Is the Irish Setter a good family dog?
Irish Setter
Irish Setters are elegant and energetic large dogs with a rich red coat, athletic build and friendly, expressive nature. Originally bred in Ireland as gundogs, they are known for their enthusiasm, intelligence and love of being active. Generally affectionate and outgoing with their family, Irish Setters can be playful, excitable and slow to mature, so they benefit from regular exercise, patient training and plenty of companionship.
| Recommended for | Active families or owners with space who can give this energetic, social breed plenty of exercise and companionship. |
| Breed Classification | Gundog/Sporting Group |
| Other names | Red Setter |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
| Size | Large |
| Temperament | Outgoing, affectionate, energetic and mischievous |
| Intelligence | Generally intelligent; best results come from patient, positive and consistent training |
| Tendency to bark | Moderate; usually social rather than guardy |
| Maintenance Level | Brush several times weekly; manage feathering and ears |
| Health Risk | Irish Setters are generally robust when well bred and well cared for, but they can still be affected by recognised breed-related conditions that should be discussed with a vet or breeder. |
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Explore the Top 5 health issues claimed for Irish Setters, including highest claims paid and how much pet insurance could help you save on eligible vet bills.
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Irish Setter personality and temperament
The Irish Setter is friendly, energetic and outgoing, with a joyful personality and a strong love of people. Originally bred as a gundog, it is active, enthusiastic and often happiest when running, exploring or playing outdoors.
Irish Setters are generally affectionate and sociable, but they can be excitable and slow to mature. They benefit from patient training, regular exercise and owners who can provide companionship and structure while embracing the breed’s playful spirit.
Irish Setters with kids and other pets
Irish Setters are usually affectionate, playful and sociable with children, especially in active families. They are energetic and enthusiastic, so they may accidentally knock over younger children during play and benefit from training that teaches calm manners.
With other pets, Irish Setters generally do well, particularly when socialised from a young age. They are often friendly with other dogs and can live with cats, though their energetic nature means introductions should be gradual and supervised.
Irish Setter training and exercise
Irish Setters have high exercise needs and thrive in active homes. They need long daily walks, running opportunities in secure areas, play, retrieving games and plenty of outdoor activity. Their energetic and enthusiastic nature means they are best suited to families who can keep them physically engaged.
Training should be patient, positive and consistent. Irish Setters are intelligent and friendly but can be distractible and slow to mature. Short, enjoyable sessions, early socialisation and reward-based training help build focus and good manners.
| Energy level | High |
| Exercise requirements | High - long walks, runs, retrieving and off-lead safe activity |
Common health issues for Irish Setters
What do Irish Setter owners claim for the most?
- Hip dysplasia: A developmental condition where the hip joint forms abnormally, causing looseness, pain and reduced mobility. Genetics are a major factor, while rapid growth, excess weight and inappropriate exercise can worsen symptoms. Early diagnosis, weight control and veterinary care can help manage the condition.
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: A life-threatening emergency, also called bloat, where the stomach fills with gas or fluid and twists on itself. Signs may include a swollen abdomen, restlessness, drooling, unproductive retching, weakness or collapse.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy: An inherited eye disease where the retina gradually deteriorates, usually first causing night blindness and then progressive vision loss. It is generally not painful, but it can eventually lead to complete blindness.
- Hypothyroidism: A hormonal disorder where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, slowing the dog’s metabolism. Common signs include weight gain, lethargy, hair thinning, skin infections and cold intolerance.
- Epilepsy: A neurological condition that causes repeated seizures, which may include shaking, twitching, drooling, collapse or altered awareness. It may be idiopathic, often presumed genetic, or caused by another underlying health problem.
Not all conditions are covered by Pet Insurance. For details of Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance cover, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement.
How to choose the right insurance for your Irish Setter
When comparing cover for your Irish Setter, look for:
Cover for common Irish Setter conditions:
Check that the policy covers conditions Irish Setters can be prone to, including common health issues.
Cover for hereditary conditions:
No exclusions for hereditary or congenital conditions⑅.
Flexible cover options:
Options to adjust your annual benefit limit, reimbursement rate and excess.
Bow Wow Meow's Nose-to-Tail Cover offers flexible options for your Irish Setter, with cover for accidental injuries, illnesses and hereditary conditions⑅. Get a quick quote for cover that suits your Irish Setter and your budget.
Irish Setter feeding and nutrition
The Irish Setter needs a high-quality diet that supports its athletic build, high energy levels and active lifestyle. Protein is important for muscle maintenance, while healthy fats provide energy and help keep the breed’s rich red coat in good condition.
Because Irish Setters are deep-chested dogs, meals should be managed carefully. Feeding two measured meals per day rather than one large meal, avoiding vigorous exercise immediately before or after eating, and monitoring weight are sensible practices. Portions should be adjusted depending on exercise level.
Irish Setter care and grooming
The Irish Setter has a silky, medium-length coat with feathering on the ears, chest, legs, belly and tail. Brushing several times a week helps prevent tangles and keeps the coat glossy, especially in the feathered areas where burrs, grass seeds and knots can collect after outdoor activity.
Regular trimming around the feet, ears and feathering may be needed to keep the coat tidy. Bathing should be done as required, particularly after muddy walks or field work. Routine ear cleaning is important because of the breed’s hanging ears, along with nail trimming and dental care.
Size, appearance and coat of Irish Setters
The Irish Setter is a tall, athletic gundog with a graceful build, long neck and friendly, expressive face. It has a refined head, soft dark eyes, long ears set back and low, and a flowing outline that suggests speed and endurance.
Its coat is one of the breed’s most striking features, with a rich chestnut or mahogany-red colour and silky feathering on the ears, chest, legs, belly and tail. The coat is moderately long and flat, adding to the breed’s elegant appearance.
| Weight range | 25 to 34 kg |
| Height range | 55 to 67 cm |
| Colours | Rich chestnut or mahogany red |
| Coat length | Medium to long, silky feathered coat |
Breed history of Irish Setters
The Irish Setter developed from early Irish setting dogs used to locate game birds before the widespread use of modern firearms. These dogs were selected for their ability to range across open country, find birds and “set” or crouch to indicate where game was hidden.
Early Irish Setters were not always solid red; red-and-white dogs were common before breeders increasingly favoured the rich mahogany coat that became the breed’s signature. By the nineteenth century, the Irish Setter was admired both as a capable field dog and as a striking show dog.
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Irish Setter facts!
- The Irish Setter’s glossy chestnut or mahogany coat is one of its most recognisable features.
- They were bred as gundogs to help hunters locate game birds in the field.
- They are slow to mature and often keep their puppy-like playfulness well into adulthood.
- They are natural athletes; their long legs and graceful build make them excellent runners.
- They are known for being social butterflies because of their friendly, outgoing and people-loving nature.
Summary
The Irish Setter is a graceful, athletic gundog with a rich red coat, long feathering and friendly, expressive face. Outgoing, affectionate and playful, Irish Setters are social dogs that often retain a puppy-like enthusiasm well into adulthood.
They need plenty of exercise, patient training, companionship and regular brushing, especially around the feathered ears, legs and tail.
FAQs about the Irish Setter
It can be, provided the household matches the breed’s exercise, training, grooming and supervision needs.
High – long walks, runs, retrieving and off-lead safe activity.
Shedding depends on coat type, season and grooming routine. The breed has a medium to long, silky feathered coat.
No. While some individuals may shed less than others, no dog breed is truly allergy-free.
Most respond well to positive, consistent training, but owners should work with the breed’s instincts rather than against them.
MORE INFORMATION
Irish Setters Australia: http://irishsettersaustralia.com/
NSW Irish Setter Association: https://www.nswirishsetter.com/
Irish Red Setter Club: https://irishredsetterclub.com/
Irish Breeds Club (Australia): https://irishbreedsclub.com/
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