More: The Irish Red and White Setter breed originated before the Irish Setter. The first actual written record that refers to a setting dog that was red and white dates back to the mid-17th century. Around 1880 breeders began to prefer the variety of solid red color and as a result, the breed was on the verge of extinction. After decades of obscurity, Ireland’s original setters have rebounded and now have official breed recognition in the US, UK and elsewhere. Finn's bowtie symbolizes the current interest in protecting the monarch butterfly which is now experiencing population decline.