Irish Setter Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Irish Setter is a flamboyant, mahogany-red gundog with a silky feathered coat and a heart full of enthusiasm. It was bred to find game birds in Irish fields, and it remains a spirited, friendly and sometimes goofy companion.

Origins and appearance

The breed developed in Ireland from setting spaniels, pointers and other gundogs, and the red type became popular in the nineteenth century. Irish Setters are tall and elegant, with a long head, long drop ears, a glossy, silky coat in rich chestnut or mahogany with feathering and a plumed tail.

Temperament

They are friendly, outgoing and affectionate. They love people and are usually good with children and other dogs. They are energetic and exuberant. They mature slowly and keep a puppy mindset into their third year. They dislike being left alone. They are sensitive.

Exercise

They need one to two hours of daily exercise, with running, fetch and play. They excel at field work and canine sports. Mental work matters. They need secure fencing, since they follow scents.

Training

They are intelligent and willing but easily distracted. Use positive methods, variety and early socialization. Teach a reliable recall, a calm greeting and a settle. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

The silky coat needs brushing several times a week and a trim of the feathering. See silky coat dog grooming guide. Clean the ears, trim nails and brush teeth.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Bloat. See bloat and GDV in dogs
• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Progressive retinal atrophy, with a DNA test
• Epilepsy. See seizures and epilepsy in dogs
• Hypothyroidism. See hypothyroidism in dogs
• Cancer. See signs of cancer in dogs

Living with an Irish Setter

They suit very active families with a yard. They do best with company. They are poorly suited to long hours alone.

A typical day

An Irish Setter wants a long morning run, training, a rest, play and an evening walk. Many are playful clowns even as adults.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are bouncy and clumsy. Begin socialization, handling and training. Provide chew toys, and avoid heavy exercise while growing. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food for an active dog, grooming and vet care. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They tolerate cold well, but need shade and water in heat. They travel well when exercised.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include underexercising, skipping training, leaving the dog alone and neglecting the coat.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip and eye tests, DNA tests and the parents' temperaments. Field lines are more intense than show lines.

A late bloomer

Irish Setters can be teenagers for years. Expect distraction, selective hearing and silliness until about age three. Patience, consistent training and daily exercise help the dog grow into a steady adult.

Feeding and bloat

The breed has a deep chest and is at risk of bloat. Feed measured meals, avoid hard exercise around meals and learn the signs. See bloat prevention in dogs.

Field and show lines

Field-bred setters are leaner and more driven, while show lines carry more coat and are often calmer. Visit breeders and meet adult dogs to see the difference.

Is it the right breed for you?

An Irish Setter suits very active, affectionate owners who want a flamboyant, friendly gundog. It may not suit those who are away all day or wanting a calm dog. For a related breed, see the Irish Red and White Setter.

The takeaway

Irish Setters are red, exuberant and friendly, and they need exercise, grooming and patient training.