The Irish Setter was developed at some point in the 1700s in Ireland as a field hunting dog and by the early 1800s, the breed was popular not just in Ireland, but also throughout the British Isles. Unfortunately, records of this canine’s early development are non-existent, although most experts believe that they are an ancestor of breeds such as the Irish Water Spaniel, the Gordon Setter, and the Irish Terrier. The earliest Irish Setters were bred to be able to search out birds then hold their position so they didn’t enter the line of fire and they were frequently either red and white or yellow and white, but in the mid-1800s the deep red color that we are familiar with today became the ideal. They were imported into the United States as hunting dogs that specialized in gamebirds around the mid-1800s as well and were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878. The Doberman Pinscher breed is a fairly new breed as well, originating in Germany at some point in the 1890s. The founder of this breed was a man by the name of Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a dogcatcher and tax collector by trade. He was looking for the perfect personal protection dog to accompany him on his rounds; one that was intelligent, loyal, and brave, with a naturally protective instinct and a reliable nature. Although Mr. Dobermann did keep records of which dogs he used the records were not particularly clear and some of the dogs he used were of indeterminate breed. Some of the breeds that are believed to have been utilized to develop the Doberman include the German Pinscher, Black & Tan Terriers and Hounds, Beauceron dogs, and a breed known as the Thueringen breed. Since their inception, these dogs have provided exemplary service as soldiers, guard dogs, and police dogs and have often given their lives for the safety of others. There is a softer side to these dedicated and courageous canines, however, and they can gentle, loving, and affectionate, loyal and steadfast companions for those that they love.
