Irish Setter

A gorgeous reddish-brown coat sets the Irish Setter apart from all other dog breeds. This smart and sleek hunting dog makes a fabulous companion for active owners, and as a bonus is usually very long-lived as well.

Quick Stats

Group: Sporting

Size: Large          

Height: 24-27 inches (61- 68.5cm.)

Weight:  60-70 pounds (27-32 kg.)

Shedding: Moderate                    

Grooming: Moderate                  

Lifespan:  12-15 years

Irish Setter

 

 

Irish Setter History

The breed as we know it came into being during the 1800s in Ireland. However, similar to other setters it is believed that it originated from the Spanish Pointer. It was created to function as a bird hunting dog that would lie or “set,” down to indicate when there was game present.

The Irish Setter was also used to retrieve game as well. Because of its attractive looks, it didn’t take long for it to become popular as a companion animal too.

Irish Setter

 

 

Irish Setter Characteristics

The Irish Setter stands between twenty-five and twenty-seven inches tall and weighs between sixty and seventy pounds. It has a long and slender head with a body that is longer than it is tall. The ears are thin, soft, and hang close to the head. The tail tapers to a point and is carried horizontally. The Irish Setter coat is short on the head but long and sleek everywhere else, including on the feet.

It can be straight or wavy but should not be curly. In terms of color is either mahogany or chestnut. (Because of its beauty, the coat is considered the breed’s most notable feature.) In general, dogs from show lines are darker in color, have heavier coats, and have larger bodies. Working lines on the other hand are lighter and smaller with a shorter coat.

Irish Setter

 

 

Irish Setter Health 

As with all dog types, this breed is known to be affected by certain health conditions. The most common Irish Setter health problems include:

-hip dysplasia

-hypothyroidism

-retinal atrophy

-spondylosis (osteoarthritis)

-hypertrophic osteodystrophy

-gastric torsion (bloat)

-ear infections

The average Irish Setter lifespan is from twelve to fifteen years making it quite long-lived.

Irish Setter

 

 

Irish Setter Temperament 

This breed is very friendly and makes a loyal companion that loves to be around people. However, while they may bark to let you know there is a stranger on your property, their love of people means they don’t make good guard dogs. The Irish setter is an energetic and playful dog that is very patient with children.

But because they do play a bit rough, play sessions with kids should be supervised. While they typically get along very well with other dogs, because of their hunting roots they should not be trusted with smaller pets. This breed is both athletic and intelligent with a tendency to be independent.  

Irish Setter

 

 

Irish Setter Care 

Daily exercise sessions and play are a must for this active breed. However, walking or running with an Irish Setter should be done on a leash since they may chase small animals or take off on a scent trail. For this reason, backyards should also have secure fencing.

This is not a dog that does well in an apartment or when confined to a kennel. While grooming is not as tedious as with other long-haired dog breeds, the coat will need to be brushed every day to help prevent it from becoming matted.

Irish Setter

 

 

Irish Setter Facts

-Irish Setter puppies mature slowly. Because of this fact, you’ll want to continue training your pet into its adult years.

-The ancestors of this breed were actually red and white. This color combination was preferred at the time because contrast on the coat made the dogs easier to see when in the field.

Irish Setter

-The sleek and long-legged physique of this setter was developed so that it could move quickly over the flat and open Irish landscape.

-In the past because of its coat color, this breed was known as the Irish Red Setter. However, in recent times the name has been shortened.

-While they are excellent gun dogs the Irish Setter can also be very successful and often excels in activities such as Flyball, agility, tracking, and obedience.

 

Start Shopping for Dog Supplies!

 

Italian Dog Breeds

Italian Dog Breeds

Welcome to our exploration of dog breeds from Italy, a land renowned for its diverse and captivating canine companions. Our Italian dog breeds list offers a glimpse into the rich heritage and unique characteristics of each breed, showcasing the depth and variety of...

French Dog Breeds

French Dog Breeds

From elegant hunters to loyal guardians, France's canine companions offer a fascinating blend of history, function, and charm. Discover the diverse world of dog breeds from France with our comprehensive French dog breeds list. Delve into the tales and traditions that...

Livestock Guardian Dog Breeds

Livestock Guardian Dog Breeds

The livestock guardian dog breeds stand out for their remarkable blend of strength, loyalty, and protective instincts. This guide offers a closer look at these dedicated defenders, highlighting their history, characteristics, and the essential roles they play in...

Russian Dog Breeds

Russian Dog Breeds

Embarking on an exploration of canines? Our Russian dog breeds list offers a deep dive into the diverse and storied world of Russia's beloved companions. From snowy terrains to bustling urban centers, discover the dogs that have shaped and been shaped by Russian...

Spitz Dog Breeds

Spitz Dog Breeds

Dogs come in a dazzling array of shapes, sizes, and temperaments, but there's something undeniably captivating about the spitz family. With their wolf-like features and rich histories tied to cold climates, they stand out in the canine world. In this guide, we'll...

Wirehaired Dog Breeds

Wirehaired Dog Breeds

Dog coats come in several different textures. Wirehaired dog breeds have stiff and harsh hair that stands away from their bodies. The wire-like texture of these canines makes them not only unique to the touch but also in appearance. So here are some of the top dog...

Merle Dog Breeds

Merle Dog Breeds

Merle dog breeds have some of the most striking coats in all of “dogdom”. These stunning canines typically have a speckled or mottled appearance and often light-colored eyes that make them look even more unique. So here are some of the top dog breeds with merle coats...

Australian Dog Breeds

Australian Dog Breeds

Australian dog breeds range from herders to lapdogs, and the country even has its very own native wild dog, the Dingo! All of these canines are ideally suited for life and work in the Land Down Under. That being said, here are all the dog breeds from Australia and...

Fawn-Colored Dogs

Fawn-Colored Dogs

Fawn-colored dogs usually have a coat that is light brown, yellow, tan, or cream and often with a black mask. However, the shade of the coat can depend on the breed. It is considered to be one of the most attractive coat colors by many dog lovers. So here are some of...

Bulldog Breeds List

Bulldog Breeds List

You might be surprised to learn that there are actually quite a few bulldog dog breeds. With their typically stocky appearance, short snouts, and jowls, these canines are some of the most beloved dogs on the planet. And with the help of the following bulldog breeds...

Sighthound Breeds

Sighthound Breeds

The sighthound breeds are a unique group of canines created to rundown various types of game. These athletes have features such as slender bodies, light bones, deep chests, and long heads which help them to perform their specific purpose as efficiently as possible....

Canadian Dog Breeds

Canadian Dog Breeds

While there are only four of them, you won’t find a hardier bunch than the Canadian dog breeds. Whether it was for work in the frigid rivers, icy coastal waters, or deep snow, each of these canines was created to perform vital tasks for their Canadian masters. So here...

Welsh Dog Breeds

Welsh Dog Breeds

From dispatchers of vermin to herders, and hunters the Welsh dog breeds all come from hardworking backgrounds. For those who love energetic pooches, these seven canines are sure not to disappoint. So here is everything you’ll want to know about the dog breeds from...

Belgian Dog Breeds

Belgian Dog Breeds

All Belgian dog breeds originally come from a working background. From small to large and from ratters to herders these canines are of course unique. So read on to find out everything you’ll want to know about the dog breeds from Belgium. Groenendael (Belgian...

Pinscher Breeds

Pinscher Breeds

The Pinscher breeds are a type, or family of dogs, that originally functioned as ratters, guardians, and working farm dogs. The name pinscher translates from German as to pinch or catch and is believed to describe how the dogs work when killing rodents and other...

The Best Poodle Mixes

The Best Poodle Mixes

There’s no doubt about it, in recent years Poodle mixes have become some of the most popular dogs on the planet. With so many different mixes to choose from you’ll want to know the basics of the top options out there. So here are some of the best poodle mixes and what...

Rare Dog Breeds

Rare Dog Breeds

For various reasons and circumstances, certain dog breeds are much less common than others. Unfortunately, that means these special dogs are often overlooked. However, with the following list of rare dog breeds, you’ll quickly become familiar with some of the...

Dogs With Blue Eyes

Dogs With Blue Eyes

There is just something so striking about the appearance of dogs with blue eyes and that makes them highly desirable as pets. Luckily there are many options to choose from for those who would like to own a light-eyed pooch. So here are some of the top dog breeds with...

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This