Plea for dog lovers to save endangered Irish red and white setters

WHEN thinking of endangered animals, one’s thoughts might turn to the giant panda, the black rhino, or even the Amur leopard.

But animals at risk of disappearing can also be found closer to home. The number of red-and-white Irish setters has dwindled to just 63.

The breed’s numbers have dropped drastically since a peak in 1995, as they fall out of fashion in favour of designer dogs. Just 63 puppies registered with the Kennel Club last year and only two have been registered so far in 2017.

It is joined on the watch list by the bloodhound, with 53 registered last year, the otterhound, at 40, and the Skye terrier, at just 28.

Breeder Sue Blackmore, from Bideford, Devon, said she fears the breed will die out completely. She believes the main reason is because people simply do not know the breed exists, unlike its cousin the red setter, which still has healthy numbers.

“We need to find ways that we can protect the breed or they won’t be around for future generations to enjoy,” she said. “They are a friendly, affectionate and intelligent breed and we would implore people to consider them when choosing a dog, to help give them the future they deserve.

“We hope that interest in the breed picks up and gives one of our native British and Irish breeds a revival before it is too late.”

The red-and-white Irish setter is one of 29 breeds on the Kennel Club’s list of vulnerable native breeds – those which have dipped below 300 puppies a year. A BBC programme last year showed that numbers of the red-and-white setter began to dwindle in the late 1800s, as the landed gentry began to favour the red setter. The most popular breeds, according to the Kennel Club, are the labrador, the cocker spaniel and the French bulldog.