Okay, I’m convinced.

First, sorry if you’re super annoyed with dog posts. I have another one, so grin & bear it or just X out of the blog for today! ;)

After writing that post about how affectionate Espn is, I read about Red Setters/Irish Setters on wikipedia {always reliable facts} and I’m {slightly sad} to admit that I believe Espn is a Black Lab/Irish Setter mix. I don’t get to call him a Newfie anymore {tear}.

First, a picture of Espn:

Okay, so this isn’t really Espn, but doesn’t it look exactly like him?!  Event the tufts of hair on his rump match! This is a lab/setter mix {found here.}

Oh how about this guy:

Pretty darn close…just add some extra long hair to his ears.

Now to the facts {or at least Wikipedia statements}...

• The Red Setter often has patches of white on his face and chest as the Irish Setter of old did.
• {check} Espn has white on his chest
• Irish Setters get along well with children, other dogs, and any household pets, and will enthusiastically greet visitors.
• {check} posted about it a few days ago & he is a bit OVER-enthusiastic when he greets visitors, but he’s getting better.
• Irish Setters are an active breed, and require long, daily walks and off-lead running in wide, open spaces.
• {check} keeps me busy with two 20 minute walks a day & two more times outside playing – active indeed.
• They are, however, a breed with a tendency to 'play deaf,' so careful training on mastering the recall should be undertaken before allowing them off-lead.
• {check} this is annoyingly true! He practices selective hearing like it’s his job.
• Irish Setters enjoy having a job to do. Lack of activity will lead to a bored, destructive, or even hyperactive dog. This is not a breed that can be left alone in the backyard for long periods of time, nor should they be.
• {check} proof of this is the three corners of baseboard & walls in our living room that are nice and chewed since we left him alone a bit too long one day…lovely.
• As the FCI, ANKC and UK Standards state, the breed should be "Demonstrably affectionate." As a result, Irish Setters make excellent companion animals and family pets.
• {check} did ya see yesterday’s post?
• Irish Setters thrive on constant human companionship. Irish Setters respond swiftly to positive training and are highly intelligent. Irish Setters are people dogs that do require to be with their humans.
• {check} again, all about it on yesterday’s post

So this post is probably super boring to most & way too long, but I find it interesting to figure out what breed the pup is…and now I think I know. And just to note, Eugene’s been on the setter-not-newfie train for quite a while now {yes Eugene, you’re probably right…I admit it finally.}