Irish / Red Setter

Temperament and Personality

The Irish Setter has a personality as vibrant as their stunning red coat, and can steal hearts in a…well, heartbeat! Often described as ‘rollicking’, these dogs (also known as Red Setters) are the life of the party – playful, affectionate, and always ready for adventure. They love people and thrive on attention, making them fantastic family pets.

With a bright, happy-go-lucky spirit and a need to keep busy, Irish Setters really shine when they’re given jobs to do. Whether it’s hunting in the fields, providing therapy and assistance to those in need, competing in canine sports, or simply fetching a ball for its owner, they love to make their people proud.

Their love of humans extends to strangers too, so they’re not particularly protective and won’t be winning any guard dog awards in a hurry. But as a loyal watchdog, Irish Setters will definitely raise the alarm if anyone approaches the house, and their big dog bark can put off any would-be intruders.  

Although they’re smart and sweet, these cheeky chappies have a real mischievous side too. Leave an Irish Setter to their own devices and you might find your shoes relocated, your underwear drawer raided, or your couch turned inside out. Their playful antics are all part of the charm, but it’s a reminder to any potential owners that these dogs need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay out of trouble. They also mature slower than other dogs, so expect puppy behaviour well into adulthood. 

Highly intelligent with a desire to work, Irish Setters are capable of much more than beyond the basics, but they do come with an independent, stubborn streak. Training requires patience, consistency, and a sense of humor, because they hate it when the fun stops. 

In fact, it might seem as though they don’t have an ‘off’ switch. Irish Setters are full of boundless enthusiasm, so they’re always down for games of chase, fetch, or just frolicking around. While this makes them a joy for active families, they’re not a great fit for couch potatoes or those that prefer the quiet life. Without enough exercise, the Irish Setter’s fun-loving nature can descend into chaos. 

At their core, Irish Setters are loyal, loving, and full of personality. They’ll make you laugh, keep you on your toes, and fill your home with happiness – as long as you give them the love and attention they give you. These dogs crave human companionship and hate to be left on their own for too long, which can lead to separation anxiety and destructive behaviours.

As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch. So, if you’re looking for a lively, affectionate companion who loves life as much as you do, the Irish Setter could be a great match.

Irish Setter paw-sonality traits

• Happy-go-lucky

• Exuberant and lively

• Friendly and fun-loving

• Mischievous 

• Loves people

• Sociable and outgoing

• Clownish with a sense of humour

• Thrives on human companionship

• Will bark to alert

• Always down for activities

• Keen and quick to learn

• Highly intelligent and trainable

• Can be stubborn and wilful

• Easily distracted by sights and smells

• Remains puppy-like into adulthood

• Strong prey drive and hunting instincts

• Hates being left alone

• Needs a lot of physical and mental exercise

Irish Setter pros and cons

Are Irish Setters good family dogs?

Absolutely! Irish Setters are friendly, affectionate, and love being around people, making them wonderful family dogs. Their boundless energy and penchant for adventure are perfect for active households that enjoy long walks, games, and lots of outdoor fun. However, they’re not the best match for families who prefer a laid-back lifestyle or can’t meet their high exercise needs. They’re bouncy, bright dogs that need lots of stimulation to stay happy. Irish Setters also dislike being left alone for long, so they thrive in homes where someone is around to keep them company.

Are Irish Setters good with children?

Yes, Irish Setters are playful, outgoing, and enjoy the company of children. However their bouncy and rambunctious ways might be too much for toddlers, as they can easily knock down little ones and cause accidental harm. They’re an ideal buddy for older children and teens who can handle their high energy levels and stand their ground.

Are Irish Setters good with other pets?

Yes, the sociable Irish Setter gets on well with other dogs, and can make friends with a cat too if they’ve been well socialised and introduced at an early age. However, due to their strong hunting instincts, they’re not suitable for households with pet birds or other small furry animals.

Care Requirements

We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after an Irish Red Setter properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered. 

How much exercise does an Irish Setter need?

A lot, and then some more! Irish Setters are bundles of energy and need at least 2 hours of vigorous daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay content and well-behaved.

These athletic dogs thrive on running, long walks, hikes, and endless games of fetch or frisbee. The more action, the better. They especially love activities that challenge both their bodies and minds, like agility courses, obedience training, and scent work. Swimming is another favourite hobby, but just ensure the body of water is safe for them to splash around in.

Their strong hunting instincts are known to lead Irish Setters astray, so mastering the art of recall is a key part to ensuring that walkies are always a wonderful experience. 

For days when you can’t commit to grand outdoor adventures, brisk walks, back garden games, and interactive puzzle toys are great ways to keep them engaged. Try incorporating sniffing games or hide-and-seek with treats to mentally stimulate them – they love using their sharp noses to solve problems.

Without enough activity or mental stimulation, Irish Setters can quickly become bored, which is likely to result in some unwanted behavioural problems like chewing, digging, excessive barking, or trying to escape from the garden. Meeting their exercise needs not only keeps them physically healthy but also ensures they remain the affectionate, happy-go-lucky companions they’re known to be.

How do you train an Irish Setter?

Irish Setters are intelligent, eager to please, and love working with their owner, making them highly trainable pups. However, with a rich hunting heritage, Irish Setters are easily distracted, and their playful independence and mischievous streak is sure to test your patience. The key to successful training is to never let these fun-loving pups get bored. 

With lots of patience and paw-sitivity, the smart and spirited Irish Setter can excel in canine sports like hunting, agility, flyball, and tracking, and even be trained as therapy and assistance dogs. They just need a strong leader to guide them! 

Unleash your pup’s potential with these Irish Setter training tips. 

1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise, play, and delicious treats. Irish Setters are very sensitive dogs that don’t respond well to harsh tones or corrections. A gentle but firm approach works best.

2. Be a confident leader. Irish Setters can be stubborn and like to get their own way, so it’s important to stay in control and establish yourself as top dog  

3. Prioritise recall. One whiff of a scent or a glimpse of a bird and the Irish Setter is off, so recall is essential. Use a long-line lead, clear vocal commands, and high value treats such as this Baltic Beef Jerky, or a toy covered in a strong scent to lead them back to you. 

4. Socialise from the start. Socialisation is still crucial, even for the super social Irish Setter. Expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.

5. Channel their inner hunter. Use their hunting instincts to your advantage by incorporating scent work, flyball, agility training, hide-and-seek, and fetch into their training routine. This will give both their brains and bodies a good workout.

6. Keep them busy. Give them puzzle toys that require problem solving, or set up a DIY obstacle course in the garden using chairs, hula hoops, and cones. They’ll love the challenge, and it’ll help burn off some of their boundless energy too.

7. Teach the ‘wait’ command. Getting them to wait before retrieving a ball can help them understand they need to obey you first before chasing after an interesting scent.

8. Mix things up. Easily bored and distracted, Irish Setters can lose focus if training isn’t fun. Keep training sessions short and sweet (about 5–10 minute bursts) and rotate between different commands and games to help them stay interested.

9. Be consistent. Irish Setters are an intelligent breed with impressive memories, so if they learn a bad habit just once, it can be difficult to break. Consistency and ongoing training from a young age is essential, as well as ensuring the household is using the same commands and correcting the same behaviours.

10. Be patient. Irish Setters are slow to mature, remaining puppy-like until they’re 3 or 4 years old, so it’s important to continue their training into adulthood.

11. Reduce the risk of separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help them be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.

How much grooming do Irish Setters need?

Quite a bit. The Irish Setter has an iconic, rich red coat that’s silky, smooth, and simply fabulous. With lots of feathering around the ears, legs, and belly, they need frequent brushing to stay tangle-free. 

There is a downside to these luscious locks though; Irish Setters shed a lot throughout the year, with heavier shedding during spring and summer. This means Irish Setters aren’t hypoallergenic and won’t be the best choice for allergy sufferers. You’ll need a laid-back attitude to dog hair or a vacuum cleaner to hand.

Here are some grooming tips to ensure your Irish Setter looks stunning all year round.

• Use a metal dog comb followed by a slicker brush several times a week to keep their coats shiny and tangle-free. Brush daily during shedding seasons.

• Their ears, legs, chest and belly have feathering, which protects them from scratches when running through fields. Make sure to brush these areas after a walk to remove any debris and prevent matting. Remember to check their paw pads too as they might have trodden on something nasty.

• Check their ears for signs of infection and clean regularly; use a soft cotton pad to gently wipe around the inner areas but don’t stick anything down their ear canal.

• They only need to be bathed when necessary (just not too regularly though, as this could disrupt the Ph balance of their skin and cause allergies to flare up.) Always use a dog-friendly shampoo. 

• Trim around the head, ears, neck, tail, and feet using rounded scissors. For the show ring, Irish Setters are trimmed weekly to emphasise the lean head and neck, but for everyday pet care, you can do this as often as you wish. 

• Trim their nails every once or twice a month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it. 

• Don’t forget their teeth and gums. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stinky Setter breath.

• Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!

Health and Wellness

Properly looked after, loved and cared for, the Irish Setter lifespan is 11–15 years. However, like many beautiful purebreds, they’re predisposed to a few health issues.

Common Irish Setter health problems

• Hip Dysplasia. This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit together properly, potentially leading to arthritis and mobility issues. Those looking to bring an Irish Setter puppy home should aim to buy from reputable breeders who disclose the hip scores of the parents. Diseases of the joints can usually be managed with a combination of pain relief, anti-inflammatories, joint supportive diets, and joint supplements.

• Osteochrondrosis Disseceans (OCD). This is when the cartilage in the joints doesn’t grow properly, usually affecting the elbows or shoulders. It causes stiffness and leads to dogs not being able to bend their joints, which can be painful. OCD can be attributed to puppies being fed too much ‘growth formula’ dog food, or foods that are super high-protein.

• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). More commonly known as ‘bloat’, this typically affects deep chested breeds. It’s a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach twists and fills with gas, cutting off food and water and stopping circulation to the stomach and intestines. Signs include retching without vomiting, drooling, a distended stomach, and general abdominal pain. Urgent veterinary care is needed.

• Hypothyroidism. This disorder causes the thyroid gland to stop producing thyroid hormones, leading to weight gain, lack of energy, skin and ear infections, dry skin, and thinning of the fur. Dogs usually develop symptoms when they’re middle aged, but it can be managed successfully with lifelong medication. 

• Epilepsy. Epileptic seizures last between one to three minutes, and can cause your dog to collapse, leg paddle, vocalise and urinate. Epilepsy usually makes itself known before the age of 5 and dogs are typically managed on daily anti-seizure medicine.

• Canine Leukocyte (CLAD). Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency (CLAD) is an inherited disorder found in Irish Setters that weakens the immune system, causing recurrent infections. Responsible breeders work to eliminate CLAD from their lines using DNA testing to ensure dogs are free of the gene. When choosing a breeder, always confirm their dogs have been screened for CLAD to avoid this serious condition.

• Hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD). This can affect Irish Setter puppies aged 4–8 months, causing lameness, fever, swollen joints, lethargy, and appetite loss. Linked to high protein and calcium diets, it can be severe and occasionally fatal. Diagnosis can be tricky, so inform your vet of the breed's risk. Treatment includes steroids, antibiotics, and pain relief.

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This is an inherited condition that causes dogs to go progressively blind, and there’s sadly no cure. It’s strongly advised that breeders screen their breeding stock for this debilitating disease. 

• Atopy. Canine atopic dermatitis (allergic dermatitis, canine atopy) is a hereditary condition affecting the skin. Allergies can be triggered by food or environmental factors like pollen, grass, household chemicals, dust mites or flea bites. Allergies cause itchy skin and digestive issues. If your dog is excessively scratching, rubbing their face, licking their paws, vomiting or having bouts of diarrhoea, they may be suffering from an allergy. Skin allergies in dogs tend to make themselves known between the ages of 1 and 3, with itchiness and scratching being the main symptoms.

• Ear Problems. Irish Setters are prone to ear infections. This is due to the poor ventilation of the ears and the fact that the ear canals tend to become moist and humid – the ideal environment for yeast and bacteria to grow. 

Food and nutrition

Feeding your Irish Setter a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay shiny to maintaining healthy joints, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant! 

How much should an Irish Red Setter eat in a day?

The amount you feed your Irish Setter will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity levels, and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed.

As Irish Setters are prone to bloating, it’s best to feed them twice a day using a slow feeder bowl, so they don’t guzzle it down too quickly. Due to their active nature and high metabolism, they might need more food than you’d think for their size, but as with any dog, overfeeding can lead to obesity, so always speak to your vet.

You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!

Keep your hound healthy with these preventative tips:

Feed a balanced diet

Choose a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets your Irish Setter’s nutritional needs, and consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil to boost their physical and mental health.

Prevent bloat

These pooches are prone to bloating and developing GDV, so make sure to space food and exercise an hour apart, and keep their food bowl on the floor as opposed to being elevated. 

Regular exercise

These athletic doggos need lots of daily physical and mental exercise to stay happy and healthy. 

Protect their joints

To help keep the joint issues at bay, consider feeding Irish Setters a Joint Care Dry Food, or add Joint Tablets to their diet as an extra preventative measure. Also, puppies should never be over exercised while they’re still developing.

Monitor weight

A healthy Irish Setter weight is anywhere between 27–32 kg. Make sure they get the exercise they need to prevent them from packing on the pounds though, as carrying extra weight puts pressure on a dog’s joints and organs, reducing their quality of life.

Protect their skin & coat

For dogs suffering from itchy skin, you might want to consider a daily care supplement like our Bionic Biotic, or hypoallergenic dog food. Frequent grooming will also prevent matting and tangling which often exacerbates skin irritability.

Look after their eyes

Regular eye tests can detect early signs of Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and a balanced diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) can help support eye health.

Care for their ears

Irish Red Setters have long, luscious ears that are prone to infection, so make sure to dry their ears thoroughly after swims or baths, and clean their ears regularly.

Take them to the vet

It might not be their favourite place in the world but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.

Living Conditions

Take a look at the Irish Setter’s dream home.

Cost of Ownership

The unconditional love of an Irish Setter is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one. 

How much is an Irish Setter puppy?

Irish Setters can cost anywhere between £500 and £2,000. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The average monthly total cost for owning an Irish Red Setter is between £80 and £100.

Set up costs

Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.

Ongoing costs

When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. This can cost anywhere between £50 - £110 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.

Insurance costs

It’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance for your Irish Setter should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)

Fun Irish Setter Facts and Trivia

Get to know the Irish Setter even more with these tidbits and tales about one of the world’s most beloved big red dogs!

• Irish Setters come in two types: field and show. Field (or working Irish Setters) are leaner with shorter coats, bred for hunting and stamina. They’re energetic, focused, and excel in working roles. Show types are larger with luxurious, flowing coats, bred for their striking appearance and graceful demeanor. While both share the breed’s lively, affectionate temperament, field types prioritise function, while show types embody elegance with a dash of flair.

• Did you know there are other Setter dog breeds? The English Setter is a speckled beauty with a calm, affectionate nature. The Gordon Setter, with its striking black-and-tan coat, is the largest and most robust. The Irish Red and White Setter is shorter and stockier than the Irish Setter, but equally charming.

• Their solid red coat came into fashion in the early 19th century, possibly due to the Earl of Enniskillen – an Irish nobleman – refusing to have any Irish Setters in his kennel that weren’t mahogany, chestnut, or red.

• Irish Setters are slow to mature, both physically and mentally. They stay puppy-like in both body and spirit up until the age of 3 or 4, but they’re still intelligent dogs capable of learning advanced training. 

• Irish Setters have graced the White House multiple times. Franklin D. Roosevelt had two Irish Setters named Jack and Jill, Harry Truman had one called Mike, and Richard Nixon’s Irish Setter, called King Timahoe, famously shredded the carpet in the Oval Office!

• Is it a coincidence that a dog from Ireland ends up with red hair? Maybe not, as some people think the gene that gives the Irish Setter its red colour is the same gene that gives Irish and Scottish people ginger hair and freckles.

• You can get Irish Setter mix breeds. The Irish Setter Poodle cross is called an Irish Doodle, the Golden Retriever Irish Setter mix is called a Golden Irish, and a Labrador Irish Setter mix is called a Lab Setter. 

History and Origin

The Irish Setter’s story is as rich and colorful as their signature red coat. Hailing from Ireland, these stunning dogs were originally bred as skilled hunters, having been developed back in the 18th century.

Earlier records of ‘setting’ dogs date back to 1570, but they were described as more Spaniel-like in appearance and bear little resemblance to modern day Setters. However, the first Irish Setters were often referred to as ‘modder rhu’, which means ‘red Spaniel’ in Gaelic, and it’s largely believed the breed was developed from old-type Spaniel dogs. 

Bred to ‘set’ game birds, Irish Setters would silently hunt prey using scent, and upon finding a bird, they’d crouch or lie down to alert hunters to the location. 

Although known today for their hallmark mahogany coat, some earlier versions were red with a sprinkling of white spots. By the early 19th century, the solid red coat became the fashionable choice, and the breed’s popularity skyrocketed.  

Irish Setters were adored not just for their hunting prowess but also for their charm and beauty. They made their way from the fields of Ireland to show rings and homes around the world.  

Their heritage as working dogs is still evident today in their boundless energy and love of the great outdoors. While many Irish Setters are now cherished family pets, some still shine in hunting, agility, and field trials, proving they haven’t forgotten their roots. 

With their playful spirit, affectionate nature, and dashing looks, it’s no wonder Irish Setters have such an enduring legacy. Whether bounding through the fields or lounging at your feet, they carry a little piece of Irish history with them wherever they go.

Choosing a Puppy or Dog

Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting an Irish Setter.

1. Research the breed. Irish Setters are xxx, so you need to make sure your lifestyle is suited. 

2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.

3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings. 

4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Irish Setter puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old. 

5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Irish Setters and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.

6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.

When adopting an Irish Setter, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Irish Setters in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home. 

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