Irish Setter Breed Profile: Essential Facts
The versatile Irish Setter is an extremely energetic hunting dog and wonderful family companion.
Irish Setter
- AKC Group: Sporting
- Weight: 60–70 lbs.
- Height: 25–27 in.
- Life Span: 15 years
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Key Characteristics
The Irish Setter is an all-purpose hunting dog and family companion.
The body is longer than it is tall, and the head features an either black or brown nose. The almond-shaped, medium-sized eyes can be various shades of brown.
The tail is long and thick, tapering from the base to the tip. The thin, triangular-shaped ears are feathered and hang close to the head.
The coat colors include shades of mahogany to a rich chestnut red and may have patches of white. The coat is soft and flat, but the length can vary. Field lines bred for working have shorter coats, and dog bred for conformation have longer coats.
Where They Came From
Native to Ireland, the Irish Setter rose in popularity in the 1700s as a hunting and bird dog.
Breeds reportedly contributing to the Irish Setter's development include the Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Terrier, English Setter, Spaniel, Pointer and Gordon Setter.
Original Irish Setters were red and white, but the white color was selectively bred out. The first all-red Irish Setter appeared in 1812.
The dogs were imported to America in the 19th century and eventually split into 2 breeding lines: One for field work And the other for conformation
The breed remains popular worldwide, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1878.
How Friendly Are They?
Don't let the aristocratic and elegant movement fool you. Irish Setters are active, energetic, outgoing and high-energy dogs who can act clownish at times.
Despite being independent and impulsive at times, they are great with children and other pets.
Irish Setters are easy to house-train and are comfortable on nearly any terrain in almost any climate. Because of their high energy levels, they need consistent training and daily exercise to prevent undesirable behavior.
They are also sensitive to tone of voice and will not respond well to harsh discipline.
Is This the Right Dog for You?
Exercise Needs
HIGH: This active breed needs daily exercise in the form of a rigorous walk or jog, and exercise is necessary for the dog to expel energy and avoid negative behavior.
These dogs are outgoing and love the outdoors, running and free play — so a yard would be much appreciated. We don't recommend the apartment life for Irish Setters unless you are active and can commit to the dog's daily exercise needs.
Grooming Needs
MEDIUM: The Irish Setter sheds an average amount. You'll need to brush yours every day to maintain the coat and prevent matting.
Active working and hunting dogs should be checked for debris in the coat and ears after returning indoors. Bathe your Irish Setter only as necessary.
Health Problems
MEDIUM: Irish Setters are generally healthy dogs, but here are a few diseases commonly seen in the breed: Bloat Epilepsy Skin allergies Elbow dysplasia Hip dysplasia Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Autoimmune disease Ear infections and inflammation< This video shows the versatility of the breed:
Where to Adopt One?
Check shelters and rescues first to find an Irish Setter, and you can start with Petful's adoptable dog search.
If you decide to contact a breeder to purchase a dog or puppy, get to know them and always be on the lookout for the puppy mill warning signs.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Irish Setters make good house dogs, but they need plenty of space and daily exercise. They are affectionate, social, and great with families but require consistent training due to their high energy levels.
Irish Setters require a lot of exercise, regular grooming, and consistent training. They can be stubborn, prone to separation anxiety, and have a high prey drive, making off-leash training challenging.
Irish Setters were once highly popular, but their high energy levels, training demands, and grooming needs make them less common today compared to lower-maintenance breeds.
Yes, Irish Setters are high maintenance due to their long, silky coat that requires frequent grooming and their need for daily physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.
Additional Resources
- American Kennel Club's Irish Setter page
- Irish Setter Club of America
- Irish Setters (United Kingdom and Ireland)
Kristine Lacoste has been researching dog and cat breeds for nearly a decade and has observed the animals up close at dog shows in both the United States and the United Kingdom. She is the author of the book One Unforgettable Journey, which was named as a finalist for a Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America, and was host of a weekly pet news segment on the National K-9 Academy Radio Show. In addition, she was the New Orleans coordinator for Dogs on Deployment, a nonprofit that helps military members and their pets, for 3 years. Kristine has researched and written about pet behaviors and care for many years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, another bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Business Administration degree.
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