Irish Setter Dog Breed Information

Group

Sporting

Weight

27-31 kg

Height

63-69 cm

Lifespan

11-15 years

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About the Irish Setter

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

The Irish Setter has been one of the better dog breeds for families for many years now and if you’re interested to find out why then you’ve come to the right place.

This comprehensive Irish Setter breed guide will cover all of the information you could need to know regarding the breed, such as their grooming, temperament, and feeding needs.

irish red and white setter dog breed photo 2

irish red and white setter dog breed photo 1

irish red and white setter dog breed photo 4

irish red and white setter dog breed photo 3

What is the history & origin of the Irish Setter?

Irish Setters unsurprisingly hail from Ireland where they were primarily used as gundogs before the popularity of the breed became more widespread.

The Irish Setter made an excellent hunting dog, as their great sense of smell allowed them to detect birds. Once they had detected a bird, a hunter would take the shot, and the dog would set off and retrieve it.

The breed came about by Irish bird hunters looking to create an obedient and alert hunting companion, which they did by breeding Spaniels, English Setters, and Gordon Setters. The result is the Irish Setter dog breed that we now have today.

Irish Setters were also one of the first breeds to gain recognition from the American Kennel Club back in 1878. Since then, the breed has become one of the most popular in the U.S.

What is an Irish Setter breed?

The Irish Setter falls into the category of sporting breeds and is a medium to large-sized dog. The breed technically comes in two forms, which are the larger more heavy-set show variety and the sleeker and lighter field variety.

Most Irish Setters sport a lush red coat that is short on their heads and legs and long and straight over the rest of their bodies.

When they are strutting around the show ring; however, they are normally trimmed to show off the breed’s lean head and neck and to show the natural outline of their feet.

Who is an Irish Setter best for?

While the Irish Setter was originally bred to be a gundog, they have become known for making especially good family dogs.

Despite their hunting background, the Irish Setter does not make for a good guard dog, they do, however, make excellent watchdogs as they are very alert and will bark to let their owners know if anything is out of place.

They are extremely energetic and boisterous and will therefore not be a good choice for people that live in apartments. The breed will likely turn your apartment into one giant playground, which will not be ideal for most owners!

Thankfully, the Irish Setter is known for being particularly friendly so prospective owners with other dogs and young children need not worry about introducing one to the family. It is; however, better to introduce your other dogs to an Irish Setter puppy, but there will likely not be any issues regardless.

If you have other pets like rabbits, it is better to not consider the breed, as while not all Irish Setters will chase small animals, many will owing to their hunting background!

If you are interested in bringing an Irish Setter dog home, you must have enough time to train them and keep them busy. If they are not mentally stimulated enough many Irish Setters will turn to digging, barking, and chewing!

The breed will also be a great choice for anyone interested in dog sports, as Irish Setters excel in obedience and hunt tests and have even found success in other canine sports like dog shows.

Irish Setter Grooming & Shedding

If you are not a fan of dog hair then the Irish Setter probably isn’t for you! The breed is known for shedding excessively, especially during shedding seasons.

The breed also requires nearly daily brushing to keep their coats shiny and to stop them from getting tangled. If you take your dog on any outings to parks or fields you will likely need to remove any debris that has become caught in their lush coats.

Their nails should be cut around once a month depending on whether or not they wear them down naturally. Their ears should also be checked weekly and cleaned with a cotton ball if they have become dirty.

Do Irish Setters bark a lot?

The Irish Setter can be prone to barking as a result of their hunting backgrounds. They can; however, develop a habit of barking excessively if they become bored.

This may mean that you need to exercise or stimulate your dog more. The behaviour should be trained out quickly before it becomes a habit as it could then become a common behaviour.

If this is not the case, then they will normally only bark to alert their owners of visitors or intruders.

What is the average weight & height of an Irish Setter dog?

Irish Setters are generally quite large dogs, which is why they are often not suitable for owners that live in apartments.

Irish Setters are normally between 63 and 69cm tall and weigh between 27 and 31kg.

Are Irish Setters easy to train?

Irish Setters may be known for being intelligent dogs; however, they can also be independent and mischievous, which can sometimes make training difficult.

Although, with some consistency, patience, and obedience training, your Irish Setter could be an excellent candidate for dog sports.

If you’re not so keen on getting into the competition, then potty training and kennel training will likely be a breeze if you give your dog enough treats and encouragement.

How do Irish Setters behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Irish Setters are known for being some of the more friendly dogs in the dog world, which is likely why they often make excellent therapy dogs.

The breed can also be a great choice for a companion for older children as they are energetic and love to play.

As previously mentioned, they can be rather mischievous as they can remain puppylike for a good few years but this is not much of a cause for concern.

Does the Irish Setter have any common health issues?

In terms of health, Irish Setters, like other dogs, are normally quite healthy dogs but are predisposed to certain health conditions such as:

Hip Dysplasia: This genetic condition is common in many large breeds, including Irish Setters, and leads to pain and potential arthritis. Regular screening is essential for early detection.
Osteochondrosis Dissecans: Specific to larger breeds like the Irish Setter, this condition causes painful stiffness in the elbow and shoulder joints and can be diagnosed at a young age.
Hypothyroidism: This endocrine disorder is found in some Irish Setters, causing weight gain and skin issues due to low thyroid hormone production. Routine veterinary check-ups can help monitor thyroid health.
Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency (CLAD): This genetic disorder affects the immune system in Irish Setters, increasing susceptibility to infections. Awareness of breeding history is crucial for prevention.
Epilepsy: This neurological condition can affect Irish Setters, leading to seizures of varying severity. Veterinary consultation is essential for effective management.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A degenerative eye disorder specific to certain breeds, including Irish Setters, that can lead to blindness. Annual eye exams are vital for early detection.
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy: Often seen in large breeds, this condition in Irish Setters is caused by an excess of protein and calcium in the diet, leading to painful bone inflammation.
Panosteitis: Common in young large-breed dogs like the Irish Setter, this condition causes temporary inflammation in the bones and typically resolves on its own over a few months.
Gastric Torsion (Bloat): A serious condition more prevalent in deep-chested breeds like the Irish Setter, where the stomach twists and requires immediate attention. Recognizing symptoms quickly is critical for treatment.

What is the lifespan of an Irish Setter?

If you choose to obtain an Irish Setter, then your energetic, friendly companion will be with you for around 11 to 15 years.

How much does an Irish Setter need to be fed?

The breed is relatively large and therefore requires around 2 to 3 cups of dog a day. This should be divided into two meals to prevent your dog from becoming overweight.

How much can you expect to pay for an Irish Setter in Australia?

Irish Setter puppies can cost anywhere from $500 to $1200 depending on the bloodline of the dog you choose and the breeder you choose to deal with.

It is a good idea to check if the breeder is registered with your local Irish Setter Club. This can prevent you from supporting a puppy mill.

If you are okay with getting an adult dog, then it might be a good idea to look for an Irish Setter rescue organisation nearby, as it will also be significantly cheaper.

Irish Setter FAQs

At what age do Irish Setters calm down?

Irish Setters can remain puppy-like for a few years or sometimes for the rest of their lives! This may turn some people away from the breed, but others may enjoy having a happy puppy-like dog for a long time.

Do Irish Setters get along with cats?

Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs and cats owing to their friendly disposition.

Owners should therefore not have any problems introducing their Irish Setter to their family cat. The Irish Setter loves the company of any kind.

Are Irish Setters hypoallergenic dogs?

Irish Setters are far from hypoallergenic and are closer to walking dog hair factories! If you suffer from allergies, it would be best to consider a different dog breed.