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Breed profile

Irish Setter

Glossy red gundog with a big heart and a slow-maturing brain. Needs two hours a day, and patience until it settles at three or four.

Side profile of an Irish Setter's head, mouth open, with a glossy mahogany-red coat against a blurred field and sky.
An Irish Setter in profilePhoto: Adam Ziaja / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Weight
25–34 kg55–75 lb
Height
55–67 cm22–26 in
Lifespan
11–14 yrs
Group
Gundog / Sporting
Origin
Ireland
Popularity
#73 US#49 UK · 2025

Known for: Family dogsRunning partners

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Affectionate, Exuberant, Friendly, Independent.

Health problems to know about

  • Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Progressive retinal atrophy (rcd1 and rcd4 DNA tests)
  • Canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD, DNA test)
  • Hypothyroidism

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

Two hours or more of exercise a day, including free running somewhere safe. Brush two or three times a week to keep the feathering tangle-free. Feed two smaller meals rather than one big one, and learn the signs of bloat.

A good fit for

Active households with space and time, runners and hikers, people who want a sociable, affectionate dog.

Probably not ideal for

Flats, owners out all day, families with toddlers who get knocked flat, anyone wanting instant obedience.

Sources

  1. Royal Kennel Club: Irish Setter
  2. PDSA: Irish Setter breed information
  3. Irish Setter Club of America: Common concerns
  4. PetMD: Irish Setter
  5. Wikipedia: Irish Setter

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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