Irish Red and White Setter
The Irish Red and White Setter is older than the solid red Irish Setter — 17th-century Irish hunting records describe red-and-white setters as the standard working setter of Ireland, while the solid red was a later development from selective breeding of the best-coloured red-and-white individuals.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Ireland
Lifespan
11–15 years
Weight
25–34 kg (55–75 lbs)
Height
58–66 cm (23–26 in)
Exercise
40 to 60 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality food for an active large setter.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Irish Red and White Setter is older than the solid red Irish Setter — 17th-century Irish hunting records describe red-and-white setters as the standard working setter of Ireland, while the solid red was a later development from selective breeding of the best-coloured red-and-white individuals. When the solid red Irish Setter rose to show ring popularity in the 19th century, the red-and-white nearly went extinct. It was rebuilt by dedicated Irish breeders in the 20th century. The IRWS is generally considered more focused and trainable as a working gun dog than the solid red Irish Setter.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A large, athletic setter with a white base coat and clearly defined rich red patches. The pattern is always white dominant with red — never roan or ticked. Flat, silky coat without the extreme feathering of the English Setter.
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Brushing
2-3x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-4-6-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Spirited, determined, and loyal — slightly more focused and trainable as a working dog than the red Irish Setter. Excellent family dog. Energetic and playful.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
3/5Attention Need
3/5Friendliness
5/5Playfulness
4/5Protectiveness
1/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Large-Garden
Daily Exercise
40 to 60 min/day
Ideal Weather
0°C to 28°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
30%
Attention
30%
Playfulness
40%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
excessive energy, destructive chewing, mouthing, pacing
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •1.5–2 hours vigorous exercise daily. Brushing 2–3 times weekly. Ear cleaning weekly.
Nutrition Notes
Similar to Irish Setter but red-and-white (not solid red). Healthy. Joint supplements.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
CLAD (canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency) — DNA test, fatal immune disorder. PRA. Hip dysplasia. Hypothyroidism. Bloat. Originally the only Irish Setter colour — solid red developed later. 11-15 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
1400 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
1000 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Hip dysplasia. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Canine leucocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD) — immune deficiency; DNA test available.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
CLAD testing essential. Original Irish Setter colour. India: very rare.
Purchase Price
$1,000 to $2,500
Adoption Fee
$100 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Irish Red and White Setter is older than the Irish Red Setter — the solid red colouring was bred out of the red-and-white population in the 19th century to create the more fashionable all-red dog, inadvertently nearly destroying the older red-and-white breed in the process.
