Back in the last century when I was in the second or third University, a close friend had an Red setter named Shanty. Shanty was his call name, since his registered name was Tamoshanter – the Irish bonnet named for Tam O’Shanter, the hero of a Robert Burns poem.
The name was appropriate because Shanty’s owner was a bonny Irish lass from South Boston – the accompanying photo shows them playing on Southie’s beach.
Some considered Shanty more than a bit crazy as were many of the other show quality Irish Setters (sotar rua – Irish for “red” setter) I ran across in the Boston area.
![Red Setter with mistress on South Boston Beach](http://atozdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/red-setter-with-mistress.jpg)
Red Setter with mistress on South Boston Beach
Shanty was about 75 lbs. and a gorgeous chestnut/red color but sometimes with a wild look in his eye. He adapted well and quickly to weekends on my boat with my Newfoundland pup but always kept an eye on his mistress.
Despite a rather wild and unpredictable reputation, I found Shanty to be a wonderful dog. I think the 71 most popular ranking in the U.S. (according to the AKC) doesn’t reflect the true potential of this great family dog.
![An Irish Setter dog](http://atozdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/irish-setter.jpg)
An Irish Setter dog (not Shanty)
According to one web site the average Irish Setter will live 10-11 years.
Did you know two presidents had red setters? Check the next page to see who that was. The video over the page has more in-depth information about life, health and training.
Red Setter in Motion
President Truman had a red setter called “Mike,” but after President Nixon got a red setter, they became the 3rd most popular breed in the USA.
[youtube width=”602″ height=”350″ video_id=”ooK_VY3nA4w”]
As a “bird dog,” the red setter does it all. First, find the birds – by running all over the place. Second, point to them. Third, retrieve.
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