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Irish Setter Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Irish Setter so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Gun Dog
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Irish Setter dog profile picture
OriginIreland flagIreland
Other Names
What other names does the Irish Setter have?
Irish Red SetterRed Setter
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Photo Gallery of the Irish Setter Breed

Irish Setter Size and Weight

Size
Is an Irish Setter small, medium or large dog?

How big do Irish Setter get?

What is the average size of an Irish Setter?

Large
Weight
How much does the Irish Setter weigh? How much should an Irish Setter weight? What is the normal weight of an Irish Setter? How much does a full-grown Irish Setter weight?
Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 55-65 pounds (25-29 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of an Irish Setter?
Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
How tall is the Irish Setter? Irish Setter height:
Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of an Irish Setter?
Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)

Irish Setter Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Irish Setter puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of an Irish Setter in the United States? How much money is an Irish Setter?

Where to buy an Irish Setter with a good pedigree?

$800-$1000
If you choose to purchase the Irish Setter, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Irish Setter for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Irish Setter gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Irish Setter? How many Irish Setter are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Irish Setter is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Irish Setter Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Irish Setter? Is the Irish Setter breed dumb or smart?
Smart: The Irish Setter dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Irish Setter is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Irish Setter dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train an Irish Setter?
Irish Setter dogs are very easy to train. They easily find out the association between commands and actions.
Watchdog Ability
Is Irish Setter good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Irish Setter dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Irish Setter dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Irish Setter dogs are not the best to protect their territory. Better to have the protection of your house and property supervised by others.

Irish Setter Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Irish Setter have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
PlayfulIndependentEnergeticIntelligentAffectionateLivelyCompanionable
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Irish Setter sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Irish Setter dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is an Irish Setter a good family dog?
High: Irish Setter dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Irish Red Setter need? Irish Setter social needs:
Irish Setter dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Irish Setter to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Irish Setter roam?
Irish Setter dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. This breed is also able to cause damage to your fence.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Irish Setter have high prey drive?
Irish Setter dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Irish Setter dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Irish Setter Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Irish Setter is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Irish Setter dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Irish Red Setter bark?
Low: The Irish Setter barks none to minimal. Perfect choice if you prefer a quiet breed.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Irish Setter good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have an Irish Setter in an apartment?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Irish Setter breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Irish Setter indoors can cause a lot of problems.

Irish Setter Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Irish Setter dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can an Irish Setter be left alone? How long can you leave an Irish Setter alone?
Irish Setter dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Irish Setter Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Irish Setter has a hard bite? What is the bite force of an Irish Setter? How much bite force does an Irish Setter have? How strong is an Irish Setter bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Setter bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Irish Setter measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of an Irish Setter is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Irish Setter bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Irish Setter bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train an Irish Setter puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Irish Setter, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Irish Setter bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, an Irish Setter can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Irish Setter bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Irish Red Setter? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Irish Setter? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Irish Setter has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Irish Setter do?
Irish Setter dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Irish Setter dogs need to be taught a good attitude. We have compiled a list of Mouthy Dog Breeds.

Irish Setter Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Irish Setter dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Irish Setter is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Irish Setter breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Irish Setter breed? Most common health risks of Irish Setter:
Hip Dysplasia CancerHypothyroidismProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)BloatEpilepsyOsteochondrosis DissecansPanosteitisHypertrophic OsteodystrophyCanine Leukocyte
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Irish Setter breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Irish Setter see the vet?
Average
The Irish Setter should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Irish Setter dogs live? How old can a Irish Setter be? What is the age limit of the Irish Setter? How many years can the oldest Irish Setter live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of an Irish Setter?

How long is the lifespan of an Irish Setter?

12-14 years
The average lifespan of Irish Setter: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Irish Setter can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.

Irish Setter Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Irish Setter have? What is the activity level of the Irish Setter?
Irish Setter dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does an Irish Setter need? How much exercise do Irish Setter dogs require per day?

Do Irish Setter dogs need a lot of exercises?

Irish Setter dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Irish Setter breed need?
Irish Setter dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

Irish Setter Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does an Irish Setter need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does an Irish Setter breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Irish Setter? How much food should I feed my Irish Setter?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Irish Setter risk for obesity:
Average: The Irish Setter has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Irish Setter weight regularly.

Irish Setter Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Irish Setter have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Fine
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Irish Setter coats?
Red Mahogany
Grooming
How to groom the Irish Setter and how often? How often should I take my Irish Setter to the groomer?
Advanced: The Irish Setter requires a lot of grooming. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer can be helpful sometimes.

Regular brushed dog's coat is less likely to shed. Ears and eyes should be cleaned often to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Occasional dog nail trimming and dog baths are important.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and to give your Irish Setter a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Irish Setter, search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Shedding Level
How much do Irish Setter dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Irish Red Setter? Do Irish Setter dogs shed a lot?
Irish Setter dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Irish Setter need a bath? How often should you give an Irish Setter a bath? Can I bathe my Irish Setter every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Irish Setter breed hypoallergenic?
No
Irish Setter dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

High 🔼

The Irish Setter has a high chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Irish Setter drool?
The Irish Setter is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. If you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, the Irish Setter could be a good choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool less than others, just like the Irish Setter.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Irish Setter Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Irish Setter dogs get along with other pets? Are Irish Setter dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Irish Setter dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Irish Setter temperament with other people:
Irish Setter dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Irish Setter dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Irish Setter temperament with children:
Irish Setter dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Irish Setter dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Irish Setter breed live with a cat?
Irish Setter dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Irish Setter good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Irish Setter dogs get along with other dogs?
Irish Setter dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Irish Setter can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Irish Setter breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Irish Setter breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Irish Setter dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Irish Setter dogs good office canines? Do Irish Setter dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Irish Setter is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Irish Setter dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Irish Red Setter temperament with senior people? Are Irish Setter dogs good for elderly owners?
Irish Setters are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Irish Setter As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Irish Setter be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Irish Setter is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Irish Setter be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Irish Setter be an emotional support animal?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Irish Setter breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Irish Setter be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Irish Setter is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Irish Setter be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Irish Setter is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Irish Setter be a boat dog?

Yes

Irish Setter breed usually likes being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, as a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Irish Setter be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Irish Setter is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Irish Setter dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Irish Setter Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is an Irish Setter pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Irish Setter breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Irish Setter: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Irish Setter have in a litter? How many puppies can the Irish Setter breed have for the first time? How many puppies does an Irish Setter have? How many puppies can an Irish Setter give birth to?
7-10 puppies

Irish Setter Recognition

AKC Group
Is Irish Setter recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Group
Is Irish Setter recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the British and Irish Pointers and Setters section.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Irish Setter breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryCanadian Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Australian National Kennel CouncilContinental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubUnited Kennel ClubCanadian Canine Registry

Irish Setter Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The Irish Setter dogs have great intelligence.
  • Trainability: Irish Setter dogs are very easy to train.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Irish Setter is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
  • Adaptability: Irish Setter dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Irish Setter dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Irish Setter dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Irish Setter dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Irish Setters are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Irish Setter dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Therapy Dog: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
  • Boat and Sailor Dog: Irish Setter breed usually likes being on a boat.

    Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

    Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages.

Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Irish Setter dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Irish Setter breed.
  • Grooming: Advanced: The Irish Setter requires a lot of grooming.
  • Stinkiness: The Irish Setter has a high chance of bad smell.
  • Mouthiness: Irish Setter dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Irish Setter dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Irish Setter dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Office Friendly: Irish Setter is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Rate The Irish Setter Breed

Irish Setter Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Jacqueline Helen McNea

    Dec 20, 2022, 2:19:02 PM:

    I love Irish Setters and I have one they are so cute and playful

  • Kimberly

    Aug 14, 2022, 2:00:36 AM:

    Irish Setters are the best dogs to have for big families! Ever since Taz came to my life, everyday feels a little brighter. He’s a not so little ball of sunshine. I’m really glad to have him in my life

  • Abigail

    Jan 4, 2022, 8:31:17 PM:

    Irish Setters are adorable and fun. They actually don't shed much. They need 1-2 hours of exercise a day, so if you are not active don't get this dog!

  • Chester

    Mar 28, 2021, 4:06:45 AM: