Irish Red and White Setter

The Irish Red and White Setter is slightly sturdier and more compactly built than its better-known all-red cousin, and it wears a clean white coat broken with solid red patches rather than a solid red coat. Temperamentally it is often regarded as a touch more level-headed and trainable, though both are friendly, high-energy working gundogs.

They are friendly, affectionate and high-spirited dogs that form strong bonds with their families. Typically good-natured with children and sociable with other dogs, they are rewarding, people-loving companions rather than aloof workers. Intelligent and biddable, they keep a playful, sometimes boisterous streak well into adulthood, and they are far too friendly to make natural guard dogs.

A great deal. This is a very high-energy gundog that needs well over an hour a day of vigorous activity, including free galloping in safe, open spaces, plus mental stimulation. Built to cover ground all day, they become frustrated and potentially destructive if under-exercised, so they suit active, outdoorsy homes far better than sedentary ones.

The medium-length coat carries feathering on the ears, chest, legs, underside and tail. Brushing two or three times a week keeps it free of tangles and removes field debris, with extra attention to the feathered areas. Check the long pendulous ears regularly, as they can trap moisture and are prone to infection, and trim hair between the pads.

It is a powerful but elegant gundog, standing roughly 57–66 cm at the shoulder and weighing around 25–34 kg. The athletic, feathered frame reflects its working purpose of finding and pointing game birds over open country.

As a working gundog the breed is keen to learn and responds well to consistent, positive, reward-based training. Early socialisation, basic obedience and especially recall are important, given their bird-finding instincts and tendency to range widely. They can be sensitive, so harsh handling is counterproductive; varied, upbeat sessions and gundog sports suit them best.

The breed is generally healthy and hardy, but its narrow genetic base following a 20th-century revival means responsible breeders take inherited disease seriously, and DNA testing is widely used. Seek puppies from health-tested parents, including hip scoring and DNA testing for known disorders. Keeping the dog lean and caring for the ears supports a lifespan of around 11–15 years.

Yes, for the right household. They thrive as part of active, outdoorsy family life, get on well with children and other dogs, and love company. However, they dislike being left alone for long stretches and need serious daily exercise. A home with a securely fenced garden and access to open countryside is ideal; apartment or low-activity living is not.

Good with children. As a general guide, Irish Red and White Setters tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.

As a healthy adult, a typical Irish Red and White Setter needs 2 hours or more, plus a job to do of exercise a day (120–180 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.

Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.

Manageable for committed beginners. Irish Red and White Setters are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.

Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.

Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.

Needs plenty of space. A Irish Red and White Setter really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.