The Irish Setter Guide

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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

-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.

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