With his regal carriage and his hallmark chestnut red color, the Irish Setter is built like an elegant thoroughbred horse. A longtime favorite of pet owners, field enthusiasts, and dog-show aficionados, the Irish Setter is as talented as he is devoted. He owes his reputation as a winning show dog to his natural elegance and beauty, just as his prowess in the field position him as a top contender at hunting events. As a companion dog, the Irish Setter is bursting with Irish charm, possessing a jovial, friendly nature that owners find irresistible. This Comprehensive Owner's Guide begins with a concise history of the breed's development in Ireland, England, and the United States, followed by a chapter on the breed's characteristics. The author, Margaret Williams, extols the breed's attributes as an appealing family companion and recommends that owners undertake the training of the young puppy with great care, given the breed's high-energy approach to life. New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with photographs of handsome adults and puppies. In all, there are over 135 full-color photographs in this useful and reliable volume. The author's advice on obedience training will help the reader better mold and train into the most well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. The extensive and lavishly illustrated chapter on healthcare provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, preventing and dealing with parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as historical dogs, breeders, or kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.