The Irish Setter is widely considered the most beautiful of all sporting dog breeds. With his flowing, burnished mahogany coat, elegant lines, and high head carriage, he turns heads wherever he goes. He is the supermodel of the dog world—tall, red-headed, and glamorous.

But do not make the mistake of thinking he is just a pretty face. This is a high-energy, high-spirited working dog with a zest for life that is unmatched. He is famously described as “rollicking,” a word that perfectly captures his clownish, joyous, and sometimes exasperating nature. He approaches everything—a bird, a ball, a stranger, a muddy puddle—with boundless enthusiasm. He is slow to mature, often retaining his puppy-like exuberance well into adulthood (or forever). To own an Irish Setter is to invite a whirlwind of red hair and joy into your life.

History and Origin: The Red Setter

The Irish Setter was developed in Ireland in the 18th century. Originally, Irish hunters used red and white setters to find game birds on the vast, heather-covered moors of the Emerald Isle. These dogs would “set” (crouch low) when they located a bird, allowing the hunter to throw a net over both dog and bird. Through selective breeding in the 19th century, the solid red color (originally called a “fault”) became favored, and the “Red Setter” was established as a distinct breed separate from the Irish Red and White Setter.

The Big Red Gun Dog

He was bred to cover vast amounts of ground at a gallop. He hunts with a “high head,” catching the scent on the wind rather than tracking on the ground like a hound. This required speed, stamina, and an independent spirit. The breed became a sensation in the show ring in the late 1800s due to its stunning looks. However, this popularity nearly ruined his working ability, as breeders focused on coat rather than brains. Today, dedicated breeders work hard to preserve the dual nature of the dog—beauty and bird sense.

Physical Characteristics: Racy and Refined

The Irish Setter is a substantial but elegant dog. He is “racy,” meaning he is built for speed and endurance, with a lean, athletic frame.

• Height: Males 27 inches (69 cm); Females 25 inches (64 cm).
• Weight: Males 70 pounds (32 kg); Females 60 pounds (27 kg).

Distinctive Features

• The Coat: The breed’s crowning glory. It is moderately long, straight, and silky, never curly. There is abundant “feathering” on the ears, chest, belly, back of the legs, and tail.
• The Color: Deep mahogany or rich chestnut red. There is absolutely no black. Small white markings on the chest, throat, or toes are permitted and even historically correct.
• The Head: Long and lean, with a distinct stop (the step between the muzzle and forehead). The expression is soft yet alert.
• The Tail: Set low and carried level with the back, never curled over it. When moving, it lashes back and forth.

Temperament and Personality

The Irish Setter is a happy dog. In fact, he might be the happiest dog.

The Rollicking Clown

He has a sense of humor. He loves to play, and he loves to be the center of attention. If you are laughing, he is happy. If you are ignoring him, he might steal your shoe to get you to chase him. He is a “Peter Pan” dog who refuses to grow up.

The Socialite

He loves everyone. He is a terrible guard dog because he will likely greet a burglar with a wagging tail and show them where the silver is kept. He thrives on human companionship and suffers deeply from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. He needs to be with his pack.

The Bird Dog

He has a strong hunting instinct. He loves to run and will chase birds, squirrels, butterflies, and leaves. He can be “birdy,” meaning he gets distracted easily by movement.

Training and Exercise Needs

Exercise: Miles and Miles

The Irish Setter has endless energy. A walk around the block is essentially a warm-up for his nap.

• Daily Needs: He needs at least an hour of vigorous exercise every day. A long run, a bike ride, or off-leash play in a secure area is essential.
• Running Partner: He is one of the best running partners in the dog world. He can trot for hours without tiring.
• Destruction: A bored Irish Setter is a destructive force of nature. If he doesn’t get exercise, he will chew your furniture, dig up your yard, and bark.

Training: Patience Required

He is smart, but he is flighty.

• Attention Span: It is short. He is easily distracted (“Look! A squirrel!”). Keep training sessions, short, fun, and fast-paced.
• Positive Reinforcement: He is a sensitive dog. Harsh corrections will make him shut down or become stubborn. Use treats and praise.
• Recall: Training a reliable recall is a challenge. When his nose turns on, his ears turn off. Never trust him off-leash in an unfenced area unless you are in a safe, open space.

Health and Lifespan

Irish Setters typically live 12 to 15 years, which is good for a large breed.

• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus): This is a life-threatening emergency common in deep-chested breeds. The stomach twists, trapping gas. Feeding smaller meals and avoiding exercise after eating can help prevent it.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A genetic eye condition that leads to blindness. Responsible breeders test for this.
• Hip Dysplasia: Can occur.
• Epilepsy: The breed can be prone to seizures.
• Hypothyroidism: Thyroid issues can cause weight gain and coat problems.

Grooming and Care

The Red Coat

The mahogany coat is beautiful, but it doesn’t stay that way by magic.

• Brushing: He needs to be brushed 2-3 times a week to prevent mats in the feathering (especially behind the ears and under the legs).
• Bathing: Occasional bathing keeps the coat shiny.
• Ears: The heavy, hanging ears trap moisture and wax. Clean them weekly to prevent ear infections, which are common in the breed.
• Burrs: If he runs in the fields, checks his coat for burrs and ticks.

Is an Irish Setter Right for You?

The Irish Setter is a lifestyle choice.

Yes, if:

• You are an active family. You hike, run, and play outdoors.
• You have a large, fenced yard. He needs room to gallop.
• You want a dog that is beautiful and fun. You enjoy a “clown.”
• You have patience. You can handle a dog that acts like a puppy for 4 years.

No, if:

• You want a calm, quiet dog. He is a whirlwind.
• You live in an apartment. It is too confined for him.
• You work long hours. He will be miserable alone.
• You want a dog that obeys instantly. He is an independent thinker.

For the active family who wants a dog that is as beautiful on the inside as he is on the outside, the Irish Setter is a rollicking, loving, red-headed best friend who will keep you moving and keep you smiling.