The Irish Setter is popular amongh both the show fancy and the pet-owning general public, due to his personality, as well as his looks.  Big, elegant and athletic, with his flowing red coat, and the happy, head up, tail-wagging attitude, the Irish catches the eye of any judge.  And the rollicking devil-may-care personality has captured the heart of many owners.

 

Like most sporting dogs, however, he needs plenty of excercise, discipline, and a purpose to prevent his brain from finding other unwelcome activities to releive his energy and boredom.

--The Atlas of Dog Breeds of the World