Irish Setter Prices Australia

The Irish Setter is the definition of elegance and energy combined, and with their flowing red coats and playful personalities, it’s no surprise they’ve captured the hearts of dog lovers across Australia. But when you’re deciding whether this breed is the right choice for your home and your lifestyle, one of the most important things to consider is how much it will cost to bring one into your life. We’re not just talking about the upfront cost of buying a puppy, but the ongoing expenses Irish Setters need to stay healthy and happy throughout their lives. To make working out how much you’ll need to budget for Irish Setter ownership, we’ve put together everything you need to know in this complete guide.

How Much Does an Irish Setter Cost in Australia?

We’ll start by looking at the cost of actually buying an Irish Setter puppy, and this will vary quite a lot depending on where you choose to purchase them from. On average, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $5,000 for a well-bred Irish Setter from a registered breeder, whereas adopting from a rescue shelter will cost around $400 – $800 in fees.

As you look for your new red-headed furry friend, you might also find puppies being sold for much less than the average prices above. This is something to be very wary of, as they are likely from unregistered breeders who may not have prioritised healthcare of the overall wellbeing of their dogs, potentially resulting in serious problems later in life. So, make sure you only ever buy from registered breeders or through adoption shelters.

Average Price of an Irish Setter When Buying Through a Registered Irish Setter Breeder in Australia

Irish Setters being sold by registered breeders will have an average price tag of $3,000 – $5,000, with the final price being determined by the puppy’s lineage, health testing, and more. We’ll explore these factors in more detail later, but put simply, an Irish Setter puppy with a champion bloodline will be priced at the higher end of the scale compared to a pet-quality dog.

Average Price of an Irish Setter When Buying Through an Adoption Shelter in Australia

If you choose to adopt an Irish Setter, you’ll pay much less, with the average fees sitting at around $400 – $800. These fees usually also cover things like the dog’s vaccinations and microchipping, as well as desexing procedures and the cost of running the shelter. However, one thing to keep in mind is that while adoption is a fantastic option for saving money, there’s no guarantee that you’ll find an Irish Setter in your local shelter. This means you might have to do a lot of research and exercise some patience while you wait for an Irish Setter in need to become available.

Factors Influencing the Cost of an Irish Setter

As promised, we’ll now take a look at some of the factors that influence how much an Irish Setter puppy is priced. There are actually quite a few of these, including:

Breeder Reputation

Reputable breeders will invest money in bringing their puppies up in the best possible conditions, including proper nutrition and socialisation, but this comes at a cost that will be reflected in their price. They might also have their puppies tested for conditions like hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy, which also comes at a cost. However, with these health checks, you aren’t just paying a premium to cover the costs to the breeder – you’re paying for an Irish Setter puppy with a clean bill of health, and while the price might be higher initially, you’ll potentially save a lot of money on healthcare in the future.

Lineage

It’s not just the breeder’s costs that make up the price tag, but certain inherited traits passed on from the puppy’s parents. Irish Setters from show-winning bloodlines, in particular, will be priced higher, especially if they come from a long ancestry of Irish Setters that meet the breed standards set by Dogs Australia. Pet-quality dogs without such a prestigious bloodline, however, will usually be priced much lower.

Coat

The dog’s coat will also affect its price, and while the Irish Setter’s rich red coat is its signature feature, slight variations in shade can influence where within that $3,000 – $5,000 price range it sits. Deep mahogany coats are particularly sought after in show circles, so breeders who have focused on producing puppies with this shade are likely to charge more for these puppies than those with brighter or duller shades.

Availability

Then, there’s availability. Irish Setters aren’t as common as some other dog breeds in Australia, and high demand (particularly for people interested in showing Irish Setters) can push up prices. Put simply, if there are only a handful of registered breeders with litter available, you can expect to pay a higher price or even be added to a waiting list with a deposit payable.

Costs of Essentials for Your Irish Setter

You’re also going to have to invest in some must-have essentials so your Irish Setter can settle into their new home comfortably. Naturally, these come at a cost, and here’s what you need to budget for:

• Dog crate: $150 – $300 for a large crate that acts as both a training tool and a place for your Irish Setter to escape when they need some alone time.
• Dog bed: $100 – $200 for a bed with thick padding and a memory foam layer for added comfort and joint support.
• Dog collar/lead: $50 – $80 for a durable collar and lead set that can handle an Irish Setter’s strength and give you better control.
• Feeding bowl: $30 – $60 for a slow-feeder bowl made from stainless steel or ceramic, designed to stop rapid eating and the digestive issues it can cause.
• Dog toothbrush: $30 – $40 for a toothbrush and toothpaste set that will help with plaque control and prevent gum disease.
• Dog car harness: $70 – $120 for crash-tested and road-legal harness designed to keep your Irish Setter secure and safe in case of sudden stops.
• Puppy treats: $20 – $50 for all-natural treats that can be used for training and positive reinforcement.
• Puppy training pads: $20 – $50 to help direct your puppy where to go during the early stages of housetraining and to protect your floors in the process!
• Dog shampoo & conditioner: $20 – $40 for a deep-cleaning but hypoallergenic formula that can thoroughly clean an Irish Setter’s coat without damaging their skin.
• Dog nail clippers, brushes, & combs: $50 – $90 for your essential at-home grooming tools.

Irish Setter Maintenance Costs

Those are the things your Irish Setter will need for a comfortable and safe life with you. But what about their ongoing needs? These are also something you’ll need to factor into your budget, and we’ll look at each of these in more detail now.

How Much Does it Cost to Feed an Irish Setter?

One of their biggest ongoing costs is food, and a healthy adult Irish Setter weighing between 27kg and 32kg needs around 300g – 500g of food every day. Keeping the different types of diets below in mind, this means your average monthly dog food budget could be anywhere from $x to $x.

• Cost per day on a dry kibble diet: $3 – $6 for a dry food mix formulated for large, active breeds with at least 25% protein to support muscle maintenance.
• Cost per day on a wet food diet: $4 – $8 for premium wet food with real meats and vegetables and with no fillers or artificial ingredients.
• Cost per day on a raw diet: $6 – $10 for a mix of raw meats, bones, organs, and vegetables specially designed for your Irish Setter’s individual health needs.

It’s important to note here that your Irish Setter’s weight, sex, age, and overall health will play a role in how much you spend on food and the brand and diet type you choose. We recommend consulting your vet about diets and portion sizes, and from there, you’ll have a clearer idea of costs.

How Much Will Veterinary Care Typically Cost for an Irish Setter?

Your Irish Setter will also need regular vet care to stay in top health, and aside from emergency visits, here’s what you can expect to pay for preventative care.

Cost of Routine Preventative Care:

• Annual vet checkups: $90 – $150 for a health assessment to detect early signs of illness and make sure your Irish Setter is at an ideal weight and fitness level.
• Vaccinations: $120 – $200 per year for core and optional vaccinations to prevent your Irish Setter from contracting nasty canine diseases like distemper, parvovirus, and kennel cough.
• Worming and parasite treatments: $20 – $60 per month to keep fleas, ticks, heartworm, and various nasty intestinal worms at bay.
• Dental cleaning: $300 – $600 every few years to clean tartar and plaque and reduce the risk of your Irish Setter developing gum disease.
• Pet insurance: $50 – $120 per month, depending on coverage level, to help cover the cost of unexpected surgeries or ongoing prescriptions.

How Much Should I Expect to Pay for an Irish Setter’s Grooming?

One of the reasons many people fall in love with Irish Setters is because of their long, silky coats. But to keep them looking great, regular grooming is needed, and this also comes at a price. Here’s what you might pay across several different grooming services:

• Hydrobath prices: $50 – $90 for a deep clean that removes dirt and excess oils from their long fur.
• Full groom prices: $100 – $180 for a complete grooming session, including a hydrobath, blow-dry, detangling, and feather trimming for that classic Irish Setter look.
• Face, feet, and tail groom prices: $40 – $60 for a mini grooming session focused on tidying up paws and ears and feathering between full grooms.

Irish Setter Training Costs

Budgeting for your Irish Setter isn’t done just yet! You’ll also need to put some money aside for training, which is especially important for Irish Setters with their excitable nature. Here’s what you might pay for different training options:

• Basic obedience training: $200 – $300 for a multi-week class focused on sit, stay, recall, and loose-leash walking.
• Puppy training class prices: $200 – $300 for a multi-week socialisation class aimed at helping young Irish Setters learn good manners and how to interact with other dogs.
• Specialised training prices: $100 – $200 per session to work on specific issues like excessive barking or excitability.

Understanding the Full Costs of Owning an Irish Setter

The main thing to remember is that while Irish Setters are a stunning breed and full of personality, owning one comes with ongoing expenses that shouldn’t be overlooked. From food and vet bills to grooming and essential products, the costs add up over time, and considering an Irish Setter has an average lifespan of around 12 years, you’ll be covering these costs for a while. That being said, if you’re financially prepared and willing to meet their needs, an Irish Setter will be a fantastic and affectionate companion for many years to come.