The Irish Setter dates back to eighteenth-century Ireland. Their name in Gaelic is "Madra Rua" which is translated as "red dog." The breed was created through a mix of the Old Spanish Pointer, setting spaniels and early Scottish setters.
Early versions of the breed were white with red blotches on their coats, much like the Irish Red and White Setter of today. The Earl of Enniskellen is credited with the development that gave the breed their rich red coat in the early 1800's.
The Irish Setter was first brought to the United States in the early nineteenth century by the Irish immigrants. The Irish Setter was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 and during the 1970's, the Irish Setter was among the most popular breeds in America.
