Irish Red and White Setter
An athletic Irish bird-dog, slightly sturdier and more biddable than its all-red cousin. Friendly, affectionate and trainable, but a high-energy gundog that needs plenty of exercise.
Overview
An athletic Irish bird-dog, slightly sturdier and more biddable than its all-red cousin. Friendly, affectionate and trainable, but a high-energy gundog that needs plenty of exercise.
Good to know — a Irish Red and White Setter is needs plenty of space and manageable for committed beginners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Irish Red and White Setter is good with children and sociable with other dogs. They tend to be a quiet, and as a guide they are manageable for committed beginners. Early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Irish Red and White Setter typically needs 2 hours or more, plus a job to do a day (roughly 120–180 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is regular brushing and shedding is moderate. Brush regularly (a few times a week) to keep the coat healthy and remove loose hair.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Irish Red and White Setter should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food suited to its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a large breed will eat a fair amount compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
The good bits
- Friendly, affectionate family gundog
- Trainable and good with other dogs
Things to consider
- Very high exercise needs
- Feathered coat needs regular grooming
Similar breeds
Labrador Retriever
The UK’s most popular family dog — friendly, biddable and brilliant with children, but needs proper exercise.
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Golden Retriever
Gentle, eager-to-please and devoted — a classic family companion that thrives on company and exercise.
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German Shepherd
A loyal, courageous and highly trainable working dog that needs experienced handling and plenty to do.
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Boxer
A bouncy, playful and devoted family dog that stays puppy-like for years — and needs the exercise to match.
View breed guide →Frequently asked questions
Are Irish Red and White Setters good with children?
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.
How much exercise does a Irish Red and White Setter need?
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.
Do Irish Red and White Setters shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.
Are Irish Red and White Setters easy to train and good for first-time owners?
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.
Do Irish Red and White Setters bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Irish Red and White Setters good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Irish Red and White Setters suit flats or smaller homes?
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.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.