The Irish Setter is a tall, elegant gundog from Ireland with a rich red coat and a joyful personality. The Irish Setter is affectionate, playful and full of energy, a loving family dog that loves children, other dogs and being part of everything.
Quick Facts
- Origin: Ireland
- Group: Sporting (Gundog)
- Lifespan: 11–15 years
- Weight: 25–32 kg
- Height: 63–69 cm at the shoulder
- Temperament: Affectionate, playful, energetic, joyful
- Good with kids: Yes — playful and gentle with children
- Good with other pets: Yes, usually friendly with other dogs and cats
- Exercise needs: Very high — about 1.5–2 hours a day
- Grooming: Moderate to high — long coat, regular brushing
Temperament & Personality
Irish Setters are affectionate, playful and deeply loyal to their family. They bond closely with their people, love children, and are usually good with other dogs. They are happy, outgoing dogs that love to play and be part of everything. They are gundogs through and through: they love to run, chase and explore, and they need a job to do. They can be stubborn and easily distracted, so training needs patience and consistency. They love company and do not like being left alone for long — a bored Irish Setter will chew and bark.
Health
Irish Setters are generally healthy and long-lived for a dog of their size. Known issues include hip and elbow dysplasia, gastric torsion (bloat — a serious emergency in deep-chested dogs), eye problems (progressive retinal atrophy), hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), and epilepsy. Buy from a breeder who health-tests the parents, feed smaller meals, and see the vet regularly.
Training
Irish Setters are intelligent and quick to learn, but they can be stubborn and easily distracted — training needs patience, consistency and high-value rewards. Short, fun, reward-based sessions work best, and early socialisation helps them stay confident with strangers, children and other dogs. Teach a reliable recall from puppyhood: an Irish Setter on a chase will not come back. Harsh methods damage trust.
Food & Nutrition
An Irish Setter needs a good-quality complete food in measured meals — two meals a day suit most adults. Treats should be counted as part of the daily intake. Irish Setters are lean, active dogs and should stay lean — you should be able to feel the ribs easily. Because Irish Setters can bloat, feed smaller meals and avoid exercise right after eating. A vet can advise the right amount for your dog’s age and weight, and fresh water should always be available.
Grooming
The Irish Setter’s long, silky coat needs brushing two to three times a week to prevent tangles, plus trimming of the feathering on the legs, ears and tail every few months. Baths only when dirty. The ears should be checked weekly — long ears trap moisture — nails trimmed regularly, and teeth brushed. Irish Setters shed moderately.
Exercise
An Irish Setter needs about 1.5–2 hours of activity a day: walks, running and training games, plus mental work such as scent games and puzzle feeders. They are big dogs with huge energy — an Irish Setter needs to run and think every day. Without it, expect chewing, barking and escaping.
Is the Irish Setter Right for You?
The Irish Setter suits active families who want a joyful, affectionate companion and can give it 2 hours of exercise and plenty of company every day. It does well in houses with a garden. It is less suited to flats, long hours alone, or anyone wanting a calm, quiet dog.
FAQs
Are Irish Setters good for first-time owners?
They can be a handful. Irish Setters are friendly and trainable, but their energy, size and stubbornness make them a challenging first dog.
Do Irish Setters shed a lot?
Moderately. Their long coat sheds all year but is easy to manage with regular brushing.
How much exercise does an Irish Setter need every day?
About 1.5–2 hours of walks, running and play, plus training to keep the mind busy.
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