Meet Canada’s 16 most popular breeds of hunting dog

#11  IRISH SETTER

The fun-loving Irish setter dates back to the early 18th century, bred in Ireland for setting on upland game birds. An easy-going breed when not scenting a field, this strong-nosed, mahogany-coloured beauty is a swift-moving hunter. During the 1970s, the cheerful Irish setter was overbred due to popularity, but it has since recovered and now excels in both the show ring and at field hunt tests.

If you want a field dog, make sure the breeder you choose works their dogs on birds or hunts over them. Some say Irish setters have such a good memory that once they’ve been properly trained with consistency, they’ll never forget—even if you take time off from hunting, then return to it later, they’ll be ready.