Irish Setter

Table of Contents

Quick Facts

• Graceful, athletic gundog originally bred in Ireland for locating and flushing game birds in the field
• Famous for its flowing, mahogany red coat that needs regular grooming to stay beautiful and tangle free
• Lively, affectionate and people focused, usually excellent with children and very attached to family
• High energy and highly driven to run, so it needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation
• Clever but sometimes scatterbrained and easily distracted, which makes consistent training essential

Appearance & Coat

The Irish Setter is one of the most elegant gundog breeds, easily recognized by its rich red coat and long, racy outline. This is a medium to large dog, typically standing 58 to 67 centimeters at the shoulder, with males usually a little taller and more muscular than females. Weight often ranges from about 25 to 34 kilograms, depending on sex and individual build. The body is slightly longer than tall, giving a sense of length and grace rather than bulk. When you see an Irish Setter moving at a trot, the impression is of lightness, smooth power and effortless reach.

The head is long and lean with a fairly broad skull, a pronounced stop and a clean, slightly tapered muzzle. Dark, almond shaped eyes give a soft, intelligent expression with a touch of mischief. Ears are set low and lie close to the head, covered in silky feathering. The neck is long and muscular, flowing into well laid back shoulders and a strong, level back. The chest is deep without being overly broad, which supports stamina and easy breathing during long days in the field.

The tail is a key feature. It is carried level with the back or just below, never tightly curled over the back. It is covered with fringes of long hair that taper to a fine point, sometimes described as looking like a flag in motion when the dog is running and working scent.

The coat of the Irish Setter is one of its greatest attractions. It is flat and silky to the touch, never woolly or curly. The hair on the body is of moderate length, while longer feathering appears on the ears, chest, belly, back of the legs and tail. Good feathering gives the dog a luxurious outline and flowing movement, but it also means owners must commit to grooming.

Color is another hallmark. The classic Irish Setter color is a rich chestnut or mahogany red. Small white markings can appear on the chest, throat or toes, and a narrow white streak or star on the head is sometimes seen, but large patches of white belong to the closely related Irish Red and White Setter, which is a separate breed.

Coat care is quite manageable with the right routine, but it should not be underestimated. To keep an Irish Setter in good condition you will want to:

• Brush thoroughly at least three times per week with a pin brush or slicker, paying special attention to ears, behind the legs, the belly and tail where tangles form easily
• Check and comb out the feathering after walks, as burrs, seeds and twigs can hide in the long hair
• Trim excess hair between the pads of the feet and around the paws to prevent matting and slipping on smooth floors
• Clean and check the ears regularly, since the long, hanging ears can trap moisture and debris

Many pet owners choose a light professional tidy trim a few times a year to keep feathering manageable. Show dogs require more careful trimming to preserve the breed’s natural outline. With regular attention the coat sheds a moderate amount, mainly in seasonal cycles, and the dog stays clean and elegant without too much difficulty.

Temperament & Personality

The Irish Setter is often described as a sporting clown, a phrase that captures its joyful spirit and playful personality. This is a breed that truly enjoys life and tends to spread that happiness to everyone around it. Most Irish Setters are very people oriented. They form close bonds with their families and usually prefer to be where the action is, rather than lying alone in another room. If you want a dog that acts like a cheerful companion rather than an aloof ornament, the Irish Setter fits that role beautifully.

With families, the Irish Setter is typically affectionate and gentle, especially when raised with children. Many love to play chasing games in the garden or join in on family hikes. Their natural enthusiasm can be a bit overwhelming for very small kids, since a boisterous young Setter may accidentally knock a toddler over in its excitement. Supervision and calm guidance are important. Teaching the dog to sit politely to greet people and rewarding calm behavior goes a long way toward creating a safe and harmonious home.

Around strangers, Irish Setters tend to be friendly and curious rather than wary. They are not naturally suspicious watchdogs and are more likely to greet a visitor as a new friend than as an intruder. They may bark when someone arrives, but this is usually out of excitement, not fear or aggression. If you are looking for a serious guard dog, the Irish Setter is not the ideal choice. If you want a dog that welcomes guests and loves social activities, this breed fits very well.

Irish Setters often get along nicely with other dogs, especially if they have been socialized from a young age. Their playful, active nature can be a joy in multi dog households where everyone shares similar energy levels. With smaller pets, such as cats or rabbits, things can vary. The breed is a hunting dog with a strong instinct to search and chase. Some individuals live peacefully with family cats, particularly if they were introduced calmly and consistently as puppies. Others may always see small animals as something to pursue. New owners should be ready to supervise, manage and teach appropriate behavior around smaller pets.

One of the most charming and sometimes challenging traits of the Irish Setter is its youthful spirit. Many remain puppyish in behavior for quite a long time. They may be easily distracted, full of ideas and often more interested in exploring than in listening. This can lead to behavior such as jumping up, running in big joyful circles in the park or forgetting basic manners when something exciting appears. It does not come from stubbornness as much as from enthusiasm. With patient training and consistent rules, Irish Setters grow into wonderfully mannerly companions, but they do not usually mature mentally as quickly as some other breeds.

Common challenges for families include separation issues, because this breed dislikes being left alone for long hours, and boredom related mischief, such as chewing, barking or digging. All of these can be managed with proper daily exercise, mental engagement, early training and by making sure the dog’s social needs are met. When those needs are understood and respected, the Irish Setter’s true nature shines through as a loving, loyal, playful and deeply engaging companion.

Training & Exercise

Training an Irish Setter requires a combination of patience, consistency and creativity. These are intelligent dogs, but they do not always show their intelligence in a straightforward way. Many are quick to pick up new cues, yet just as quick to forget them the moment a bird, interesting scent or running dog catches their eye. Instead of asking, “Can this dog learn?” it is better to ask, “What is motivating my Irish Setter at this moment, and how can I work with that?”

Positive reinforcement training works best. This means rewarding the dog for behaviors you like, rather than punishing mistakes. Food rewards, toys, praise and the chance to move and explore environmental rewards all matter. A short, lively training session will usually be more successful than a long, repetitive one. For example, instead of drilling “sit” 20 times, ask for a sit three or four times in different places, then play a quick game of fetch or recall. Turning training into a game speaks naturally to the Setter’s playful side.

Because they are gundogs bred to work with people, Irish Setters respond well to clear communication and structure. Early training should focus on:

• A reliable recall, so the dog will come back to you even when something interesting appears in the distance
• Loose leash walking, because a strong, enthusiastic Setter can easily drag an unprepared owner down the road
• Calm greetings, including sitting or standing politely before being allowed to say hello to people or other dogs
• Basic cues such as sit, down, stay and leave it, which help in daily life as well as in busy public spaces

Recall training is especially important, and it often takes more time with this breed than with some others. Long lines, high value treats, and practicing in gradually more distracting environments are part of the process. Many Irish Setters benefit from attending group training classes, both to learn good manners and to practice focusing around other dogs and people.

Exercise needs are high. The Irish Setter is not a dog that will be content with a couple of quick leash walks around the block. An adult Setter generally needs at least one to two hours of purposeful physical activity daily, often more. This can include brisk walks, off leash runs in safe areas, hiking, jogging with a fit owner, or vigorous games of fetch. Mental exercise is also vital. Scent games, puzzle feeders, basic obedience drills, or learning tricks help use the Setter’s brain and reduce boredom.

Many Irish Setters thrive in dog sports that make use of their natural abilities. Activities such as:

• Field work or hunting training, where the dog can use its nose and work at a distance under control
• Agility, which combines speed, jumping and directional control in a fun, active way
• Obedience or rally obedience, where focus and teamwork are rewarded
• Canicross or running sports, once the dog is physically mature

Puppies and young dogs should not be over exercised on hard ground, since their joints are still developing. Several short sessions of gentle play, exploration and training spread throughout the day are more appropriate than forced long runs. As the dog matures, you can gradually increase both the duration and intensity of exercise, always watching for signs of fatigue or discomfort.

When their training and exercise needs are met, Irish Setters are much easier to live with. They settle more calmly at home, are less likely to develop unwanted behaviors, and can show the polite, responsive side of their personality that makes them such a pleasure in daily life.

Health

The Irish Setter is generally a robust and athletic breed, but like all purebred dogs it is associated with certain health concerns. Responsible breeders work hard to reduce the risk of these issues through careful selection, health testing and honest communication with puppy buyers. As an owner, understanding potential problems and taking preventive steps can help your dog enjoy a long and active life.

Hip dysplasia is one of the more familiar conditions in medium and large breeds, including the Irish Setter. In hip dysplasia, the hip joint does not fit together as smoothly as it should, which can lead to pain, arthritis and reduced mobility over time. Reputable breeders have their breeding dogs’ hips evaluated through official schemes so only animals with acceptable hip scores are bred. Owners can further support joint health by keeping their dog at a lean weight, providing appropriate exercise and avoiding repetitive high impact activities while the dog is still growing.

Elbow dysplasia and other joint problems can also occur, though they are generally less frequent than hip issues. Again, a combination of responsible breeding, sensible exercise and good nutrition helps reduce risk.

Like many deep chested breeds, Irish Setters are at risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus, commonly known as bloat. This is a life threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and may twist. Signs can include a swollen, hard abdomen, unproductive retching, restlessness, drooling and signs of pain. Immediate veterinary treatment is essential. Preventive tips include feeding measured meals instead of free feeding, avoiding vigorous exercise immediately before and after eating, and using a calm feeding routine. Some owners of at risk breeds choose a preventive surgical procedure to reduce the chance of stomach twisting, something to discuss with your veterinarian.

Inherited eye conditions can appear in Irish Setters. Responsible breeding programs regularly check for eye diseases in their dogs, often through official eye examinations. Progressive retinal atrophy and other retinal problems may appear in the breed. Regular veterinary eye checks are important throughout the dog’s life, especially if any changes in vision or eye comfort are noticed.

The Irish Setter has faced particular challenges with certain hereditary diseases, most famously gluten sensitive enteropathy, also known as Irish Setter gluten sensitivity. Thanks to genetic testing and careful breeding, this condition is much less common today in well planned lines, but awareness remains important. Epilepsy and some immune related disorders have also been reported. A good breeder will be open about what they have seen in their dogs and what steps they take to monitor and minimize risk.

Responsible breeding typically involves health testing for:

• Hip dysplasia through recognized scoring schemes
• Eye examinations, including checks for inherited retinal disease
• Where available and relevant, genetic tests for breed specific conditions

Typical life expectancy for an Irish Setter is around 11 to 14 years, with many reaching a happy senior age if they stay fit and well managed. Regular veterinary check ups, vaccinations, parasite control, dental care and weight management are all important. This is a breed that generally stays youthful and active for a long time, so supporting joint health and heart health through appropriate diet and exercise can make a significant difference to quality of life.

Because Irish Setters are sensitive, attentive dogs, they often respond quickly to subtle changes in routine or family stress. Emotional wellbeing is part of health too. Plenty of positive interaction, mental stimulation and stable daily patterns help prevent stress related issues, such as digestive upset or unwanted behaviors. In short, good care and informed choices from the start give your Irish Setter the best chance of many happy, healthy years by your side.

History & Origins

The Irish Setter has its roots deep in the sporting history of Ireland. Long before the breed looked the way we know it today, Irish hunters were using various “setting dogs” to help them locate game birds. These dogs would work by air scent, search the fields and moors, then “set” or crouch when they found birds, allowing hunters to approach and cast a net. This type of work required a dog that could range out at a distance, had a keen nose and was responsive enough to handlers’ signals even when working far away.

In the early days, the setting dogs of Ireland were often red and white or sometimes mostly white with darker patches. Over time, breeders began to prefer dogs with a solid, rich red color. Written records from the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries mention Irish red setters becoming more and more popular. Systematic breeding started to shape the distinct breed type, with emphasis on a lighter, faster dog that could cover ground quickly in the open country of Ireland.

By the nineteenth century, the Irish Setter was gaining recognition beyond its homeland. The breed arrived in Britain and later in other parts of Europe and North America. With the rise of dog shows, breeders started to focus not only on working ability but also on beauty and elegance. The rich, mahogany red coat, long outline and graceful movement that we associate with modern Irish Setters became more pronounced through careful selection.

Even as the breed found fame in the show ring, many enthusiasts remained dedicated to maintaining its working abilities. In Ireland and other countries, Irish Setters continued to be valued as gundogs, especially for pointing and retrieving game birds in open terrain. Field trials, which test hunting skills under competitive conditions, played a key role in preserving the breed’s natural instincts. In some regions, lines developed that were more strongly focused on field work, while others leaned toward show type, although many breeders still aim to combine both qualities.

Today the Irish Setter is recognized worldwide as a distinct gundog breed. It is registered by major kennel clubs across the globe and participates in conformation shows, field trials, obedience, agility and a variety of modern dog sports. As a companion, it is cherished for its affectionate nature and lively character. While not as commonly used as a professional hunting dog in every country, in many areas it still works in the field alongside hunters, demonstrating the same drive and style that made it famous generations ago.

The breed has also left its mark culturally. Irish Setters have appeared in literature, paintings and film, often representing loyalty, elegance and spirited energy. For many people, the image of a red setter running across a field with feathered tail streaming behind remains one of the most beautiful sights in the dog world. That combination of functional heritage and striking appearance continues to attract new admirers and ensures the Irish Setter remains an important part of canine history and modern dog life.

Living with the Breed

Living with an Irish Setter can be a deeply rewarding experience, but it is not the right choice for everyone. Before bringing one into your home, it helps to picture daily life realistically. This is an active, social and intelligent dog that thrives on companionship and purpose. If you enjoy outdoor activities, like spending time in nature and are willing to invest in training and grooming, the Irish Setter can become a joyful partner in almost everything you do.

In practical terms, you should plan on dedicating significant time every day to your Setter’s needs. For an adult dog this usually means at least an hour of active exercise plus additional walks and play, as well as some mental work such as training or puzzle games. Many owners schedule a morning walk or run, some mental enrichment during the day and an evening outing. A securely fenced garden is a great advantage, since it allows the dog to move freely and play safely off leash at home.

This is not a breed that enjoys spending long hours alone. Irish Setters want to be with their people. Owners who work full time away from home should consider options like dog daycare, a reliable dog walker or flexible schedules. Without enough company and activity, a bored Irish Setter may bark excessively, chew, dig or find other creative forms of entertainment that you might not appreciate.

Financially, keeping an Irish Setter involves similar costs to other medium to large breeds, with a few extras linked to grooming and activity. Annual expenses typically include:

• Quality food, which for an athletic dog can be a noticeable monthly budget item
• Routine veterinary care, vaccinations, parasite prevention and health checks
• Pet insurance, which many owners choose to help manage unexpected veterinary bills
• Grooming tools and possibly professional grooming a few times a year
• Training classes, dog sports fees or activity equipment
• Collars, harnesses, strong leashes, toys, beds and travel crates

Good quality equipment can make life easier. A well fitting harness or sturdy collar, a long training line for recall practice and a comfortable, secure crate or bed are excellent starting points. Because Irish Setters are energetic, durable toys that withstand rough play and chewing are also important. Puzzle feeders or treat dispensing toys can provide mental stimulation during quieter periods.

In the home, you can expect some shedding and the occasional trail of mud or leaves, especially in wet weather when feathered legs and belly pick up debris. Having a grooming area near the entrance, with towels and a brush ready, helps reduce the spread of dirt. Regular brushing also keeps shedding manageable.

Irish Setters tend to stay youthful in mind for a long time, so playfulness, occasional goofiness and bursts of energy are part of life even well into adulthood. Many owners find this delightful, as it brings a certain lightness to the household. However, it also means that clear rules, consistent boundaries and ongoing training are important. If you allow habits like jumping on the sofa uninvited, racing through doorways or pulling on the lead to develop early, they can be harder to change later.

For families with children, an Irish Setter can be a loving and enthusiastic friend. Teaching children how to interact respectfully with the dog, such as not pulling on ears or disturbing it while resting, is just as important as training the dog to behave gently around kids. When both sides understand each other, the relationship can be very special.

In summary, living with an Irish Setter is a lifestyle choice. It suits people who:

• Enjoy being active and outdoors throughout the year
• Have time for daily exercise, training and regular grooming
• Appreciate a friendly, sensitive and expressive canine companion
• Are willing to invest emotionally and practically in their dog’s wellbeing

If that sounds like you, the Irish Setter can fill your life with color, laughter and loyal companionship for many years.

Characteristics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical temperament of an Irish Setter with family and children?

They are typically affectionate, playful, and people oriented, which makes them good companions for active families and respectful children. Their exuberant nature means they can be boisterous, especially when young, so supervision with very small children and consistent training are important.

How much exercise does an Irish Setter need each day?

This is a high energy gundog that generally needs at least 1.5 to 2 hours of varied exercise daily, including opportunities to run. Mental stimulation through training, scent games, or field work is also important, or they may become restless and develop nuisance behaviors.

Are Irish Setters difficult to train because of their high energy?

They are intelligent and eager to please, but their lively, sometimes scatterbrained nature can make them seem slow to mature and easily distracted. Training works best when it is positive, consistent, and kept interesting, with short sessions started early and continued well into adulthood.

What are the most common health problems in Irish Setters?

They have an increased risk of bloat or gastric torsion, hip dysplasia, certain eye conditions, and some inherited autoimmune or neurological disorders. Responsible breeders screen for known genetic issues, but owners should still plan for regular veterinary checks and be aware of early warning signs of bloat and joint disease.

How much grooming does an Irish Setter’s long red coat require?

The silky coat needs brushing several times a week to prevent tangles, mats, and debris accumulation in the feathering. Occasional trimming around the feet, ears, and tail, along with routine ear cleaning, helps keep the coat tidy and reduces the risk of ear infections.

Is an Irish Setter a good choice for apartment living?

They are generally better suited to homes where they can move freely and have easy access to outdoor space. Apartment living is possible only if the owner is very committed to providing multiple long walks, safe off lead running, and mental enrichment every single day.

Can Irish Setters be left alone during the workday?

They are highly people focused and can be prone to separation distress if left alone for long periods on a regular basis. If the household is out for full workdays, they will usually need a combination of gradual alone time training, midday breaks, dog walkers, or dog daycare to stay content.

Are Irish Setters good off leash and do they have a strong prey or hunting drive?

They were bred to work at a distance from the handler and often have a strong interest in birds and other wildlife. Reliable recall can be challenging and needs careful, long term training, and many owners use secure fields or long lines unless the dog has demonstrated solid recall in low distraction environments first.

What should I know about feeding an Irish Setter to reduce the risk of bloat?

It is generally advised to feed measured meals twice a day rather than one large meal and to avoid vigorous exercise for at least an hour before and after eating. Using a calm feeding routine and discussing bloat prevention, including the option of preventive gastropexy, with a veterinarian is sensible for this breed.

At what age do Irish Setters usually calm down and mature?

They are known for staying puppy like for longer than many breeds and often remain very lively until at least 2 to 3 years of age. With consistent training, appropriate exercise, and mental work, most develop better impulse control in adulthood while still retaining an active, cheerful character.

Sources

• The Irish Setter Club of Germany
• The Irish Setter Breeders Club (UK)
• Svenska Kennelklubben (Swedish Kennel Club)
• Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)
• The Kennel Club (UK)