Irish Bostetter -- Irish Red Setter X Boston Terrier

		Irish Bostetter
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			Ireland <> U.S.A. -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Irish Bostetter

Irish Bostetters are gentle, intelligent and playful pets that enjoy being active and spending time with others. Their average lifespan for medium breeds is 10 to 14 years, and they generally weigh between 13.5 and 20.5 kilos. At maturity, this breed can measure between 48 and 56 centimeters. Irish Bostetters generally resemble smaller, sturdier Irish Setters with distinctive Terrier facial features. They are low-maintenance pets whose coats take on many of the characteristics of their two parent breeds. The date of origin of this hybrid is unknown, and its form or personality is not yet fully stabilized. As such, Irish Bostetters are not recognized by the American Kennel Club's list of purebred dogs.

History of the Irish Bostetter

The name Irish Bostetter is a combination of the names of its two parent breeds: the Boston Terrier and the Irish Red Setter. The hybrid of Boston Terrier and Irish Red Setter may have existed for decades, given the long history of the two parent breeds in the USA. However, Irish Bostetters have only recently become recognized as a designer hybrid.

	A little of the Irish Red Setter
	The Irish Red Setter, originating in Ireland, was originally a mix of Pointers, Spaniels, Bloodhounds and other Setter varieties. They were bred to track and retrieve game birds. The Irish Setter started out as a shorter, two-tone dog, but was eventually bred as a solid white or red color in the 19th century. The red version became the most popular, inspiring the Irish Earl of Enniskillen to declare in 1812 that he would keep only Irish Red Setters in his renowned kennels. The red color then became the standard in North America. The AKC officially recognized the Irish Red Setter in 1878, and it has been one of the most popular breeds in the USA since the 1970s.

	Standard of the Irish Red Setter
	A little of the Boston Terrier
	The Boston Terrier originated in Boston, Massachusetts. Its owner, Robert C. Hooper, crossed his English Terrier with a Bulldog, and the result was the Boston Terrier we know today. The most famous of the breed was Stubby, a canine hero of the First World War. In fact, Stubby's 18 months in the trenches earned him encounters with presidents, including Calvin Coolidge.

	Standard of the Boston Terrier

Appearance of the Irish Bostetter

An Irish Bostetter resembles a smaller, sturdier Irish Red Setter with some Boston Terrier characteristics. It has a lean, muscular build that is slightly longer than it is tall, with a deep chest, strong neck and tapering tail. Its button ears represent a healthy compromise between the two parent breeds, yet its relatively square skull and short muzzle are more Boston Terrier-like. The Irish Bostetter's coat can be short to medium in length, as well as wavy, soft and fine. It comes in solid or multicolored combinations of black, white, seal, brown, mahogany and red, with the possibility of a brindle pattern. Beyond that, Irish Bostetters have small, compact legs with arched toes that help them move with grace and speed.

Temperament of the Irish Bostetter

This unusual breed is lively and gentle, with the outgoing nature of the Irish Red Setter and the spunk of the Boston Terrier. Because Irish Bostetters are so playful and energetic, they love to be with owners who have free time during the day to let off steam or go for a long walk or run. Irish Bostetters are generally very good with other dogs and children. They also tend to get on well with adult strangers. This dog's combination of intelligence and stubbornness, however, makes it more difficult to train than some other breeds. Owners can combat this tendency with early and consistent training. Beyond this, Irish Bostetters are known to bark occasionally and, like many hybrid breeds, are very sensitive to their environment, so it follows that Irish Bostetters thrive in environments where they have a relatively consistent schedule and company.

Needs and activities of the Irish Bostetter

Irish Bostetters have above-average energy levels and love to exercise with their owners. They are quite athletic and should have between 45 and 60 minutes of activity a day. They can live in urban environments if they have access to grassy areas or off-leash parks, but will thrive in a home with a well-fenced yard and plenty of company. Irish Bostetters can enjoy hunting, so they should always be supervised when outdoors. This hybrid doesn't do well in extreme temperatures, so keep this in mind when training them. Don't forget that these dogs need a good dose of cuddles and affection at the end of the day to stay happy and healthy.

Maintenance of the Irish Bostetter

Irish Bostetters are not hypoallergenic dogs and are therefore not suitable for owners with allergies. They shed moderately and need regular, but not frequent, brushing to avoid tangles and look their best, especially if their coats are longer. These dogs should only be bathed once a month and have their nails trimmed once or twice a month to avoid painful proliferation or nail separation. They should also have their ears and any facial wrinkles they inherit from their Boston Terrier parent cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Like all breeds, Irish Bostetters should have their teeth brushed daily.