the
breed was in decline. In the 1970's Numbers again were low and with the
guidance of the Irish Kennel Club judicious crosses with Red Setters who’s
pedigrees could trace back to R&W dogs were allowed to increase the
gene pool.
The first modern day imports into
the US were in the mid 1980's. The numbers have steadily increased since that
time. In 1997 the IRWSA was formed. In 2005 the IRWSA was named parent club by
the American Kennel Club. The breed was granted MISC status in 2007. We
received full AKC recognition in January 2009 and were admitted to the Sporting
Group.
Presently there are around 1100 AKC registered
IRWS in the US.
Standard...
The IRWS is bred primarily as for
the field. The standard as set out hereunder must be interpreted chiefly from
this point of view and all judges at bench shows must be encouraged to judge
the exhibits chiefly from the working standpoint. The appearance is strong and
powerful, well balanced and proportioned without lumber: athletic rather than
racy with an aristocratic, keen and intelligent attitude.
Size...Males 24 1/2- 26 inches
bitches are 22 1/2 -24 inches at the withers.
Head
Gentle expression with dark brown
eyes, skull broad in proportion to the body. ears should be set level with the
eyes. Muzzle is clean and square
Neck is moderately long set into
well laid back shoulders. Top line should be level from the withers to the
croup and the croup should be well rounded. Tail when in action should be
carried level with or below the back.
Color
The IRWS should be a brilliant white
with clearly separated islands of red. Flecking is allowed on the face, the
feet and on the forelegs as far up as the elbow and on the hind leg as far up
as the hock. Roaning, flecking and mottling is discouraged on any other part of
the body.
Movement should be lively, graceful
and efficient.
Grooming is to be kept at a minimum.
No clippering is allowed. Light trimming with thinning shears is allowed under the
ears, under the tail. The feet can be rounded and hocks tidied for
neatness...Whiskers are to remain intact.
The IRWS should display a kindly,
friendly attitude showing a high spirit.
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