Irish White Setter

White Setter comes from Roman History from the origin of "setting dogges". This is an term used to describe setters, whom were used to indicate the location of game birds. Irish Setters were introduced during the early 1700's.  These dogs would freeze and identify the scent of the game birds and would disturb the birds in flight by creeping up on them slowly, allowing the hunter to either release a hawk or use a net to capture them when using hawks was no longer necessary. The setters would allow the birds to be targeted at a steady pace for the hunter to shoot his shot and succeed in his occupation. Irish Setters are keen, wise and intelligent and thrive in a family setting but are persistent and loyal when it comes to their training and work. Irish Setters were mostly white with burgundy patching. Irish Setters were bred until the end of the 19th century, but became less popular in the early 1900's.  In 1976 Irish Setters made a return, once scientifically created and revived by the help of The Irish Kennel Club and The Irish Red Setter Club, they would be used as show dogs with extreme national and international recognition. The Irish Setter is important in the work of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall because the role Gilbert's setter Sancho contributes in this novel. Sancho is mentioned upon the greeting of Helen and Arthur Huntingdon Jr. Sancho plays a significant role while being mentioned over a sequence of times, from beginning to end the dog is known for having a connection with both Gilbert and Arthur and creates a mutual affection and companionship to both characters.

Aubrey Animal Medical Center. “Irish Red and White Setter |.” Aubrey Animal Medical Center, 2020, aubreyamc.com/canine/irish-red-and-white-setter/.

Brontë, Anne. “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.” COVE Studio, 1847, studio.covecollective.org/anthologies/frankenstein-or-the-modern- prometheus/documents/the-tenant-of-wildfell-hall.

Associated Place(s)

Event date:

circa. 1700 to circa. 1990

Parent Chronology: