An Irish Setter named Caractacus Potts holds the official Guinness Record for the highest number of tricks performed by a dog, with an impressive repertoire of 105 tricks!
Irish Setter
Are Irish Setters more beautiful, friendly, or intelligent? Tough call. One thing’s certain- they’ll capture your heart like the hunters they are. Oh, and their ginger coat will make any Irish person proud.
Country of Origin
Ireland
Breed Group
Sporting
Height
Male 27-27 In
Female 25-25 In
Weight
Male 70-70 Ib
Female 60-60 Ib
Life Span
12-15 years
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In a Nutshell
Known for its energetic, affectionate nature, this breed excels as both a hunting companion and a family pet. Irish Setters are intelligent, loyal, loving, and adored for many reasons.
Life With a Irish Setter
Low (1)
High (5)
Energy level
Trainability Level
Amount of Shedding
Tendency of Barking
Exercise Needs
Kid Friendly
Pet Friendly
Looks & Personality
It’s impossible to ignore the Irish Setter’s long, flowing red coat. There are also dogs of this breed with a white-red coat, but they are considered rare. Their feathered fur, long ears, and expressive eyes give them a lovely, graceful appearance. Their lean, athletic build reflects their history as bird-hunting dogs.
In terms of personality, Irish Setters are known for their friendly and outgoing nature. They are energetic, so make sure they get plenty of exercise regularly to stay happy and healthy. They are also highly social and thrive on human interaction, making them excellent family pets. Their playful and affectionate demeanor makes them great companions for children and other pets. At the same time, note that this high-energy breed demands lots of mental stimulation and plenty of activities.
Common Health Problems
Irish Setters are generally healthy but can be prone to specific hereditary health issues caused by recessive genes. These issues include blood clotting disorders, autoimmune diseases, digestive problems, and musculoskeletal diseases affecting their growth and longevity. While these health concerns are less common in mixed-breed dogs, purebred dogs must come from responsible breeding houses that avoid inbreeding.
A tip from a vet
Due to its deep chest, the breed is at high risk of a life-threatening condition called Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus Syndrome (GDV). To prevent it, feed your Irish Setter twice a day instead of offering one big meal, wait at least 30 minutes between meals and exercise, and use special food bowls designed to slow down the eating pace.
Owners of breeds that are very prone to suffer from GDV should consider preventive surgery to secure the stomach in place. If other surgical procedures are being performed, it is recommended to include these preventive measures at the same time.
A tip from a trainer
To prevent boredom, which might lead to excessive barking, challenge your Irish Setter mentally and physically. If you don’t have the time and energy for proper exercise, this breed may not be the best choice for you. Begin training your Irish Setter early, and remain sensitive while providing plenty of positive reinforcement. You'll be rewarded with a dog that gets along well with other pets.
Did You Know
Famous author Ernest Hemingway had an Irish Setter and even mentioned the breed in his story “A Day’s Wait.”
Several U.S. presidents, including Franklin Delano Roosevelt, owned Irish Setters. Roosevelt had two named Jack and Jill.
The Beach Boys’ song “Shannon” was inspired by Carl Wilson’s Irish Setter. The song became a hit and went gold in the U.S.
In The News
The History Behind the Breed
The Irish Setter’s history dates back to the 18th century in Ireland, where they were bred for hunting birds. The breed was developed by crossing various Setters and Spaniels to create a dog with an excellent sense of smell, great eyesight, and a strong hunting instinct. Originally, Irish Setters were red and white, but over time, breeders focused on the solid red coat we see today.
The breed became more popular around the 19th century, admired for their beauty and hunting abilities. Irish Setters became well-known at shows and as family pets thanks to their friendly nature and unique appearance. Today, they are still used in hunting, but their primary role is as loving family companions. Some field setters are still bred to maintain the original capabilities of this breed.
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