Irish Red and White Setter Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Irish Red and White Setter?

The origins of the Irish Red and White Setter can be traced as far back as the seventeenth century when it was used by Irish hunters to track game birds and indicate their location using its tail so that the birds could be caught.

Its red and white coat meant it was easy for hunters to see it in the fields but with the rising popularity of dog shows there came a desire for an all-red Irish Setter and this, as well as the start of the First World War, almost led to the end of the breed.

The Reverend Noble Huston, from County Down, was responsible for saving the breed along with his cousin, Dr Elliott. They began breeding Irish Red and White Setters and exporting them to other countries in Europe, as well as the United States.

The breed's history was recorded by the Cuddy family during the twentieth century and in 1944, they formed the Irish Red and White Setter Society in Ireland. This led to the breed being recognized as a separate breed from the Irish Setter.

In 1999, the breed was recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club, and in 2009 it gained recognition from the American Kennel Club.

Who are Irish Red and White Setter dogs best for?

Irish Red and White Setters are high-energy, high-spirited, and intensely loyal dogs making them ideal pets for a very active family. Their sweet nature means they're great around kids and they love to play with them, but they can get a bit rambunctious so it's always wise to supervise playtimes.

Their high activity levels and intelligence mean they require lots of daily exercise and mental stimulation, so any owner who is thinking of welcoming one of these pooches into their home will need to be able to commit to a couple of long walks or hikes each day.

The breed still excels at the job it was bred to do and they are still used as working dogs by hunters. This means that as well as being great family dogs they're also the perfect breed for those looking for a talented gun dog.

How much grooming does a Irish Red and White Setter need?

When it comes to grooming this breed is pretty low-maintenance, and their pearly white and red coat only needs to be brushed once a week with a soft brush. They only shed moderately and weekly brushing will prevent them from leaving an excessive amount of dog hair around your home.

They may need to be trimmed now and again to keep them looking neat and tidy, but they don't need to be bathed often as their coat easily sheds dirt.

Their hanging ears can be prone to ear infections so it's important to check and clean them regularly. Their claws will need to be trimmed once you can hear them clicking on the floor as they walk.

Do Irish Red and White Setter bark much?

The Irish Red and White Setter is very alert and will bark to warn its owner of any strangers approaching their property or any potential dangers. Due to this, they make good guard dogs but they don't usually bark excessively or for no reason.

If you notice that your dog is barking more than usual it may be a sign that they're bored and aren't being properly stimulated.

Do Irish Red and White Setter bite?

The Irish Red and White Setter does tend to be quite mouthy when young, and as a puppy, it will nip and play-bite. Although this is common in all other dogs this breed, in particular, will need to be trained out of this behaviour early on so that it doesn't persist into adulthood.

What is the temperament & personality of a Irish Red and White Setter?

Irish Red and White Setters are known for their loyal and good-natured temperament, and they're just as happy spending time with their families as they are running in the fields. They love children and get on well with other animals if they're properly socialized.

This breed is brimming with energy and needs to be engaged in lots of daily activities such as hiking and playing fetch, and they also make great participants in dog sports like rally, flyball, and tracking.

Due to their gentle and affectionate nature, they are also used as therapy dogs and they make a loving addition to any family.

What is the weight & size of a Irish Red and White Setter?

The Irish Red and White Setter's height at the shoulder will usually be between 56 and 66 centimetres. They typically weigh between 22 and 30 kilograms.

How much training does a Irish Red and White Setter need?

Due to the breed's highly energetic nature, they can be quite tricky to train as they often find it hard to concentrate when they could be running around! This means that training them takes patience and the sessions should be short and involve lots of positive reinforcement.

Early socialization is also key so that they're comfortable around strangers and other dogs. Enrolling them in puppy training classes can be a good way of achieving this.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Irish Red and White Setter?

The Irish Red and White Setter is generally a healthy breed but they are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as:

• Hip Dysplasia - a condition that causes the hip joint to form abnormally during growth meaning it doesn't fit snugly into the hip socket. This causes limping and pain and can lead to arthritis.

• Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency - a condition in which the dog's immune system fails to fight infections meaning the dog constantly suffers from various illnesses.

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy - a disease in which the photoreceptors in the dog's eye gradually deteriorate which can eventually lead to partial or full blindness.

What is the lifespan of a Irish Red and White Setter?

The average life expectancy for this breed is 10 to 14 years, but they can exceed this with the right amount of exercise, medical care and love.

How much should you feed a Irish Red and White Setter?

The amount of food your dog requires will vary depending on their age, size, and metabolism. You should always feed them high-quality dog food that's high in nutrients and avoid giving them too many treats or table scraps. It's always best to consult a vet so that you can formulate an ideal diet plan.

What is the price of a Irish Red and White Setter in Australia?

This breed is still quite rare in Australia and prospective owners may need to go on a waiting list for a puppy. The average price for a puppy is around $450.

To make sure you're buying from a reputable breeder you can get more information on breeders in your area from a national breed club such as the Australian National Kennel Club.