Breeds
Irish Setter: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care
An Irish Setter is a friendly, enthusiastic, affectionate bird dog with a glossy red coat and a playful, sometimes mischievous streak. Setters are sweet with people and great fun, but they need at least an hour of vigorous exercise a day, regular brushing and patient training. Here is what VCA Animal Hospitals and the AKC say about the breed's size, health and care.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read3 sources
Irish Setter temperament and personality
VCA describes the Irish Setter as friendly, enthusiastic, sweet and affectionate, energetic and playful, sometimes mischievous or over-exuberant, and possibly cautious with strangers at first.
Setters tend to stay puppyish for years. They want to be with their people and join in everything. That enthusiasm is the breed's appeal, and it needs plenty of exercise and kind, consistent training to keep it manageable.
Irish Setters are sensitive and people-focused, so they do poorly when left alone for long hours. They thrive when included in family life.
How big do Irish Setters get?
VCA gives a height of about 25 to 27 inches, with males at the taller end, and a weight of about 55 to 75 pounds, with an ideal of roughly 70 pounds for males and 60 for females. The AKC's breed weight chart lists 60 to 70 pounds.
Setters are tall, elegant and lean. Feel for the ribs under the feathered coat to check condition, and ask your vet to match food to your dog's activity level.
Irish Setter lifespan and common health issues
VCA gives a lifespan of 12 to 14 years and names bloat, or gastric torsion, and epilepsy as the two major concerns, along with possible blood disorders, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and skin disorders.
Ask a breeder for hip and eye results and DNA tests for inherited conditions on both parents. Ask your vet about preventive gastropexy. A swollen belly with unproductive retching is an emergency, and a first seizure needs a vet promptly.
Exercise needs
VCA rates exercise needs as very high, with vigorous daily exercise of at least one hour a day. Running, retrieving, field work and long hikes suit the breed.
Avoid hard exercise for an hour or so around meals, given the breed's bloat risk. Use a long line or secure area for off-leash running, since a setter on a scent may range widely.
Mix runs with mental work, such as scent games and retrieving drills, to tire the brain as well as the body.
Build exercise up gradually with a young dog, and wait until your vet says the joints are mature before long runs alongside a bike or on hard ground. Swimming is a good low-impact option for many setters.
Grooming and shedding
VCA says the long, silky coat tangles and mats easily and recommends brushing at least twice a week and combing afterward, with a light water spritz to ease brushing, plus a trim every three or four months and occasional baths.
Pay attention to the ears, chest, legs and tail feathering where mats form, and check for burrs after outings. Trim nails regularly, clean the ears and brush the teeth.
Dry the ears after swimming.
Training an Irish Setter
VCA says Irish Setters are eager to please but strong-willed and sensitive, respond poorly to harsh corrections and do best with consistent, patient, firm training that starts early. It advises starting house training right away.
Keep sessions short and positive, practice recall daily on a long line and teach calm greetings, since an exuberant setter loves to jump up. Field training builds on the breed's natural pointing.
Keep sessions short and positive.
Are Irish Setters good with kids and other pets?
VCA says Irish Setters are fine with older children. Their size and bounce can knock over small children, so supervise play.
Most setters are friendly with other dogs. Introduce cats and small pets carefully with a bird dog, and keep pet birds secure.
Give the dog plenty of exercise before family time, and teach children to play calm games such as fetch. Most Irish Setters are friendly with other dogs and enjoy their company.
What an Irish Setter needs at home
A securely fenced yard, a large crate, a padded bed and a daily routine with hard exercise are the basics. Fetch toys, a long line and puzzle feeders help with energy.
For the coat, keep a pin brush, slicker brush, metal comb, spray bottle, nail clippers, ear cleaner and a dog toothbrush. Ask your vet about bloat risk and a feeding routine.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How long do Irish Setters live?
VCA gives a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Knowing the signs of bloat and asking breeders about epilepsy and eye testing are two of the most useful steps for owners.
How big do Irish Setters get?
The AKC lists males at about 27 inches and 70 pounds, and females at about 25 inches and 60 pounds. VCA gives a broader 55 to 75 pounds.
What is an Irish Setter's temperament like?
VCA describes Irish Setters as friendly, enthusiastic, sweet and affectionate, energetic and sometimes mischievous. They need a lot of exercise and patient training. Your vet can advise on what suits your own pet.
How much grooming does an Irish Setter need?
VCA recommends brushing at least twice a week and combing afterward, since the silky coat tangles easily, plus a trim every three or four months.
Are Irish Setters good family dogs?
For active families with older children, yes. VCA describes them as friendly, sweet and affectionate, but they need at least an hour of vigorous exercise a day and patient training.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
