The rich red color of the Irish Setter is the unmistakable mark of one of the favorite Sporting Dogs in the United States, at least in the Conformation Ring. This dog usually sends the crowd into huge rounds of applause as it floats around the ring. This is an animal that is definitely a "crowd-pleaser" and it is no wonder. A well balanced smoothly moving Irish Setter is a breathtakingly beautiful animal...the sort that all the crowd can take pleasure in watching.
Irish Setters originally were developed from the very old breed, the Red and White Irish setter which was a familiar sight in Ireland and Great Britain as early as the fifteenth century. The Red and White still exists is smaller numbers today but the pure red Setter has proved to be a much more popular breed, although in stature and structure there are only small differences.
The Irish Setter that is used as a hunting dog possesses an untiring desire to hunt and works well in the field, however those who use him in the field often will have to sacrifice some of the beautiful coat to the scissors in return for a few less cockleburs to pick out. In truth there has been more emphasis placed on breeding for the coat color , texture and and its length than on breeding hunting qualities. As a result the Irish Setter has become less in vogue as a hunting dog than it was in years past.
The Irish Setter should always have a deep red coloring, over the whole body including the nose and rims of the eyes, which should be "self-colored" . He has the build of the typical bird dog, well laid back in the shoulder and well angulated in the rear, giving him a long ground covering stride and the essential ability to quarter and turn when hunting for the covey of quail or pheasant.
His entire appearance should present a picture of aristocratic elegance. The dog should stand 25-27 inches at the shoulder. The longer rear legs should be well angulated and the dog when moving should be absolutely free and straight. There should be long straight feathering on the dog's ears, chest, belly, inside of the thighs and the backs of the front legs, the rear legs and the tail, with the rest of the coat lying flat and relatively smoothly with little wave or curl.
The Irish Setter breed certainly does have more than beauty, for a well bred Irish Setter is a thorough gentleman and a faithful friend in the home or on the weekend hunt.
Their temperament is irreproachable, always happy and always willing to please, although a puppy can be quite boisterous, he is usually also very tractable and easy to train. The typical Irish Setter is a dog that displays great family loyalty and a generally even temper, making an ideal companion and family dog for those who like to have a big dog. Being good with all ages, from the very young to the very old, the Irish Setter has endeared himself to the hearts of all who have known him.
It was the summer of 1983. Former Massachusetts governor and republican presidential nominee hopeful Mitt Romney, his wife Ann and his five sons are all packed into a white Chevy station wagon ready to embark on a 12-hour road trip from Boston to Ontario. His destination: his parents? cottage on the Canadian shores of Lake Huron. This was the story as written in the Boston Globe in an extensive seven part series on the politician. But it was part four that perked up the ears of animal lovers across the country.
The story told to the Boston Globe at first appeared innocent enough, attempting to display Romney's "emotion-free crisis management." According to the Globe, before beginning the long drive, Romney put Seamus, the family's Irish setter, in a carrier and attached it to the station wagon's roof. The article also stated that he had built a windshield for the carrier to "make the ride more comfortable for the dog."
According to the Globe it was Romney's oldest son, Tagg, who made a shocking discovery while on the road, a discovery that was dripping down the back of the Romney family station wagon. A brown liquid was trickling down the back window; "payback from an Irish setter who'd been riding on the roof in the wind for hours" said the Boston Globe article.
The Globe's article used the situation to display Romney's calm and cool demeanor. According to the piece, Romney pulled off the road into a gas station where he borrowed a hose to wash down first the car and then the dog. It was then back into the car and back onto the highway, with the large Irish setter still on the roof, to finish the lengthy drive to Ontario.
It was that exact same day that the story ran, June 27, 2007, that Time Magazine's Ann Marie Cox picked up on the little anecdote Romney told to the Globe and questioned the legality of the event. Sure enough it was dubious.
According to Massachusetts animal cruelty laws it is unlawful for an owner or custodian of an animal "to carry or cause an animal to be carried in or on a vehicle in a manner that endangers the animal including transport of an improperly secured animal." Furthermore, it is unlawful "to transport an animal in the back of a motor vehicle unless the animal is properly restrained."
The fact is that this incident occurred nearly 25 years ago and even if Romney's actions were found to be unlawful, the statute of limitations has most likely passed. In Cox's article she spoke with Stacey Wolf, attorney and legislative director for the ASPCA.
"Even if it turns out to not be against the law at the time, in the district, we'd hope that people would use common sense...any manner of transporting a dog that places the animal in serious danger is something that we'd think is inappropriate," said Wolf in the Time article.
PETA's president Ingrid Newkirk was not as tactful concerning the event. "First, as a charity we can't and don't endorse or oppose any candidate for public office," said Newkirk in a statement. "But I can say that any individual who does something like that may have what scientists term the absence of the mirror neuron, i.e., a pin-pointable absence in the brain of the characteristic which allows the individual to feel basic compassion."
She continued, "Thinking of the wind, the weather, the speed, the vulnerability, the isolation on the roof, it is commonsense that any dog who's under extreme stress might show that stress by losing control of his bowels. If you wouldn't strap your child to the roof of the car, you have no business doing that to the family dog."
And if you are going to Travel with your Pet
According to a recent release by 4everPets, makers of natural products for dogs and cats, there are some simple rules to follow when traveling with your pet that can make your life and theirs comfortable and safe.
Whether traveling by car or plane, pet parents need to watch what they put into their pet's stomach. If heading out on a road trip, feed your pet a light meal three or four hours before you leave. You should never feed your pet while in a moving car. It has the tendency to make them sick. If your pet is flying though make sure it's on an empty stomach.
Long trips, by air or car, require a proper crate. Believe it or not, a familiar crate will help relax your pet. Also make sure that the crate is properly secured and in a comfortable location for your pet. 4everPets advises to never put a leash on your pet while inside the crate. This runs the risk of your pet getting tangled in it.
Especially when traveling in a car with your four-legged friend, you need to make sure you have everything that you need. Make a list before you leave that includes all supplies needed. This includes water, food, toys, bedding, and even a pet first-aid kit.
According to 4everPets, the ASPCA advises not to use sedatives or tranquilizers on your pet when traveling. They often interfere with their balance and hamper breathing.
Whenever you leave home with your pet, even if heading to the beach, it is best to make sure they are equipped with current tags or a microchip. When heading out further, current health certificates and even a recent photo are important things to carry.
Lalinda De La Fuente | Onlyforpetlovers.com has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, Colon Cleansing and Pets. Lalinda De La Fuente is the News Editor for . Check out our site to view the rest of our articles and register at our online community for pet lov. Lalinda De La Fuente | Onlyforpetlovers.com's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.