Irish Setter: Temperament, Coat and Care

An Irish Setter suits an active, patient household that wants a joyful, friendly and sociable dog. They stay puppyish for a long time, need lots of running, and can have selective hearing around birds. The silky coat and feathering need brushing a few times a week.

A mahogany-red Irish Setter running along a beach, silky coat streaming — All red coat and pure enthusiasm.

Breed-standard figures; individual dogs vary.

Irish Setter at a glance
Height	About 25–27 inches (64–69 cm)
Weight	About 60–70 lb (27–32 kg)
Lifespan	Over 10 years
Coat	Silky with feathering; brush a few times a week
Exercise	More than 2 hours a day
Bred for	Finding and "setting" game birds

Who an Irish Setter Suits

Irish Setters are affectionate, playful and outgoing, and usually love people and other dogs. They suit active families with time and patience.

They are a harder fit for small homes, long days alone, or owners who want a quick-to-mature, obedient dog.

Exercise and Recall

The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day, with running in safe places. Practice recall on a long line, especially where there are birds; see recall training.

The Silky Coat

Brush and comb the feathering on ears, chest, legs and tail a few times a week, and check for grass seeds after walks. Trim the hair around the paws to keep mud down.

Gear for an Irish Setter

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A pin brush and comb for the feathering, a long line for recall practice, a drying towel for muddy walks, and a sturdy bed for a big dog.

Health: What to Ask the Breeder and Your Vet

In the UK, The Royal Kennel Club lists a DNA test for a form of progressive retinal atrophy (rcd4) as good practice for Irish Setter breeders, with DNA tests for CLAD and another form of PRA, plus hip, elbow and eye testing, as best practice. As a deep-chested breed, learn the signs of bloat; see our Great Dane page.

Book a check-up soon after your dog comes home, keep it lean, and ask your vet about vaccinations, neutering and a parasite prevention plan for where you live.

Worming, flea and tick products and any medicines: see your vet or a pet supply store with trained staff. They can tell you what suits your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Red coats, common questions.

Are Irish Setters good family dogs?

For active families, often very. They are friendly and playful but bouncy for a long time.

When do Irish Setters calm down?

Later than many breeds; some stay puppyish for a few years.

Do Irish Setters shed?

Moderately. Regular brushing keeps the coat in good order.

Are Irish Setters easy to train?

They are sweet but easily distracted. Short, fun sessions work best.