How often should I brush an Irish setter?

Several times a week as a baseline, and closer to daily during the heavier seasonal sheds in spring and autumn. Regular brushing prevents the long feathering on the ears and legs from matting, which is a bigger practical problem for this breed than the shedding itself.

Do Irish setters shed more than other setters?

Shedding levels are broadly similar across setter breeds, since they share a similar single-coat structure. Coat length and feathering can vary a little between individual dogs and lines, which affects how noticeable the shedding looks rather than how much is actually coming out.

Is an Irish setter hypoallergenic?

No. No dog breed is truly hypoallergenic, and Irish setters shed enough that they are not a good choice for someone with a significant dog allergy. Regular grooming reduces loose hair in the home but does not remove the allergens themselves.

What causes excessive shedding in an Irish setter?

Normal seasonal shedding is expected, but a sudden increase well beyond that, especially with bald patches, flaky or sore skin, can point to a diet, parasite or health issue. That is worth a vet visit rather than putting down to the breed.

Do Irish setters shed?

Yes, Irish setters shed. They have a single, long, silky coat rather than a thick double coat, so the shedding is steady in a low-level way through the year, with a heavier drop in spring and autumn when the coat turns over more noticeably. Regular brushing does far more for the mess and the matting than any product claiming to stop shedding outright.

The coat itself

An Irish setter's coat is long, fine and feathered, with the most noticeable length on the ears, chest, legs and tail rather than an even covering over the whole body. It is a single coat rather than the dense double coat some breeds carry, which changes how the shedding actually shows up.

Because the fur is long, individual shed hairs are more visible on furniture and clothing than the same amount of shedding would be from a short-coated breed, even though the total volume isn't necessarily higher. That's often why owners searching for this are surprised by how much they're finding, even when the shedding itself is fairly typical for the breed.

How much, and when

Shedding from an Irish setter is fairly constant at a low level, rather than the huge seasonal 'blow-outs' seen in double-coated breeds. That said, most owners notice a heavier few weeks in spring and again in autumn, as the coat adjusts to the change in daylight and temperature.

Individual dogs vary. Diet, general health and how often the coat is brushed all affect how much loose hair ends up on the floor rather than in the brush.

What actually helps

Brushing several times a week, more often during the heavier seasonal periods, is the single most effective thing an owner can do. It removes loose hair before it falls out on its own, and it also prevents the feathering on the ears and legs from matting, which is a genuine problem for this coat type if it's left too long between brushes.

A slicker brush or a comb suited to longer coats works through feathering better than a bristle brush alone. Regular bathing with a dog-appropriate shampoo also helps keep the coat manageable, though over-bathing can dry the skin out and make shedding worse rather than better.

Living with the shedding

No brush or shampoo will make an Irish setter shed-free, and any product that claims otherwise is overselling what a coat like this can do. Managing it is about a consistent routine rather than a single fix.

If shedding suddenly increases well beyond what feels normal for your dog, or comes with bald patches, sore skin or excessive scratching, that's worth mentioning to your vet rather than assuming it's just the breed.

Kit for this breed

Things we stock that owners commonly reach for here. Nothing on this page depends on you buying one.

Microfibre Pet Drying Robe

A super-absorbent microfibre drying robe that soaks up the wet fast after baths, swims and walks.

From£10.99

Absorbent Microfibre Dog Drying Robe

A super-absorbent microfibre drying robe with a handy front pocket to dry your dog off fast.

From£13.99

Large Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Mats and Tangles

A self-cleaning slicker brush with fine, bead-tipped wire pins that gently lift loose undercoat, mats and tangles from short or long-haired pets. A one-click button releases the collected fur for fuss-free cleaning. Cat-ear shaped design.

£18.99

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Common questions

How often should I brush an Irish setter?: Several times a week as a baseline, and closer to daily during the heavier seasonal sheds in spring and autumn. Regular brushing prevents the long feathering on the ears and legs from matting, which is a bigger practical problem for this breed than the shedding itself.
Do Irish setters shed more than other setters?: Shedding levels are broadly similar across setter breeds, since they share a similar single-coat structure. Coat length and feathering can vary a little between individual dogs and lines, which affects how noticeable the shedding looks rather than how much is actually coming out.
Is an Irish setter hypoallergenic?: No. No dog breed is truly hypoallergenic, and Irish setters shed enough that they are not a good choice for someone with a significant dog allergy. Regular grooming reduces loose hair in the home but does not remove the allergens themselves.
What causes excessive shedding in an Irish setter?: Normal seasonal shedding is expected, but a sudden increase well beyond that, especially with bald patches, flaky or sore skin, can point to a diet, parasite or health issue. That is worth a vet visit rather than putting down to the breed.

Sources

Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.

Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.