Irish Setter
The flame-red Irish Setter was bred as a fast, wide-ranging gundog to find game birds, and it brings boundless joy and energy to everything. Friendly, exuberant and wonderful with children, if slow to grow up. It suits active families who can meet its considerable exercise needs and keep the feathered coat groomed through years of puppyish enthusiasm.
Irish Setter scorecard
Overview
The Irish Setter is a tall, elegant gundog instantly recognisable by its rich chestnut or mahogany-red coat, long feathering and flowing, athletic outline. Standing roughly 55–67 cm at the shoulder and weighing around 25–34 kg, it combines the build of a working bird dog with a glamorous, racy appearance that has made it one of the most admired of all breeds. The Kennel Club classes the Irish Setter in its Gundog Group, where it sits alongside the other setters as a breed developed to range across open country, locate game birds by scent and 'set' — crouch or freeze — to indicate their position to the hunter.
Beyond its looks, the Irish Setter is famous for an exuberant, friendly and affectionate nature. It is sociable with people, typically very good with children and other dogs, and bonds closely with its family. It is, however, a genuinely high-energy breed that matures slowly and remains playful and boisterous well into adulthood, so it needs an owner prepared for plenty of exercise and a long, lively puppyhood. Typical life expectancy is around 11–13 years.
Good to know — a Irish Setter 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.
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History & origins
The Irish Setter was developed in Ireland, where it was bred from a mixture of setter, spaniel and pointer types to produce a fast, wide-ranging bird dog suited to the country's terrain. Early Irish setters were often red and white — the colour now preserved in the separate Irish Red and White Setter — and the solid red dog so familiar today became fixed and fashionable during the nineteenth century, prized both as a working gundog and as a striking show and companion animal.
As the breed gained popularity in Britain and beyond, two somewhat different strains emerged: a working type bred primarily for field performance, and a heavier-coated show type bred for the ring. The breed's beauty made it widely known, but its working heritage as a tireless ranging gundog remains the key to understanding its character and its considerable need for exercise and stimulation.
Temperament & family fit
Irish Setters are outgoing, affectionate and enthusiastic dogs that thrive on human company and tend to greet life with obvious joy. They are usually excellent with children and generally sociable with other dogs, making them popular family pets where there is the time and energy to meet their needs. They dislike being left alone for long periods and can become bored, noisy or destructive if under-exercised or under-stimulated, so they are not well suited to a quiet, sedentary household.
A defining feature of the breed is its slow maturity: an Irish Setter often retains a giddy, puppyish playfulness for several years, and owners need patience and a sense of humour as much as anything else. They are sensitive dogs that respond poorly to harsh handling and far better to warmth, encouragement and inclusion in family life. Properly exercised and engaged, they are gentle, loving and good-natured companions.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
Intelligent and eager to please, Irish Setters can learn a great deal, but their high spirits, sensitivity and long adolescence mean training takes consistency and patience. Positive, reward-based methods suit them well; they tend to shut down or become anxious under heavy-handed correction. Keeping sessions upbeat, varied and short helps hold the attention of a dog that can be easily distracted, especially by interesting scents and movement out in the field.
Early socialisation and steady, fair boundaries set from puppyhood help channel the breed's exuberance into good manners. Recall and lead work deserve particular attention, because a setter in full flow, following its nose across open ground, can quickly put distance between itself and its owner. With their natural drive and willingness, many Irish Setters also enjoy and excel at activities such as gundog work, agility and scent games, which provide an excellent outlet for both body and mind.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Irish 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
The Irish Setter's moderately long, silky coat carries distinctive feathering on the ears, chest, legs, underside and tail, and needs regular attention to stay in good order. Brushing and combing several times a week — ideally most days during heavy shedding or muddy seasons — prevents the feathering from matting and tangling, particularly behind the ears and on the legs. The breed sheds moderately year-round. Occasional bathing keeps the coat clean and gleaming, and many owners lightly trim around the feet and ears for tidiness. As with all dogs, regular nail trimming, ear checks (the long pendulous ears benefit from monitoring) and dental care should be part of the routine.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Irish Setters should be fed a complete, balanced diet suited to their age, size and high activity level, with the amount adjusted to keep the dog in lean, athletic condition. As an active, deep-chested breed, feeding two or more measured meals a day rather than one large meal, and avoiding strenuous exercise immediately before and after eating, is a sensible precaution against bloat. Working or very active individuals may need more energy-dense feeding than a quieter pet, while care should be taken not to let companion dogs become overweight, which would burden the joints and overall health. Fresh water should always be available, and any dietary changes introduced gradually. A vet can advise on the right diet for an individual dog.
Irish Setter health & costs
Before bringing a Irish Setter home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£600–850 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£35–62 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£120–300 / year
Occasional pro + home brushing
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Irish Setter is generally a healthy, robust breed, but like all pedigree dogs it has some recognised inherited conditions, and responsible breeders use the available DNA and screening tests to reduce their incidence. Notably, DNA tests exist for canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD) and for the rcd1 form of progressive retinal atrophy, and the Kennel Club and British Veterinary Association run hip and eye schemes; prospective buyers should ask to see the relevant test results for both parents.
As a deep-chested breed the Irish Setter is also among those at increased risk of bloat, and owners should learn to recognise the signs and treat it as an emergency. Routine preventive care — vaccination, parasite control, dental care, weight management and regular veterinary checks — together with sourcing a puppy from a health-tested litter, gives the best chance of a long, healthy life into the dog's early teens.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Hip dysplasia — a malformation of the hip joint that can cause pain and arthritis; ask breeders for the hip scores of both parents.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) — inherited degeneration of the retina causing gradual blindness; DNA testing for the rcd1 form and eye screening are available.
- Canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD) — a serious inherited immune disorder for which a reliable DNA test exists, allowing carriers to be identified.
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) — a sudden, life-threatening twisting of the stomach to which deep-chested breeds are prone; act as an emergency.
- Epilepsy — a recognised cause of seizures in the breed that is usually managed long-term with veterinary medication.
- Ear infections — the long, hanging ears can trap moisture and debris, so regular checking and cleaning help prevent recurrent problems.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Irish Setter; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Irish Setter puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Irish Setter
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early — larger breeds age sooner, so start senior care from around 6–7 years.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Friendly, exuberant and great with children
- Beautiful, sociable and good-natured
Things to consider
- Very high energy and boisterous for years
- Feathered coat needs regular grooming
Compare the Irish Setter
See how the Irish Setter measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Same breed group
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Golden Retriever
Gentle, eager-to-please and devoted — a classic family companion that thrives on company and exercise.
Cocker Spaniel
A merry, affectionate gundog that loves people and activity — happiest with a job and regular grooming.
English Springer Spaniel
A tireless, enthusiastic working gundog that needs serious daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Similar temperament
Sprocker Spaniel
A Cocker × Springer spaniel cross — friendly, biddable and brilliant for active families, with serious working energy.
English Setter
A gentle, feathered gundog — friendly and great with children, sociable and even-tempered.
Flat-Coated Retriever
The "Peter Pan" of retrievers — joyful, friendly and superb with children, staying puppyish for years.
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.
Similar size, different type
German Shepherd
A loyal, courageous and highly trainable working dog that needs experienced handling and plenty to do.
Greyhound
The ultimate couch potato — despite their racing reputation, retired greyhounds need surprisingly little exercise.
Boxer
A bouncy, playful and devoted family dog that stays puppy-like for years — and needs the exercise to match.
Rottweiler
A powerful, confident guardian that’s calm and devoted in the right hands — but needs an experienced owner.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Irish Setter the same as the Irish Red Setter?
The Irish Setter is the breed instantly recognisable by its rich chestnut or mahogany-red coat, long feathering and flowing, athletic outline, which is why it is often called the Irish Red Setter. A separate Irish Red and White Setter also exists. The classic solid-red dog is the Irish Setter most people picture, classed by the Kennel Club in its Gundog Group.
How big do Irish Setters get?
Irish Setters are tall, elegant gundogs, standing roughly 55 to 67cm at the shoulder and weighing around 25 to 34kg. They combine the build of a working bird dog with a glamorous, racy appearance, developed to range across open country, locate game birds by scent and 'set' to indicate their position to the hunter.
What is an Irish Setter's temperament like?
Irish Setters are outgoing, affectionate and enthusiastic, thriving on human company and greeting life with obvious joy. They are usually excellent with children and generally sociable with other dogs, making them popular family pets. A defining feature is their slow maturity: an Irish Setter often keeps a giddy, puppyish playfulness for several years, so owners need patience and a sense of humour.
How much exercise does an Irish Setter need?
This is a high-energy, athletic breed needing a great deal of exercise, generally well over two hours a day for a fit adult, including free running in safe areas, not just lead walks. Bred to range tirelessly across country, it has real stamina. Without enough physical and mental outlet it can become frustrated, restless and prone to unwanted behaviours.
How long do Irish Setters live?
Typical life expectancy is around 11 to 13 years. The Irish Setter is generally a healthy, robust breed. Routine preventive care, weight management and sourcing a puppy from a health-tested litter give the best chance of a long, healthy life into the dog's early teens.
Do Irish Setters need a lot of grooming?
Yes, regular attention. The moderately long, silky coat carries distinctive feathering on the ears, chest, legs, underside and tail, and needs brushing and combing several times a week, ideally most days during heavy shedding or muddy seasons, to prevent matting. The breed sheds moderately year-round. Many owners lightly trim around the feet and ears for tidiness.
Are Irish Setters prone to any health problems?
The breed is generally healthy, but has some recognised inherited conditions. DNA tests exist for canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD) and for the rcd1 form of progressive retinal atrophy, and the Kennel Club and BVA run hip and eye schemes, so ask to see test results for both parents. As a deep-chested breed it is also among those at increased risk of bloat.
Are Irish Setters good with children?
They are generally excellent with children and sociable with other dogs, making them a popular choice for active families. Their size, boisterousness and slow maturity mean they are best in a home prepared for an exuberant, long-lived 'big puppy', and play with very young children should be supervised. They suit households with the time, space and energy to meet their needs.
Are Irish Setters good with children?
Excellent with children of all ages. As a general guide, Irish 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 an Irish Setter need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Irish 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 Setters shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.
Are Irish Setters easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Manageable for committed beginners. Irish 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 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 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 Setters suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Irish Setter really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- The Kennel Club (UK) — Irish Setter breed information, breed standard and Gundog Group classification: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/
- The Kennel Club — breed health and DNA testing information for the Irish Setter (CLAD, rcd1-PRA, hip and eye schemes): https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/
- PDSA — Irish Setter and gundog care, feeding and health advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/dogs
- Blue Cross — dog care, exercise and breed-suitability guidance: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
- Royal Veterinary College (RVC) VetCompass — research on canine health, including bloat in deep-chested breeds: https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass
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Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual dog.
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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.