Irish Setter

Irish Setter dog

Athletic Irish bird dog famous for its rich red coat and outgoing personality.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Large 60 - 70 lbs 25 - 27 inches 12 - 15 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: Ireland



Own a Irish Setter? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a Irish Setter? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Want a dog that is generally responsive to consistent, positive training.
  • Are looking for a breed that generally does well with children.
  • Want a dog that generally gets along well with other dogs.

Things to consider:

  • This breed may not do well when left alone for long periods.
  • Coat maintenance may require significant regular grooming.

The Irish Setter developed in Ireland as a bird dog designed to locate game for hunters. Early Irish setters were not necessarily solid red; red-and-white dogs were common, and the Irish Red and White Setter preserves that older colour pattern today. During the 18th and 19th centuries, breeders increasingly selected some lines for a rich solid-red coat, eventually creating the breed now known simply as the Irish Setter. Like other setters, these dogs searched for birds by scent and indicated their location by "setting" or crouching near the game. As hunting with firearms developed, setters became valued for covering large areas of countryside quickly while remaining responsive to their handlers. By the 19th century, Irish Setters were appearing prominently in dog shows as well as in the field, and breeders gradually produced the elegant, flowing coat associated with modern show dogs. The breed became especially popular in the United States during the 20th century. One famous Irish Setter, King Timahoe, lived in the White House with President Richard Nixon. Although show and field lines can differ considerably in coat and build, both trace back to energetic sporting dogs expected to run extensively while using their noses to find game across the Irish countryside.

Frequently Asked Questions About Irish Setter

The Irish Setter is not generally considered hypoallergenic. Individual allergy reactions can vary.

The Irish Setter tends to have a moderate level of shedding.

The Irish Setter tends to need significant regular grooming and coat maintenance.

The Irish Setter is generally a high-energy breed that tends to enjoy an active routine.

The Irish Setter tends to need plenty of regular physical activity and mental stimulation.

The Irish Setter is generally highly trainable and tends to respond well to consistent, positive training.

The Irish Setter generally tends to do well with children when properly socialized and supervised.

The Irish Setter generally tends to get along well with other dogs when properly socialized.

The Irish Setter is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The Irish Setter may be less suited to apartment living and may benefit from more space.