The Irish setter is a popular medium-to-large dog breed for families and sporting enthusiasts alike. Originally bred for bird hunting, Irish setters have become prized for their beauty, friendliness, and work ethic. They adapt well to life with children and other pets but do have a natural prey drive, so you’ll need to watch them with small animals.

Learn more about the history, characteristics, and care needs of the Irish setter.

Characteristics of the Irish Setter

Irish setters are the quintessential family dog, with a sweet and playful temperament that makes them ideal companions for owners of any age. They are highly intelligent and easy to train, whether you want to participate in a sport alongside them or just want them to walk by your side on a leash. They typically get along great with other pets and often make friends (human and otherwise) wherever they go. Irish setters are known for being highly affectionate with their family and open to meeting strangers wherever they go.

History of the Irish Setter

Irish setters were developed in Ireland to assist bird hunters before the advent of firearms. Setters are a group of dog breeds that use their keen sense of smell to detect birds and "set"—or take a low stance with their body nearly touching the ground. When the bird is flushed from its hiding spot, the hunter makes the shot, and the dogs eagerly retrieve the fowl.

Bird hunters in Ireland were searching for a bird dog that would move swiftly over the rather open terrain of the Irish countryside but retain the attentive and patient demeanor of prized hunting companions. In the early 1800s, hunters looked to spaniels, English setters, and Gordon setters to breed an eager, attentive, and quick bird dog.

The result was a red-and-white setter-type dog that became known as the Irish setter. Over time, further breeding resulted in a dog with an exclusively red coat with no patches of white. Today, a coat with traces of black is considered a fault in the breed’s appearance, though it isn’t a disqualifying factor for show dogs. The rich red of the Irish setter’s coat is equally eye-catching in the field or walking down the street.

With such striking good looks and an eager-to-please temperament, it’s no surprise that these dogs quickly began spreading across Britain and into the United States. While the Irish setter only appeared on the scene at the turn of the 19th century, this breed was one of the first nine breeds to gain early AKC-recognition in 1878. Along with the English setter and Gordon setter, the Irish setter was well on its way to becoming a popular dog breed in the United States for hunting and companionship.

Red setters, as they’re sometimes called by breed enthusiasts, developed into two sub-types: field and show. Show-type setters are the most common and represent the mental picture that most people have of an Irish setter—thick, flowing red coat, heavy bones, tall stature with long legs and body. The field-type setter has been intentionally bred to retain its working abilities and has the same characteristically red or mahogany coat, but features significantly less feathering, finer bones, and more compact stature.

What both types share is a strong drive to work and please their owners. Today, the Irish setter excels in the field, show ring, and family room. This breed has had the distinction of winning the Westminster Kennel Club’s Sporting Group competition 11 times. Irish setters rank within the top 100 most popular dog breeds in the United States. 

Irish Setter Care

Caring for an Irish setter is a rewarding experience. This dog breed is loyal and affectionate but also has a playful side that delights owners young and old alike. It could be said that these dogs have never met a stranger; they seem to warmly welcome everyone, so an Irish setter probably won't make a suitable watchdog.

Exercise

To help this sporting dog maintain a balanced, happy disposition, you’ll need to plan on at least an hour of vigorous activity each day. These dogs love a brisk walk, going for a run, or endlessly retrieving tennis balls. Ideally, a fenced yard gives this breed a safe place to roam and romp, but it won’t replace the need for a daily walk or run.

Grooming

Caring for the Irish setter’s gorgeous red coat isn’t as time-consuming as you may think. Their coat will benefit from a couple of brushing sessions per week, as well as an occasional bath, but the coat is relatively low-maintenance despite its flowing appearance.

The undercoat becomes heavier in winter to keep the dog warm and sheds as spring approaches. Expect to ramp up your grooming while the coat is blowing out and use a slicker brush to remove loose hair and keep fur balls from flying. 

Training

An affable nature doesn’t mean that training an Irish setter is a hands-off experience. Like all dog breeds, this breed requires a consistent and positive approach to training. If you start with your setter in puppyhood, be sure to provide plenty of socialization with people of all ages and animals large and small. Keep in mind that the setter was born to flush game, so their prey drive can sometimes be activated by smaller household pets. However, this tendency can often be molded and contained with consistent training.

Red setters are very intelligent and quick learners. Aside from being a natural fit for field trials, they do well in flyball, dock diving, canine agility, and obedience. Their attentive nature and calm demeanor also make them well-qualified as therapy or service dogs. However, the breed’s natural affinity for human companionship means that they can be prone to separation anxiety. Compared to some other dog breeds, they don’t tolerate being alone for extended periods particularly well, so they won't be a good fit for someone who spends most of their day outside the home.

Common Health Problems

The hearty Irish setter is a resilient breed and isn’t known for having frequent health complications. However, like most purebred dog breeds, there are some inherent conditions to be on the watch for.

Common health problems for Irish setters include:

• Progressive Renal Atrophy (PRA)
• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• Celiac Disease
• Von Willebrand Disease
• Hip Dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism

Diet and Nutrition

Keep your red setter in tip-top shape with quality dog food. This active breed will do well with a protein-rich formula that provides plenty of fuel for field activities or a daily romp in the dog park. Work with your vet to determine the right amount of daily calories for your dog based on their activity levels and age. It's important to keep Irish setters at a healthy weight to prevent obesity and other health issues that accompany it.

Don't let the Irish setter gulp down its food too fast, since this breed can be prone to bloat. Canine bloat can become a life-threatening condition. Some people have had success using slow-feeder dog bowls or feeding smaller, more frequent meals.

Where to Adopt or Buy an Irish Setter

If you’re starting your search for an Irish setter, consider first checking with rescue groups in your area or region. Irish setter rescues specialize in finding new homes for these beautiful dogs. If you have your heart set on an Irish setter puppy, there are plenty of reputable breeders. It’s always a good practice to meet at least one, if not both, of the puppy’s parents, and you should receive health certificates. 

The National Breed Club recommends a breeder provides the following health certifications for any litter of Irish setter puppies:

• Optigen Testing Results for Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• OFA Certification of Hips
• Eye Exam for CERF
• OFA Thyroid Panel

Start your search for an Irish setter here:

• Irish Setter Club of America Rescue Organization
• Save Our Setters Rescue
• Irish Setter Club of America Breeder Listing
• American Kennel Club Breeder Listing

Irish Setter Overview

Irish setters make wonderful family pets for all types of households. However, if not trained properly they might chase smaller animals in the home because of their high prey drive.

Pros of the Irish Setter

• Friendly and affectionate
• Very tolerant with children and other dogs
• Highly intelligent and eager to please

Cons of the Irish Setter

• May chase smaller pets and wildlife
• Can develop separation anxiety
• Prone to bloat and some inherited health problems

21 Best Hunting Dogs for Tracking Any Kind of Prey

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

Irish setters require a commitment of time, energy, and care, but this big-hearted breed will pay you back with a lifetime of devotion. If you’re considering whether an Irish setter is right for you, make sure you learn all you can about the breed, along with researching any prospective breeders you’re considering.

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Golden retriever
• Pointer
• Brittany