Irish Setter
All fire and enthusiasm — a mahogany-red streak of energy that matures slowly and loves hard. They can be scattered and easily distracted as youngsters, which reads as dumb to people who don't know the breed, but there's real intelligence under all that exuberance. Give them consistent training, room to run, and a patient handler, and they become spectacular.
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Get your free training planLiving with a Irish Setter
The Irish Setter isn’t just a looker with that rich mahogany coat and graceful stride. This breed was built to cover miles of rough Irish terrain, pointing and flushing game birds for hunters. That history still lives in every sinew.
Today’s Irish Setter is a high-energy, deeply affectionate companion who thrives on movement and human connection. They’re not the kind of dog who’ll nap at your feet while you work. You’ll find them nudging the leash, bouncing at the door, or leaning their whole body weight into your leg for contact.
Living with one means embracing motion. They need serious daily exercise, think 60 to 90 minutes of off-leash running, hiking, or dog sports like agility or field work. Without it, they’ll redecorate your sofa with their teeth or turn your yard into a moon crater.
They’re smart and eager to please, scoring a 4/5 in trainability, but their enthusiasm can steamroll basic obedience if you’re not consistent. Positive reinforcement works best. They’re great with kids, patient, playful, and gentle, but their size and energy mean supervision is wise around toddlers.
Grooming isn’t optional. Their long, silky coat mats easily, especially on the ears, legs, and undercarriage. A solid brushing every other day is non-negotiable, more if they’re romping through fields.
Show dogs get clipped short, but pet Irish Setters usually keep the full look, it’s part of the charm, if you’re willing to put in the time. Health-wise, watch for hip dysplasia, bloat, and progressive retinal atrophy. Responsible breeders screen for these, so don’t skip health clearances.
Bloat is life-threatening, feed multiple small meals and avoid exercise right after eating. They live 12 to 15 years, which is solid for a dog this size. They’re ideal for active families, hunters, or dog sport folks who want a partner, not just a pet.
But if you’re in an apartment, work long hours, or crave a calm house, look elsewhere. These dogs bond hard and hate being alone. Here’s the thing most gloss over: the Irish Setter’s joy isn’t just personality, it’s purpose.
They were bred to work in sync with humans across open land, and that need to be with you, doing something meaningful, is wired in. Ignore it, and you’ll get a destructive mess. Nurture it, and you’ve got one of the most rewarding companions in the dog world.
14 traits, at a glance.
Every breed on PuppyBase is rated across the 14 trait dimensions the American Kennel Club publishes — from trainability to drooling level. The higher the score, the better the fit for that trait.
What to expect day-to-day
Things to screen for
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Bloat (GDV)
- Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
- Epilepsy
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Common questions
How long do Irish Setters live?
Irish Setters typically live between 12 and 15 years with proper care and a healthy lifestyle.
How much does a Irish Setter puppy cost?
A purebred Irish Setter puppy usually costs between $1,200 and $3,000, with an average price around $2,000 depending on breeder quality and bloodlines.
How much do Irish Setters shed?
Irish Setters shed moderately year-round and will need regular brushing to manage loose hair, especially during seasonal changes.
What colors do Irish Setters come in?
They come in rich mahogany and solid red shades, with no black or brown markings allowed in the breed standard.
How big do Irish Setters get?
They are large dogs, standing 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 60 and 70 pounds when fully grown.
Are Irish Setters smart?
Yes, they're intelligent and quick to learn, though their playful, distractible nature as puppies can make them seem slower than they are.
Are Irish Setters hypoallergenic?
No, Irish Setters are not hypoallergenic and their moderate shedding makes them unsuitable for most allergy sufferers.
Are Irish Setters aggressive?
No, they are not aggressive by nature. Irish Setters are sweet-natured and outgoing, thriving on social interaction with people and animals.
What health problems are common in Irish Setters?
They are prone to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, bloat, epilepsy, and hypertrophic osteodystrophy, so health screening is critical.
Do Irish Setters bark a lot?
They bark moderately, usually to alert or express excitement, but they aren't chronic or excessive barkers like some other breeds.
Are Irish Setters easy to train?
They are trainable with consistency and positive methods, but their high energy and distractibility require patience and early socialization.
Are Irish Setters good family dogs?
They're excellent family dogs, deeply affectionate with children and incredibly social with both people and other dogs.
Are Irish Setters good with cats?
They usually get along with cats, especially when raised together, but their strong prey drive means early introduction is important.
When do Irish Setters calm down?
Most Irish Setters start to settle into more manageable behavior around 2 to 3 years of age, though they remain energetic well into adulthood.
Can Irish Setters live in apartments?
No, they are poorly suited to apartment living and need ample space to run and daily vigorous exercise to stay balanced.
Are Irish Setters good hunting dogs?
Absolutely, they were bred to point and set game birds and still excel in the field with strong scenting ability and natural bird sense.
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