When you see an Irish Setter, it’s hard not to stop and stare. With their flowing mahogany coat, boundless energy, and playful nature, these dogs are like the redheaded charmers of the canine world. Originally bred in 18th-century Ireland as hunting companions, they’ve since become beloved family pets thanks to their affectionate personality and joyful spirit.
Let’s dive into what makes this breed so special, from their looks to their personality and care needs.
Temperament and Personality
The Irish Setter is often described as a “clown” of the dog world—always ready to play, eager to make friends, and full of fun.
- Affectionate & loving: They thrive on human attention and want to be part of everything their family does. Leaving them alone too long can make them anxious, as they’re happiest when surrounded by loved ones.
- Playful energy: Whether it’s running in the park, chasing a ball, or going for long hikes, Irish Setters are always up for an adventure. Their enthusiasm is contagious, making them perfect companions for active families.
- Intelligent yet mischievous: These dogs are clever and quick to learn, but sometimes they get distracted by smells or sights around them. Training requires patience and positive reinforcement, but the results are rewarding.
- Good with children and pets: With proper socialization, they’re wonderful with kids and other dogs. However, because of their hunting instincts, they’re not suitable for homes with small pets like birds or hamsters.
Appearance – A Showstopper Dog
The Irish Setter is pure elegance wrapped in a silky, chestnut-red coat.
- Coat: Their long, shiny, reddish fur with “feathering” on the ears, chest, tail, and legs is their signature look.
- Size: Males stand around 27 inches tall and weigh 60–70 pounds. Females are a bit smaller.
- Build: Slim, athletic, and graceful, they are one of the swiftest sporting breeds.
Simply put, an Irish Setter is a head-turner wherever it goes.
Health and Care
Owning an Irish Setter is both rewarding and a responsibility. Here’s what you need to know:
- Grooming: Their silky coats need brushing two to three times a week to stay shiny and tangle-free. During shedding season, daily brushing is even better.
- Exercise: These dogs are not couch potatoes. They need 1–2 hours of exercise daily, including runs, long walks, or games of fetch. Without enough activity, they can become bored and destructive.
- Health: Like many purebred dogs, they are prone to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia, bloat, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, and eye diseases like PRA. Regular vet visits and health screenings are essential.
- Diet: A balanced diet with high-quality dog food helps keep their coat shiny and their energy levels up.
Why Families Love the Irish Setter
What makes the Irish Setter truly special is their personality. They’re not just hunting dogs anymore—they’re family members who bring laughter, playfulness, and a whole lot of love into the home. Their “clownish” antics keep life fun, while their loyalty ensures they’ll always be by your side. Check out our large dog age article to learn more about keeping these joyful companions happy and healthy throughout their lives.
Fun Fact Table: Irish Setter
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Breed Origin | Ireland, developed in the 18th century as a skilled hunting and gundog |
| Nickname | “The Redhead of the Dog World” |
| Height | Males: ~27 inches • Females: ~25 inches |
| Weight | Males: 60–70 lbs • Females: 55–65 lbs |
| Coat Type | Long, silky, feathered, in chestnut or mahogany red |
| Personality | Playful, affectionate, intelligent, sometimes mischievous |
| Exercise Needs | High – 1 to 2 hours daily (loves running, hiking, fetch) |
| Good With Kids | Yes – gentle and affectionate, but very energetic |
| Trainability | Intelligent but can be stubborn and easily distracted |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Special Traits | Famous for their “clownish” antics and boundless enthusiasm |
Lifespan of the Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is not just a bundle of energy and beauty—it’s also a long-lived companion. With proper care, love, and attention, these red-coated charmers typically live 12 to 15 years. Their playful spirit and affectionate nature often make them seem forever young, bringing joy and laughter well into their senior years. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine vet check-ups are the secret to keeping your Irish Setter’s tail wagging for as many happy years as possible. Check out our Irish Setter Dog Age Calculator to better understand your dog’s age in human years and monitor their health milestones.
Irish Setter Puppies
Irish Setter puppies are little bundles of energy wrapped in silky red coats. With their playful mischief, floppy ears, and endless curiosity, they’re like sunshine on four paws. These pups are quick to learn, eager to love, and thrive in homes where adventure never stops. From zooming around the yard to curling up for cuddles, Irish Setter puppies bring laughter, chaos, and heartwarming joy all at once.
Dog Food for Irish Setters
Feeding an Irish Setter isn’t just about filling a bowl—it’s about fueling their boundless energy and keeping that gorgeous coat shiny. High-quality dog food packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins keeps them strong, playful, and thriving. Since Irish Setters are active adventurers, a balanced diet tailored to their needs helps support their joints, digestion, and overall health.
Irish Setter Breeders
Finding the right Irish Setter breeders is the first step toward bringing home this joyful, red-coated companion. Reputable breeders focus on healthy bloodlines, proper socialization, and early care, ensuring you get a well-adjusted pup with a shining personality. Choosing a responsible breeder means more than just buying a dog—it’s about joining a legacy of love, health, and happy tails.
Irish Setter Cost
The cost of an Irish Setter can vary widely, usually ranging between $1,000 to $2,500, depending on the breeder, lineage, and location. Show-quality pups or those from champion bloodlines may cost more, while adoption can be a more budget-friendly option. Remember, the true cost goes beyond the purchase price—food, grooming, training, and healthcare are all part of raising this stunning red-coated companion. Investing in an Irish Setter means investing in years of loyalty, joy, and tail-wagging love.
Irish Red and White Setter
The Irish Red and White Setter is the lesser-known cousin of the famous Irish Setter, but just as charming. With its striking red patches on a snowy white coat, this breed combines elegance with boundless energy. Originally bred as a hunting dog in Ireland, it’s known for its keen nose, playful spirit, and affectionate heart. Whether in the field or at home, the Irish Red and White Setter shines as a loyal, lively, and eye-catching companion.
Black Irish Setter
The Black Irish Setter is a rare and captivating twist on the classic red-coated breed. With its sleek dark coat and the same playful, affectionate spirit, this variation stands out in any crowd. Though not as common as the traditional mahogany setter, the Black Irish Setter carries the same energy, elegance, and loving temperament that makes the breed so beloved. It’s a head-turning companion for those who love something unique yet deeply loyal.
English Setter vs Irish Setter
Both the English Setter and Irish Setter are stunning sporting breeds, but each brings its own flair to the table. English Setters are graceful, gentle, and often speckled with delicate markings, making them calm and affectionate family pets. Irish Setters, on the other hand, are fiery, energetic, and flaunt a striking red or mahogany coat, perfect for active homes that love outdoor adventures. Whether you prefer the poised charm of an English Setter or the playful exuberance of an Irish Setter, both breeds offer loyalty, intelligence, and endless companionship.
Irish Setter Temperament
Irish Setters are the life of the household! Known for their playful and affectionate nature, they thrive on human companionship and love being part of family activities. These dogs are energetic, curious, and always ready for outdoor adventures, making them perfect for active homes. Gentle with children and friendly with other pets, they are social butterflies who crave attention and mental stimulation. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make training rewarding, though patience and positive reinforcement are key. With their joyful spirit and loving heart, Irish Setters bring endless energy and happiness wherever they go.
Irish Setter Mix
An Irish Setter mix combines the spirited energy of the Irish Setter with traits from another breed, creating a unique and lovable companion. These mixed breeds are often playful, affectionate, and highly social, making them excellent family dogs. Intelligent and curious, they thrive on exercise, outdoor adventures, and mental challenges. Their friendly disposition and charming personality make them stand out, while their loyalty ensures they form deep bonds with their families. Perfect for active households, an Irish Setter mix brings both energy and heart into every home.
Miniature Irish Setter
The Miniature Irish Setter packs all the charm, energy, and affectionate nature of a full-sized Irish Setter into a smaller, more manageable frame. Perfect for homes with limited space, these pint-sized companions are playful, intelligent, and social, thriving on attention and outdoor adventures. Despite their smaller stature, they maintain the breed’s signature loyalty, friendliness, and spirited personality, making every moment with them full of joy and love.
FAQs About Irish Setters
Are Irish Setters good family dogs?
Yes! They are affectionate, playful, and great with children. Just make sure they get plenty of exercise and attention.
Do Irish Setters shed a lot?
Yes, they shed moderately. Regular brushing helps control loose fur and keeps their coat healthy.
Are Irish Setters easy to train?
They are intelligent but can be stubborn and easily distracted. Positive reinforcement works best with this breed.
How much exercise does an Irish Setter need?
At least 1–2 hours a day. They love running, hiking, and playing fetch. A fenced yard is ideal.
Do Irish Setters have health problems?
They can be prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, and certain eye conditions. Buying from a reputable breeder reduces risks.
Final Thought
The Irish Setter is more than just a pretty face with a shiny red coat. This breed is a bundle of love, laughter, and energy. They’re perfect for active families who can give them the time, attention, and exercise they crave. With their affectionate hearts and joyful spirits, Irish Setters don’t just live in your home—they brighten your whole life. If you Want to explore the breed standard, temperament, and care guidelines in more detail? Check out the official Irish Setter on wikipedia.