Irish Setter

Temperament & Personality

The Irish Setter is an exuberant and affectionate gundog known for its glossy red coat. These dogs are famously good family dogs, described as “sweet-tempered companions” and rollicking playmates for children. Irish Setters are friendly, outgoing and intelligent, thriving on human companionship and attention. They love to meet people and other dogs, and their playful, clownish personality means they bring joy wherever they go. While young, Irish Setters have boundless energy and tend to be very affectionate – they may still be puppy-like in behavior even as adults. For families, the Irish Setter’s gentle nature makes them excellent with kids, though their size and exuberance mean small children should be supervised. In short, an Irish Setter will fill your home with fun and affection, as long as you can keep up with its lively spirit.

Care, Living Environment, & Grooming

Irish Setters are large, active dogs (about 25–27 inches tall and 60–70 pounds) with high exercise needs. A home with a securely fenced yard is ideal for safely burning off energy, but Setters can adapt to apartment living if given lots of daily exercise. Plan on at least 1–2 hours of activity per day: long walks, runs, and off-leash play in safe areas are important. Remember, this breed loves human company and should not be left alone outside; Irish Setters do best indoors with their family rather than alone in a yard. They tolerate a variety of climates but can be sensitive to extreme heat or cold, so always provide shade or warmth as needed.

Grooming: The Irish Setter’s long, silky, flowing coat is its hallmark – and it requires regular care. Essential grooming tasks include:

• Brushing: Brush the coat daily (or at least 2–3 times/week) to prevent tangles and mats. Their fur easily catches burrs and debris when outdoors.
• Ears: Check and clean the long, floppy ears about once a week to avoid infections.
• Bathing and Trimming: Bathe only as needed (perhaps monthly) since over-bathing can dry the coat. Trim nails regularly (about once a month) and brush teeth a few times a week. A professional grooming or thorough at-home grooming session every 4–6 weeks will help keep the coat and paw fur neat.

Because Irish Setters shed modestly, daily brushing greatly reduces loose hairs around the house. Grooming also doubles as bonding time, and regular brushing helps distribute oils for that beautiful sheen. Feeding should be high-quality dog food for large breeds, and because Setters are deep-chested, consider feeding two smaller meals per day and avoid vigorous exercise right after eating to reduce the risk of bloat (gastric torsion).

Training & Socialization

Irish Setters are intelligent and generally eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train. They respond best to gentle, positive methods: use treats, praise, and play to keep them motivated, as they do not tolerate harsh corrections. Consistency is key. Early socialization is important – expose your Setter puppy to children, different people, and other animals so it grows up confident and well-mannered. Keep training sessions fun and engaging; Irish Setters are quick learners when the lesson is enjoyable. Be mindful that they have a strong prey drive, so teach a reliable recall and use a secure yard or leash. Many Irish Setters excel in activities like obedience, agility, or field trials, which channel their energy and give them a job to do.

Health Considerations

Irish Setters are generally robust, living around 12–15 years. They have a typically healthy constitution, but several inherited conditions are known in the breed. Prospective owners should be aware of these common health issues:

• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat): Life-threatening twisting of the stomach. Irish Setters are deep-chested, so bloat is a risk. Learn the warning signs and discuss preventive gastropexy with your vet.
• Hip Dysplasia: Malformed hip joints leading to arthritis.
• Elbow Dysplasia: Abnormal elbow joint structure, also causing arthritis.
• Eye Conditions: Such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts, which can cause vision loss. Annual eye exams are wise.
• Cancer: Some Setters are predisposed to cancers (like lymphoma or bone cancers).
• Thyroid Problems: Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) occurs in many large breeds.

Reputable breeders perform health screenings (hips/elbows evaluated, eye clearances, thyroid testing) to reduce these issues. Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and appropriate exercise can help maintain your Setter’s health and longevity.

Cost of Ownership

Irish Setters are medium-large dogs, so expect moderate yearly costs. A typical Irish Setter owner might spend roughly $1,000–$2,000 per year on basics. Major expenses include quality food (about $400–$600/year), routine veterinary care ($300–$600/year for exams, vaccines, preventives), and pet insurance or savings for emergencies. Grooming costs are higher than short-coated dogs: regular brushing is done at home, but professional grooming (bathing, trimming ears/feet) every couple of months could run $75–$100 per visit. Training classes, toys, and licensing fees add a few hundred dollars annually. The first year can be steep due to initial vet costs and puppy supplies, but afterward $150/month should cover most needs.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Loving, affectionate, and playful – great family companions
• Friendly and social – good with children and other pets (when socialized)
• Highly intelligent and trainable with positive methods
• Energetic and fun-loving – ideal for active families and enjoy outdoor activities

Cons

• Very high exercise needs – require daily vigorous activity to stay happy
• High-maintenance coat – needs frequent brushing to prevent mats
• Strong hunting instinct – will chase small animals (poor with cats)
• Can be stubborn or easily distracted during training (needs patience)
• Prone to separation anxiety – dislikes being left alone

Fun Facts

• Irish Setters were among the first nine breeds officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878.
• President Richard Nixon’s pet King Timahoe was an Irish Setter – he was a popular fixture at the White House in the 1970s.
• The classic Irish Setter coat was originally red-and-white; the all-red coloring became the standard, and the red-and-white “Irish Red & White Setter” is now a separate breed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Irish Setters shed a lot?

Yes. Irish Setters have long, silky coats that shed continuously. You can expect regular shedding year-round, especially when the seasons change. Daily or frequent brushing greatly reduces the loose hair and keeps the coat healthy. In short, be prepared to vacuum often and brush your setter often to manage shedding.

Are Irish Setters good apartment dogs?

Generally, no. Irish Setters are large, energetic dogs and need lots of space to stretch their legs. They can adapt to apartment living if they get ample exercise – several long walks or jogs each day. However, their size and zest for running make a house with a yard a better fit. If you keep one in an apartment, you must commit to daily vigorous exercise and mental enrichment to keep your Setter content.

How much exercise does an Irish Setter need?

A lot! Irish Setters need at least 60–90 minutes of vigorous exercise every day. This energetic breed loves activities like running, hiking, fetching, and swimming. Mental exercise (obedience practice, interactive toys) is also important. Without sufficient exercise, Irish Setters can become bored or develop undesirable behaviors. Plan for long walks plus playtime; many setters thrive on 1–2 hours of activity.

Can first-time owners handle an Irish Setter?

They can, but Irish Setters are not usually recommended for very novice owners. These dogs are loyal and trainable, but their high energy and spirited nature require experience. First-time owners should be ready for the commitment: daily exercise, lots of training patience, and socialization are crucial. With consistent, positive training and plenty of activity, an Irish Setter can be a delightful dog for a newcomer – just be prepared for puppy-like behavior for several years.

References

1. American Kennel Club – Irish Setter
2. DogTime – Irish Setter
3. PetMD – Irish Setter
4. BetterPet – Irish Setter