Irish Setter
Complete Breed Guide
"I’m your chance to fall in love with a gorgeous redhead!"
Quick Facts About Irish Setters
Sporting
60–70 lbs
25–27"
No
Based on current listing prices on Puppies.com. Results may vary.
Overview
Irish Setters are beautiful red dogs who have the stereotypical fiery red-headed personality. They are fun, loyal, and loving, yet have a reputation for wanting things their own way. You’ll always have an energetic friend who’s up for adventure if you choose an Irish Setter.
Irish Setters are gorgeous, fiery-red dogs with all of the personality and style of any famous red-haired star. They are highly energetic and enthusiastic about life and will act like a puppy well into their so-called adulthood. Irish Setters must know how beautiful and charming they are because they are known for pulling out every trick in the book to get their own way. They love to run, and they make excellent hunting dogs or jogging companions. Irish Setters always have lots of energy and a never ending thirst for fun. Choosing an Irish Setter means you’ll always have a fun-loving, loyal companion at your side whenever you go on an exciting adventure.
Temperament and Behavior
Irish Setters are spirited and hyper well past the age that most dogs settle down. Some never seem to grow up, but that’s why they are so fun. Irish Setter’s possess a high level of intelligence and independent thinking style, but even though they don’t always listen, they do really love their owners. They get along well with new people, but may bark to announce their arrival, before running up to them and demanding attention.
Coat & Grooming
Irish Setters have beautiful, medium-length coats with wispy feathering on their ears, chest, underside, legs, and tail. You’ll need to brush the hair 2-3 times per week to keep them tangle free and looking their best.
Lifestyle & Living Conditions
Irish Setters do best when they have easy access to a large area to play yet can still live inside with people. They get along fine with cats and other dogs, especially if they were raised around them. Irish Setters love children but sometimes get too excited and play a little too rough with toddlers.
Exercise & Activity
Plan on giving an Irish Setter about an hour of exercise every day. Many Irish Setters are bred for hunting and they’ll all enjoy a trip out to the field. Otherwise, a long hike, a jog, or a trip to the dog park will help your Irish Setter burn off their well-stocked supply of energy. If your Irish Setter is not getting enough exercise, they’ll let you know by acting out, so be sure you’re dedicated to spending lots of playtime together—or your furniture gets it!
Characteristics at-a-glance
Ratings are on a scale of 1–10, based on breed standards and typical temperament.
Irish Setter FAQs
Common questions about the Irish Setter breed, answered by our editorial team.
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