This event is about presenting your Irish Setter to judges trained to evaluate your dog’s qualities against the Irish Setter standard. Originally its purpose was to evaluate breeding stock so that Breeders could preserve the qualities that make an Irish Setter - well, an Irish Setter. Structure, carriage, movement and temperament are a few of the many items discussed in the Irish Setter standard. Confirmation is still important to Breeders for the traditional reasons, but its also offers a fun way to compete with your dog.

Jr. Show provides an entrance for children and teens into the sport of dogs. Participants are evaluated against other children of a similar age and experience level, not on their dogs, but on their ability to present and mange their dog. Its a great opportunity for children to learn new skills, patience and team building basics as they work with their dog, building a special relationship based on love, trust and competition. Life long friendships are often forged among the fellow Juniors as they share experiences together.

Many National events and kennel clubs offer scholarships to Jr. Show, including the Irish Setter Club of America.

Irish Setters are frequently thought to be “dumb”, generally this is said by a human they have outsmarted! Admittedly, Irish Setters are rascals, so they do better with some training. Obedience is a great way to ensure your Irish Setter puts his brain to “good use” and not stealing that cupcake off the counter!

Obedience also trains the real culprit in the “spoiled dog relationship” - you! Learning how to set and enforce limits is just as important for dogs as it is children - we don’t want either to run into a street! Rally allows you and your dog to join up with other competitors for a team approach to Obedience. So come join the fun!

Irish Setters are an athletic Breed; they were built to hunt, to run a field chasing birds, all-day-long! Agility is a sport in which their natural athleticism and intelligence really shines! They may not be the speediest competitor but there is nothing more beautiful than a mahogany Irish Setter sailing over a jump on a Fall day. Of course, on occasion their “class clown” will show up, making you laugh through any embarrassment, as they joyfully wag their tail - laughing with you!