What does your Irish do?

[rob winemaker]

Ok, I have a confession. I know this will make me feel better.
I am a dog racist. Whew. Do you know that saying," If it's not an Irish Setter, it's just a dog". It's true. I do apologize to you other breed owners but I can't help myself. Is there a dog with more personality. Doubtful I say. We all know the mischief they can get into but what are some of the sweet, cute things they do that make you just love them so much.

Keba makes these little grunty snorty sounds when you rub behind his ears or even when he's getting ready to go out as I put a lead on. It's almost like a cat purring. Sometimes in the house in the evening we can't find Rooker and then we find him sleeping in the strangest places like under the plant stand or the furthest corner. Plus I love it when they are on the floor together trying to eat the others head while moaning and grunting. Well makes up for the times when it's please stop.... or don't.... or no......

Please tell me I'm not alone in my affliction. What does your Irish do.?
(please note that by no means am I excluding the other Setter owners here. Let's have some funn!!)

[rob winemaker]

Way to go Reds.

[Trish Haill]

Bess did something really odd yesterday. She was off lead on a walk, and two women approached with a 15 mth Jack Russell and a Yorkshire Terrier. One of the women used to own an IS, so of course we stopped to have a chat. The dogs were playing, and what amazed me was that Bess lay down to play with them at their level! No boisterous 'setter boxing' here, but as the little JRT was putting its paws round her head, she was very gently patting it with her own paw. They had a bit of chasing around, but when they stopped she'd lay back down again to be at their level. The women and I were amazed at her behaviour.

She has actually done this once before at training, with a nervous little dog, but I thought that was just a fluke!

Now I think it shows the very special nature of the IS!

[Angela Clarke]

Yes Trish I have seen this with Sofie but with small children, when we meet small children if I say baby she sits and remains still when the child comes over (as they always do ) she then goes into submisife mode lets them touch her play with her ears what ever they want, and does not move untill I tell her to. This has to be seen to believe how wonderful this is, and it is obvious exactly what she is doing and has always done this since a pup. I know that it is not because she is scared, with gentle tail wagging and other body movments but this has not been taught to her, love them all, bless them <:0)

[Trish Haill]

What very special dogs these are! 

[Christine Pullen]

I know this is not specific to irish setters but it touched my heart....we went to ringcraft on tuesday, there was a man there just sitting, without his usual labrador friend. We sat down nearby after saying hello. George has never met this man before although we have...he went straight up to this man and put his head in the man's lap....a lot of stroking ensued and he just stayed there very quiet. Later I learnt that the man's dog had been put to sleep earlier, it just seemed as if George knew he needed comfort.Such sensitive souls.....

[Kimberly Simmons]

:( You can't explain that! How sweet and caring.

[JOANNE]

Irish Setters are the most sensitive of dog breeds I believe. They do seem to know when a person is in extra need of some love and affection. XXX

[Ellen Turberfield]

Christine how sweet of George, i do think they know things when my Mother passed away my last boy never left my side he knew i needed extra love

[Pippa Wheater]

My older Irish was a little madam and use o drive other dogs mad with her barking in their faces and jumping all over them smacking them on the head if they ignored her. My poor dads lab really use to bare her teeth as Bronte would not stop harassing her.

My aunt and her daughter got a miniature  rough coated Jack Russell about 2 years ago and she was such a tiny little thing when her and Bronte met and they hit it off straight away. Bronte was so gentle with her we were all so shocked little Doris use to hang off her ears and they would wrestle each other for hours.

They are the best of friends and play so well together, when my aunt comes over and she doesn't have Doris, Bronte searches the car for her !!! And vice versa.

Bronte hates it if someone is upset and has to come and give you a hug and licks the tears away, I too definitely believe they know if there is something wrong and want to offer affection.

[Dianne cook]

Heartfelt stories.... Where would one be without there beautiful Setters. X :0)

[Jacqui C]

Our first Irish, Bruce , was a rescued dog. We loved him to bits and he was wonderful company with my husband often away for 6 or more weeks at a time. When I was pregnant with our first child he would not leave my side and took to sitting on my lap, head on the bump. We worried what would happen when baby arrived but Bruce was wonderful. He would lie outside the nursery while our daughter slept then come and find to let me know she was awake. When she started to crawl he walked alongside her,  once even pushing the nappy end because she was grizzling, and when she walked, she held onto his back hair ( You could see him wince, but he wouldnt move). With the second baby he slept under the pram in the garden.He loved those kids like his own. Bruce lived to be 15,  we have been hooked on setters since and now we get to see just the same interractions with our grandchildren and our new setter family. Wonderful setters,