RBCh Autumwoods Great Lady JH ("Lacey"), owned by Lee Robinson, shows the precocity of the IRWS breed as she was pointing quail at the age of six months.

Perhaps the reason why these dogs are such "naturals" may stem from the fact that the breed has changed very little in the last 200 years. "They are still the same breed they were 200 years ago," says Robin Sonsteby. "They are a joy to watch in the field and they always seem to be smiling. But I've found that they need to mature mentally before the hard training for advanced work really kicks in. However, they will hunt as young pups and they do a good job in the field. They'll find birds and point them. It's just not the polished performance you'd see from a finished gun dog."

If you insist on a classic breed that points with a 12 o'clock tail the IRWS may not be the breed for you. "Many Irish Red and White Setters will still drop very low to the ground when pointing birds," notes Robinson. "This was necessary in the past when birds were hunted with nets. This is a natural instinct with this breed and has to be taken into consideration when you are training one. It is perfectly normal for this breed."

Since Irish Red and White Setters are scarce in the U.S., both Robinson and Devlin advise caution when buying a pup. "If you want hunting dogs, get your pups from people who hunt their dogs, as the pup's instinct will likely be more intense," says Devlin. "You need to know about the strengths, weaknesses, health issues and whatever else the breeder knows about prior generations. You need to make sure you aren't getting a pup from an 'oops' litter where there are no health clearances.

"If a breeder doesn't let you see health clearances for the parents of the litter, don't buy the pup. The IRWSA wants breeders in the Association to have clearances on their breeding stock for CLAD (Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency,) hips, CERF (eyes) thyroid panels and for vWD (von Willibrand's Disease), once a reliable genetic test is available in this country.

"Ask to talk with others who own their dogs and visit the breeder to see the parents, if both are available, and all of their other dogs. In other words, don't buy a pup sight unseen over the internet. Another red flag is a breeder that doesn't insist on taking their own pups/dogs back if they need to be re-homed. A major warning sign is a breeder that doesn't question a potential owner to make sure they would make a good owner and be able to provide a good life for one of their pups."

Robinson agrees. "Quality stock comes from reputable breeders," she says. "Contact the Irish Red and White Setter Association (www.irishredwhitesetterassociation.com) as you'll find a wealth of information regarding the breed, breeders, health and a 'buyers' beware.' Make sure the parents are registered with the American Kennel Club or a recognized foreign registry.

"There are still some impure Red and Whites that have been removed from the AKC stud book but are still being bred. This means you should see at least a three-generation certified pedigree on your pup before you buy.

"Contact as many breeders as possible and ask these questions: What health tests have been done on the parents and grandparents of these dogs and do you have proof of these tests? How often do you breed? Can we visit you and meet the dogs? Do you require a personal meeting before you sell your pups? Are your pups raised in the house or in a kennel? Do you hunt with your IRWS and do they have any titles to prove they are capable hunting dogs?

"So far, the breed has not split into 'show' and 'field' factions as has happened to many sporting breeds and I believe it is the responsibility of the parent club to educate breeders, judges and prospective owners so this will never happen to the IRWS. This is a unique hunting dog with a sound temperament, mind and body. It's a breed that is born to hunt!"