Irish Setter

Irish Setter

Medium Breed
Male Weight
27 - 32 kg
Female Weight
24 - 29 kg
Lifespan
12 - 15 years
Size Category
Medium

About the Irish Setter

The Irish Setter is a medium-sized breed. Males typically weigh between 27 and 32 kg when fully grown, while females weigh 24 to 29 kg. With an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, the Irish Setter is a moderately long-lived breed.

Temperament

Irish Setter dogs are versatile, intelligent, and loyal companions. They are active and enjoy participating in family activities. They typically get along well with children and other dogs when properly socialised from a young age. Their intelligence makes them responsive to training, and they thrive when given a sense of purpose and regular mental stimulation.

Exercise Needs

Irish Setter dogs need at least 1-2 hours of daily exercise. They enjoy walks, runs, and interactive play sessions. Many excel in dog sports like agility and obedience. Mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys is equally important. Without adequate exercise, they may develop destructive habits or excessive barking.

Common Health Issues

Irish Setter dogs may be prone to hip dysplasia, allergies, ear infections, and eye conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups and maintaining a healthy weight help prevent many common issues. Discuss appropriate health screening tests with your vet. A balanced diet and regular exercise contribute significantly to long-term health.

Grooming

Regular grooming helps keep Irish Setter dogs looking and feeling their best. Brush the coat 1-2 times per week to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils. Bathe as needed. Regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care round out the grooming routine. Grooming sessions are also a good opportunity to check for any health concerns.

Breed Traits

Energy Level
Very High
Trainability
Responds Well
Shedding
Moderate
Barking
Moderate
Good with Kids
Excellent
Good with Dogs
Loves Dogs
Good with Strangers
Very Friendly

Origin & History

Origin: Ireland

The Irish Setter is a setter, a breed of gundog, and family dog originating in Ireland. The term Irish Setter is commonly used to encompass the show-bred dog recognised by the American Kennel Club as well as the field-bred Red Setter recognised by the Field Dog Stud Book. The breed is known for having a friendly and gentle temperament.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Famous Irish Setter Owners

Richard Nixon's Irish Setter, King Timahoe, lived at the White House during the turbulent years of his presidency, named after the County Kildare village where Nixon's ancestors had lived. Ronald Reagan also kept Irish Setters on his California ranch, and the breed's combination of elegance and warmth made it a favourite with politicians seeking a distinguished yet approachable image. The Irish Setter is perhaps best known culturally through the novel Big Red by Jim Kjelgaard (1945), which introduced generations of children to the breed's adventurous spirit.

Is the Irish Setter right for you?

Irish Setter is a highly athletic breed needing substantial daily exercise and active owners. Excellent with children of all ages, this breed makes a wonderful family companion. It loves the company of other dogs and thrives in multi-pet households. Moderate grooming is needed to manage regular shedding. Moderately vocal, they may bark to alert or express themselves. Intelligent and responsive to training, they learn quickly and enjoy pleasing their owners. Outgoing and friendly towards strangers, they warm quickly to new people.

Dogpanion's take: AI-generated based on breed trait data.

Weight & Growth

A fully grown male Irish Setter weighs approximately 30 kg on average. Use Dogpanion's free size predictor to estimate your Irish Setter puppy's adult weight based on their current age and weight.

Irish Setter Care Tools

Dogpanion offers free tools to help you care for your Irish Setter:

Track Your Irish Setter with Dogpanion

Free age calculator, size predictor, food safety checker, and health tracker for 350+ breeds.

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Homemade Recipes for Your Irish Setter

Every ingredient verified safe. Use as occasional treats or meal toppers alongside a complete diet.

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Herb Chicken Jerky
10 minutes + 3 hours · 30-40 strips
🥐
Carrot and Peanut Butter Bites
10 minutes + 20 minutes · 30 small treats
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Watermelon Ice Cubes
10 minutes · 24 cubes
🥇
Frozen Blueberry Treats
10 minutes · 20 treats
Browse all recipes