Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is arguably the most beautiful of all sporting breeds — a long-limbed, silky-coated dog in a rich, deep chestnut red that seems to glow in sunlight.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Ireland
Lifespan
12–15 years
Weight
27–32 kg (60–70 lbs)
Height
58–67 cm (23–27 in)
Exercise
60 to 90 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — active large-breed formula; bloat precautions recommended
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Irish Setter is arguably the most beautiful of all sporting breeds — a long-limbed, silky-coated dog in a rich, deep chestnut red that seems to glow in sunlight. Developed in Ireland in the 18th and 19th centuries as a bird dog for setters (pointing and setting game for hunters), the Irish Setter combines a striking appearance with an exuberant, fun-loving personality that has made it one of the most popular breeds in the world. Three US presidents — Harry Truman, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan — kept Irish Setters. Their reputation as airheads is somewhat deserved in youth but misleads — mature Irish Setters are capable, sensitive gundogs.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The Irish Setter's mahogany-red coat is its defining feature — silky, flat, and of moderate length with elegant feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and tail. The coat's rich chestnut colour has no equals among dog breeds. The body is athletic and well-balanced, built for sustained field work. The long muzzle, long ears, and gentle dark eyes create a refined, aristocratic expression.
Grooming
High
Shedding
Moderate
Brushing
3-4x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-4-6-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Irish Setters are enthusiastic, playful, and fundamentally joyful — they approach life with a bounding optimism that is infectious. Their puppyhood extends notoriously long — many are still boisterous young dogs at three years old. This extended adolescence combined with their energy can be challenging without consistent training. They are affectionate with everyone and make poor guard dogs. With adequate exercise they are responsive and trainable; without it they become exuberant and difficult.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
3/5Attention Need
4/5Friendliness
5/5Playfulness
5/5Protectiveness
1/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Large-Garden
Daily Exercise
60 to 90 min/day
Ideal Weather
0°C to 28°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
30%
Attention
40%
Playfulness
50%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
excessive energy, destructive chewing, jumping, pacing, mouthing
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Irish Setters need 1.5–2+ hours of vigorous daily exercise. Their silky coat requires brushing 2–3 times weekly and professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. The feathering on the ears and legs mats if not maintained. Bloat/GDV is a risk — multiple small meals and restricted exercise after eating are precautions.
Nutrition Notes
Gluten-sensitive enteropathy (GSE/coeliac-like disease) is breed-specific — wheat gluten can trigger severe illness. Grain-free or rice-based diets recommended for sensitive individuals. Bloat risk — feed 2-3 meals. Epilepsy in some lines.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Bloat (GDV) — gastropexy recommended. Epilepsy is breed-predisposed. PRA (progressive retinal atrophy) — DNA test available (rcd1-PRA). Hypothyroidism. Hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD) in puppies. Osteosarcoma in some lines. Matures very slowly — puppy energy until age 4-5.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
1500 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
1100 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Progressive retinal atrophy is a significant concern with DNA testing available. Bloat/GDV is a serious risk. Hip dysplasia occurs. Hypothyroidism and epilepsy are elevated. Canine Leucocyte Adhesion Deficiency (CLAD) is a fatal immune disorder in the breed with a DNA test.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
One of the most beautiful dog breeds — mahogany red coat is iconic. Show lines vs field lines divergence similar to other setters. India: limited availability. Grooming costs moderate but feathering requires maintenance.
Purchase Price
$800 to $2,500
Adoption Fee
$100 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
Big Red, the 1962 Disney film, features an Irish Setter and remains one of the most impactful pieces of dog-breed cinema — responsible for a significant surge in Irish Setter registrations throughout the 1960s and 70s.
The Irish Setter's distinctive red colour is caused by a specific combination of genes producing phaeomelanin (red pigment) without any eumelanin (black pigment) — a precise genetic combination unique to the breed.
Richard Nixon's Irish Setter King Timahoe is one of the few presidential pets depicted in White House official portraiture.
