Irish Setter

also known as Irish Red Setter, Red Setter

Pros History


The Irish Setter, also known as the "Red Setter," is a large and elegant breed of dog that is believed to have originated in Ireland. The breed has a long and storied history that is intertwined with the history of Ireland and its culture.

The origins of the Irish Setter can be traced back to the 17th century in Ireland, where it was developed by breeding various setter breeds such as the English Setter, the Pointer and the Gordon Setter. The goal was to create a large, elegant dog that could be used for hunting game birds, such as the red grouse and the woodcock, which were popular in Ireland.

The breed's name, "Irish Setter," reflects the breed's origins in Ireland, and the "Red Setter" is a nod to the breed's distinctive red coat.

The Irish Setter was a popular breed in Ireland and Europe during the 18th and 19th century, and it was often used for hunting and as a companion dog. However, the breed's popularity began to decline in the early 20th century, as a result of the rise of other breeds such as the Labrador Retriever.

The Irish Setter is recognized by kennel clubs around the world, including the American Kennel Club (AKC) which recognized the breed in 1878, The Kennel Club (UK) which recognized the breed in 1873 and other international kennel clubs.

Breed Information


Type

Is Irish Setter a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Irish Setter name? How do you say Irish Setters?

ahy-rish set-er

Purpose

What were Irish Setters originally used for?

bird setting and retrieving

Lifespan

How Long Do Irish Setters Live? What is average life expectancy for an Irish Setter? How long can Irish Setters live?

12-14 years

The average Irish Setter lifespan is somewhere between 12-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Irish Setter Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Irish Setter?

What is the average height of an Irish Setter? How big is an Purebred Irish Setter height? Irish Setter dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 23-26 inches (58.4 - 66 cm) 21.0 inches (53.3 cm) 22.5 inches (57.2 cm) 24.5 inches (62.2 cm)
Female 22-25 inches (55.9 - 63.5 cm) 19.0 inches (48.3 cm) 20.5 inches (52.1 cm) 23.5 inches (59.7 cm)
What is the average weight of an Irish Setter? How much should Irish Setters weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 60-71 pounds (27 - 32 kg) 38.5 pounds (17 kg) 53.5 pounds (24 kg) 65.5 pounds (30 kg)
Female 53-64 pounds (24 - 29 kg) 29.5 pounds (13 kg) 45.0 pounds (20 kg) 58.5 pounds (27 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Irish Setters get fat easily?

The Irish Setter is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Irish Setters Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Irish Setter is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is an Irish Setter personality? What are Irish Setter dogs best known for?

Affectionate
Energetic
Lively
Intelligent
Companionable
Independent
Playful

Shedding Level

Are Irish Setters heavy shedders? How Much Does an Irish Setter Shed?

Irish Setter dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Irish Setter. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of an Irish Setter dog?

The Irish Setter dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Irish Setters come from?

Ireland

Ancestry

What are Irish Setters descended from?

setter, pointer, spaniel

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Irish Setter breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

Date of Birth

When were Irish Setters first bred? How old is the Irish Setter breed?

1700s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is an Irish Setter?

Sporting (AKC:1878)
Gundog (UKC)

Irish Setter Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Irish Setter eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Irish Setter nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Irish Setter coat be naturally?

Red

Coat Length

How long is an Irish Setters coat?

The coat of an Irish Setter is longer than that of the typical dog.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Irish Setter Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of an Irish Setter?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can an Irish Setter have in a litter? How many puppies can an Irish Setter have in her first litter?

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

An Irish Setter can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Irish Setters are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Irish Setter Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Irish Setters have a lot of health problems?

The Irish Setter is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning an Irish Setter?

Gastric Torsion
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
Epilepsy

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Irish Setters?

Cataracts
Megaesophagus
Von Willebrand's Disease
Hypothyroidism
Osteochondritis Dissecans

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Irish Setter breed?

Eye
Hip
Blood Test
Dna Test For Vwd
Dna For Pra
Thyroid Tests
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Irish Setter Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Irish Setters have a lot of energy?

Irish Setters are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Irish Setters need socialization? How social are Irish Setters?

Irish Setter have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Irish Setters get?

The Irish Setter needs a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should an Irish Setter have? Do Irish Setters sleep a lot?

Irish Setters are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does an Irish Setter drool a lot?

The Irish Setter is a dog that is known for its low drooling tendency. If you dislike drool marks on your clothing, the Irish Setter could be a suitable choice for you.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Irish Setters are known to bark very little or not at all. They tend to be very quiet and do not bark excessively. They may only bark in specific situations, such as when they need to alert their owner to something important or when they are in distress.

Territorial

Do Irish Setters exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Irish Setter dogs are not known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They may not be the best choice as guard dogs as they may not have a strong drive to defend their territory.

Mouthiness

Are Irish Setters mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of an Irish Setter running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Irish Setter dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Irish Setters enjoy doing? How do I keep my Irish Setter busy?

Playing Ball, Hiking, Car Travel, Taking Naps

Activity Level

What is the energy level of an Irish Setter? How much energy does an Irish Setter have?

High

Irish Setters are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should an Irish Setter walk each week? How many miles should an Irish Setter walk every week?

15 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Irish Setter, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much an Irish Setter should exercise a day? How much activity does an Irish Setter need?

90 minutes

In general most Irish Setters usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for an Irish Setter?

The Irish Setter is a breed of dog that requires a significant amount of grooming. They will also require regular trims, and a professional groomer's help is often necessary to keep their coat in good condition. They may also need regular baths to maintain their coat and skin.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush an Irish Setter?

Daily

Ideally, Irish Setter should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Irish Setters?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Dematter
Comb
Deshedder
Clipper
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does an Irish Setter eat?

3 cups

For an average 60-71 pound (27 - 32 kg) Irish Setter feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does an Irish Setter Cost Daily?

$2.80 - $3.20 / day

The average cost of an Irish Setter is somewhere $2.80 - $3.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does an Irish Setter Cost Per Month?

$84 - $95 / month

The average per month expenses of an Irish Setter is between $84 - $95. This makes an average of $1008 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Irish Setter Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is an Irish Setter?

The Irish Setter breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is an Irish Setter dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Irish Setter dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Irish Setter do well in apartments? Are Irish Setters good indoor dogs?

The Irish Setter is not an apartment-friendly dog breed. This dog breed is best in a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They are not suited for apartment life and can become destructive due to pent up energy from being in a small space.

Child Friendly

Are Irish Setters good with kids? Are Irish Setters good around children?

A Irish Setters typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are Irish Setters good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Irish Setters good with cats? How friendly Irish Setters are toward cats?

Irish Setters are very cat friendly dogs. They generally make good companions for cats.

Dog Friendly

Do Irish Setter dogs get along with other dogs? Are Irish Setters OK with other dogs?

Irish Setters are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Irish Setter dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Irish Setters friendly with strangers?

Irish Setters are very friendly around strangers.

Playfulness

Do Irish Setters like to play? Are Irish Setters playful?

Irish Setters are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older Irish Setter for a mellower experience.

Trainability

Are Irish Setter easily trained?

The Irish Setter is a breed of dog that is known for being very easy to train. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them a great choice for both experienced and novice dog owners.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Cat Friendly
    Irish Setter dogs are recommended for households with cats.
  • Therapy Dog
    Therapy dog duties come easily to this breed.
  • Active
    They are active and energetic, making them good for active families.
  • Trainable
    They are highly trainable and excel in obedience and agility training.
  • Boat Dog
    The Irish Setter breed has an inclination towards being on boats.
  • Rarely barks
    If you're in search of a quiet breed, the Irish Setter dog may be a suitable option as they are known for being quiet.
  • Affectionate
    They are affectionate and loving towards their owners.

Cons

  • Grooming
    They have high maintenance grooming requirements due to their long fur.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Keeping a Irish Setter in an office may not be ideal
  • Not Apartment Friendly
    Irish Setter breeds may not be comfortable in an apartment setting.
  • Odor
    An odor issue is probable with the Irish Setter.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    People with allergies should be cautious when considering a Irish Setter, as they may cause allergic reactions.
  • Shedding
    They tend to shed a lot.