Every pet parent dreams of their perfect canine companion, often with a clear idea of what breed, size, and personality they’re looking for. For Annalise, a 24-year-old from Minnesota, that dream dog was a majestic Irish Setter—a large, active breed known for its golden retriever-like personality, but with an extra dash of energy.
They were ready for a big dog to match their active lifestyle, and in came Rinka, an adorable Irish Setter puppy.
But as Rinka grew (or, rather, didn’t grow as expected), a funny, slightly panicked realization began to dawn on Annalise. Rinka wasn’t getting “giant” like the Irish Setters they’d always imagined. Instead, she was staying remarkably… compact. “We were stressed,”
Annalise admitted, genuinely believing she had somehow done something wrong and stunted her beloved puppy’s growth. The anxiety was real!
It turns out, Annalise’s worry stemmed from a delightful misunderstanding, one that resonated with over 1.3 million viewers on TikTok! In a now-viral video posted on her account, @333tape, Annalise shared Rinka’s journey from a tiny pup to her current size, with the hilarious text overlay: “When we brought you home and didn’t know you were a field Irish setter for the first year and thought we had somehow forever stunted your growth.”
The big reveal? Not all Irish Setters are built the same! While many people are familiar with the “show” Irish Setter—the grand, larger version often seen in dog shows—there’s also the field Irish Setter.
These incredible dogs are bred for hunting and stamina, making them smaller, leaner, and incredibly agile. Annalise and her family simply hadn’t encountered a purebred field setter before, leading to their adorable confusion.
“It took us a long time to realize she was so small because she was a field setter,” Annalise told Newsweek, highlighting the rarity of encountering other 100 percent Irish Setters in their area.
Annalise’s video struck a chord with animal lovers far and wide. The comments section exploded with relieved pet parents sharing their own similar stories. From English Setters that never “filled out” to Aussies that turned out to be “mini” versions, it seems Annalise’s mix-up is a surprisingly common, and universally endearing, experience!
It was a fantastic way to connect with a community of fellow dog enthusiasts who understood the unique joys (and slight confusions!) of dog ownership.
Despite not being the “giant” dog they initially envisioned, Rinka has proven to be the absolute perfect pet. She’s not just sweet; she’s incredibly emotionally intelligent, making her an amazing emotional support animal.
Annalise wholeheartedly recommends field Irish Setters to active individuals with plenty of energy, time, and patience. They might be energetic and a tad stubborn, but with consistent training and lots of play, they are guaranteed to be utterly amazing, devoted companions.
Rinka’s story is a heartwarming reminder that sometimes, the greatest joys come in unexpected packages, and love truly knows no size!
