Irish Setter

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Size: Large
Other Names: Red Setter, Irish Red Setter, Setter
Country of Origin: Ireland
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Sporting
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Sporting
United Kennel Club (UKC): Gun Dog
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Gun Dogs
The Kennel Club (KC): Gun Dogs
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Gun Dogs
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Gun Dogs

The Irish Setter is most recognized for his beautiful, moderately long, rich chestnut red or mahogany coat. He is substantial, yet elegant, friendly, and intelligent. His head is long and lean, with a very slightly domes skull, long and fairly deep muzzle, dark to medium brown almond-shaped eyes of medium size, and a black or chocolate nose. His ears are nearly long enough to reach his nose, lying close to his head, set well back and low.

A high-headed bird dog for a household that will run him; a long red coat that sheds, a friendly voice, and too much bounce for a still apartment.

The Irish Setter's name in Gaelic is Madra rua or "red dog". The Irish Setter was bred for hunting, specifically for setting or locating and pointing upland game birds. They are a tireless, wide-ranging hunter, and well-suited to fields and wet or dry moorland terrain. Using their excellent sense of smell to locate the mark (or bird), the Irish will then hold a pointing position, indicating the direction in which the bird lies hidden.

Height: Male: 23-26½ inches; Female: 21½-24½ inches
Weight: Male: 60-70 pounds; Female: 53-64 pounds
Color: Rich chestnut red or mahogany
Coat: Moderate length and flat on the body; short and fine on the head, front of legs, and tips of ears; the undercoat is abundant in cold weather
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Litter size: 6–8 puppies

Temperament

Irish Setters are well-known for their fun-loving and affection temperament, particularly with children, and will enthusiastically greet visitors. They get along with other dogs and pets, and make a superb companion. Irish Setters thrive on constant human companionship, and do not respond well to being left alone for extended periods of time. Irish Setters enjoy having a job to do. They are not a naturally aggressive breed, although they make excellent watch-dogs and will bark to alert their owner to the presence of strangers.

Training

The Irish Setter is highly intelligent, and easily trained using positive reinforcement training methods. Consistency in training is important, as they are a breed with a tendency to "play deaf".

Care and grooming

Irish Setters are an active breed, and require long, daily walks, and, when properly trained, off-lead running in wide, open spaces. Lack of activity will lead to a bored, destructive, or even hyperactive dog. The Setter’s coat requires frequent brushing to maintain its condition and keep it mat-free.

Shedding

Moderate; the long red coat mats if loose hair is not brushed out.

Health

Irish Setters may be prone to bloat, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, and hypothyroidism. Do not exercise hard immediately after meals.

Crosses that include the Irish Setter

These hybrid pages list this breed as a parent. Open a name to see the other contributing breed.

Golden Irish

Irish Doodle

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