A cheerful, outgoing setter that tends to love everyone it meets. The breed standard calls it keen, intelligent, energetic, affectionate and loyal, and owners often describe a playful, bouncy streak that lasts well past puppyhood. It usually gets on well with children and, once introduced, with other pets, though its enthusiasm can bowl over very small children. It learns quickly when training is kept upbeat and rewarding, and it is not a big barker.4237
how to spot oneIrish Red Setter coat and colours
Medium-length, flat, silky coat with feathering
The hair stays short and fine on the head and the fronts of the legs, while the body carries a flat coat of moderate length with little or no wave. Long silky fringes grow on the ears, the backs of the legs, the belly and the tail, and the feet are well feathered too. Under it sits a racy, athletic frame with a deep chest.421
Comes inrich chestnutmahogany redsmall white markings on chest, throat or toes allowedsmall white star or narrow blaze on the face tolerated42
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for an Irish Red Setter. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery day
Bathevery month
HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseAbout 120 minutes a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
how busy a day looksIrish Red Setter exercise needs
Very high. The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day. Good outlets include long walks, running off lead in safe areas, fetch, swimming, hiking, jogging, agility, dock diving and field work. Not a natural fit for apartment life.53
where they are happiestIrish Red Setter at home
Best suited to a larger home with a large, securely fenced garden and daily access to open space. It likes being part of family life indoors rather than kept outside.53
who they like aroundIrish Red Setter with people and other pets
Very sociable and happiest with lots of family company and involvement in daily activities. Usually friendly with strangers, other dogs and, after proper introductions, cats.32
the hands-on bitsIrish Red Setter grooming and care
Brush several times a week, ideally daily, to keep the feathering free of tangles. Check and clean the long ears weekly, trim nails regularly and tidy the feet and feathering now and then. The Royal Kennel Club rates grooming as more than once a week.35
what goes in the bowlIrish Red Setter food and feeding
A complete, good-quality dog food suited to life stage, split into two smaller meals a day rather than one large one. Active dogs can need more food than their size suggests, so adjust portions to body condition and activity.3
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Irish Red Setter, and at what times?
Feed your Irish Red Setter two smaller meals a day rather than one large one, as this suits their active lifestyle. Adjust portions based on their body condition and activity level, and always follow the food label and your vet's advice for exact amounts.38
What should an Irish Red Setter eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A complete, good-quality dog food suited to their life stage is best. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, so keep these well away from your setter.39
How often should I bathe an Irish Red Setter?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath about every four weeks, but you can adjust based on how dirty or active your dog gets. Always use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to keep their coat healthy.10
How often does an Irish Red Setter need brushing?
Brush your Irish Red Setter several times a week, ideally daily, to keep their feathering free of tangles. This is especially important for their long, silky coat to prevent mats.35
How do I trim an Irish Red Setter's nails, and how often?
Trim your setter's nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and ask your vet or a groomer for a demo if you are unsure.10
How much exercise does an Irish Red Setter need?
This breed needs more than two hours of exercise daily, including long walks, running off lead, and activities like fetch or swimming. They are very energetic and not suited to apartment life.53
How do I look after an Irish Red Setter's teeth and ears?
Brush your setter's teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste, and check their floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt, drying them gently. Never push anything into the ear canal, and ask your vet for a dental care routine.10
How long does an Irish Red Setter live?
An Irish Red Setter typically lives between 11 and 14 years, with proper care and regular vet check-ups. Senior years usually start around age 7, so adjust their care as they age.135
Is an Irish Red Setter good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are cheerful and outgoing, usually great with children and other pets when introduced properly. Their enthusiasm can be a bit much for very small kids, so supervise playtime.4237
Can an Irish Red Setter be left alone?
They are very sociable and happiest with lots of family company, so they do not like being left alone for long periods. If you must leave them, provide plenty of toys and consider a dog walker or daycare.32
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchIrish Red Setter health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Irish Red Setter. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
The stomach fills with gas and twists; it is an emergency that needs surgery within hours. Science for Animal Welfare: about 24% lifetime risk and roughly 10 times the risk of the average purebred dog ↗
Progressive retinal atrophy (rcd1, rcd4)
The retina slowly dies, ending in blindness; rcd1 starts in puppies, rcd4 later in life; DNA tests exist. UK Kennel Club Good Practice (rcd4) and Best Practice (rcd1) DNA tests; imports must be tested ↗
Canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD)
White blood cells cannot fight infection, so affected puppies die young; a DNA test finds carriers. UK Kennel Club Best Practice DNA test with a registration restriction since 2025; no published rate ↗
Hip dysplasia
The hip joint forms loosely, which can mean stiffness and arthritis. UK Kennel Club Best Practice hip scoring; Irish Setter Club of America (CHIC) hip evaluation; no published rate ↗
Hypothyroidism
The thyroid slows down, so the dog gains weight and loses coat; managed with daily tablets. Thyroid test recommended by the Irish Setter Club of America (CHIC); no published rate ↗
Tests a good breeder can show you
DNA test for PRA rcd4 UK Kennel Club Good Practice ↗
DNA test for PRA rcd1 UK Kennel Club Best Practice; CHIC / Irish Setter Club of America ↗
Hip evaluation (BVA/KC or OFA) UK Kennel Club Best Practice; CHIC / Irish Setter Club of America ↗
Elbow evaluation (BVA/KC) UK Kennel Club Best Practice ↗
Thyroid evaluation CHIC / Irish Setter Club of America ↗
From the breed club or a health scheme. Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat an Irish Red Setter costs
Running costs for an Irish Red Setter, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Irish Red Setter legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Irish Red Setter in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Irish Red Setter tip
Reward your Irish Setter with a piece of their daily kibble or a low-fat, gluten-free training treat, and always keep treats to under 10% of their daily calories to help prevent bloat and weight gain.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
In Irish the breed is called 'sotar rua', which simply means 'red setter'.1
2
White House staff gave President Richard Nixon an Irish Setter named King Timahoe for his 56th birthday in January 1969.1
3
Russian Emperor Alexander II owned an Irish Setter called Milford.1
4
The Irish Setter Club of America was founded in 1891 by 21 members, and its very first event was a field trial in High Point, North Carolina, with a 350 dollar prize.11
5
The 1962 Disney film 'Big Red' starred an Irish Setter, and one club held a premiere screening that dogs attended.11
6
The Irish Red Setter's early breed standard scored dogs on a 100-point scale, a system that was later dropped.1
7
The FCI lists the Irish Red Setter as a breed subject to a working trial, so hunting ability still matters for full championship titles.6
8
The Irish Setter rose 12 places in the AKC popularity rankings, from 85th in 2024 to 73rd in 2025.12
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed name 'Irish Setter' comes from its country of origin, Ireland, and its historical role as a 'setter' dog that would locate and point game birds. The Irish name 'sotar rua' literally means 'red setter'.1
I bounded out of my crate the moment I heard my human's alarm, ready to greet the day with a wiggly butt and a happy bark. After a quick breakfast, we headed to the park where I ran like the wind, chasing after a tennis ball. I splashed through every puddle and made a new friend or two. Back home, I flopped on the cool floor, tongue out, dreaming of more adventures. Evenings are for family time, and I always make sure to be the center of attention.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
for a film nightOn screen
Films and series picked by Oskar, who made Pet Wiki.
Big Red1962
An orphan boy looks after a wealthy man's prize Irish Setter.
Setters were bred in Ireland to find upland game birds by scent and then freeze, or 'set', to show the hunter where the birds were. Early Irish setters came in red, red and white, and other colours, and Irish landed families were keeping careful setter breeding records by the late 1700s. During the 1800s breeders began to favour solid red dogs, and the red type split away from the red-and-white setter. The Irish Red Setter Club was founded in 1882, and its breed standard was approved in Dublin in 1886. Red setters reached the United States in the 1800s, and the Irish Setter Club of America was formed in 1891, holding its first event as a field trial. In the 20th century the show ring's taste for a deep mahogany coat and elegant outline pulled show lines apart from working lines, and in the 1940s some American field breeders developed a lighter, more compact 'Red Setter' for field trials. Today the breed is loved as both a family companion and a hunting and sporting dog, and in many countries it still has to pass a working trial to become a full FCI champion.14621113
Standard No. 120, Group 7 (Pointing Dogs), Section 2 (British and Irish Pointers and Setters), Setter subsection; definitive acceptance 22 Dec 1954; current standard published 13 Mar 2001; subject to a working trial6
Irish Red and White Setter
English Setter
Gordon Setter