The Irish Setter is a head-turner — that glossy mahogany coat, the long legs, and the boundless energy. Originally bred in Ireland as gundogs, these red rockets were designed to work all day in the field, pointing out game for hunters. Today, they’re more likely to be sprinting across the park, charming strangers, or napping in the biggest sunspot they can find.
They’re gorgeous, affectionate, and often hilarious — but don’t expect instant obedience or low maintenance.
Owner insight: “They have all been sweet, gentle dogs, but they haven’t had a brain cell between them… recall is horrendous!”
Not sure if a Setter is right for you? Try the Which Dog Breed is Best for Me? Quiz before you fall for those puppy-dog eyes.
Great Names for an Irish Setter
Fiery coats and lively personalities deserve names to match. For more inspiration, our Dog Name Generator is full of ideas.
- Irish roots: Saoirse, Finn, Tara, Conor, Niamh
- Fiery nods: Ember, Flame, Ruby, Rusty, Blaze
- Classic charmers: Molly, Max, Bella, Charlie, Daisy
- Funny picks: Rocket, Chaos, Ginger Snap, Turbo, Wiggle
Pickles’ Aside: “Call one Turbo and don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Exercise
Think marathon runner, not couch potato. Irish Setters are bred to work all day and need serious outlets for their energy.
They need:
- 1.5–2 hours of daily exercise once mature.
- Off-lead runs in safe areas — they love to stretch those legs.
- Mental challenges — training games, scent work, or even agility.
Owner insight: “Irish Setters do not mature in body until they are 3–3½ years old… 2–3 hours a day is too much for a young dog.”
Working Breed Warning
Irish Setters are true working gundogs — bred for stamina and field work. Without enough exercise and stimulation, they can be destructive, noisy, or simply run off on their own adventures.
Owner insight: “Recall was horrendous!”
Pickles’ Aside: “Think of them as red-headed track stars who occasionally forget who you are mid-run.”
Temperament
Irish Setters are often called the clowns of the gundog world. They’re affectionate, friendly, and love attention — but they’re also sensitive and sometimes aloof.
- Sweet and gentle with families.
- Playful and social — usually adore people.
- Sensitive souls — they don’t cope well with harsh training.
Owner insight: “I have an Irish Setter. He’s gorgeous … not as daft as people think but very sensitive. Recall was iffy until he was fivish … affectionate … requires more grooming.”
Training
Training an Irish Setter takes patience, consistency, and a sense of humour. They’re clever, but their recall can vanish the moment something more exciting appears.
They do best with:
- Positive reinforcement — food, toys, and fun.
- Recall practice from day one.
- Short, engaging sessions — long lectures won’t stick.
Owner insight: “They have all been sweet, gentle dogs but… recall is horrendous!”
Need a hand? Try the World’s First AI Dog Trainer for recall tips that could save you from chasing across fields.
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
Setters are lovers, not fighters. They’ll happily say hello to strangers and are more likely to lick an intruder than guard against one.
- Friendly with everyone by nature.
- Not natural watchdogs.
- Alert barkers at most.
Owner insight: “They are friendly with everyone yet somewhat aloof at the same time… great family dogs.”
Other Animals
Generally social with other dogs, Irish Setters enjoy canine company. Cats and small furries? That prey drive might kick in.
- Good with dogs when socialised.
- Cats are hit or miss.
- Prey drive present — watch small pets outdoors.
Pickles’ Aside: “Birds? Rabbits? Squirrels? Consider them fair game.”
Grooming
That glorious red coat doesn’t stay perfect on its own. Setters need regular upkeep to keep mats and tangles at bay.
- Brushing a few times a week to avoid knots.
- Trimming around feet and ears.
- Regular ear cleaning — those silky flaps can trap dirt and moisture.
Owner insight: “Affectionate … requires more grooming.”
Health
Like many deep-chested breeds, Irish Setters are prone to bloat (gastric torsion) — a life-threatening condition that needs urgent vet care. Owners often warn about managing exercise and feeding carefully.
Other common issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Ear infections
- PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
- Epilepsy in some lines
Owner insight: “When she was 5 yrs old she suffered the dreaded bloat and torsion 3 times in the space of 8 months.”
Owner insight: “Just limit her activity after feeding… Irish Setters are very prone to bloat around feeding.”
Average lifespan: 12–15 years. Always go through a health-testing breeder — see our Best in Breeder Guide for questions to ask.
Cost of Ownership (UK)
Setters aren’t the cheapest dogs to own — food, grooming, and vet bills add up.
- Puppy price: £1,200–£2,000
- Food: £40–£60/month
- Insurance: £30–£50/month
- Routine vet care: ~£250–£400/year
- Grooming supplies: brushes, scissors, detanglers
Famous Owners & Moments
Irish Setters have long been admired for their beauty and charisma. US President Richard Nixon had one named King Timahoe, and the breed often appears in advertising thanks to that glossy red coat.
Myth-Busting
Let’s separate setter fact from setter fiction.
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| They’re just pretty show dogs | They’re active gundogs bred for stamina. |
| They’re hyper 24/7 | Energetic outside, but often calm at home. |
| Recall is easy | Nope — it’s the breed’s biggest challenge. |
| They’re low-maintenance | That coat needs regular grooming. |
Irish Setter FAQs
- Do they shed? Yes, moderately, especially seasonally.
- Are they easy to train? Not really — recall is notoriously difficult.
- How much exercise? 1.5–2 hours daily once mature.
- Are they good with kids? Yes — gentle, playful, affectionate.
- How long do they live? 12–15 years.
Thinking of Bringing Home an Irish Setter?
If you want a stunning, affectionate dog who’ll turn heads and keep you on your toes, the Irish Setter might be perfect. They’re lively, gentle, and loving — but they need space, training, and a lot of exercise.
Before you dive in, get organised with our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner. And once your Setter is settled, why not celebrate them with a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait?
Pickles’ Aside: “Irish Setters: part runway model, part rocket, part sofa hog.”
Breed Stats
- Origin: Ireland
- Weight: 25–34 kg
- Height: 58–67 cm
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Best Trait: Gorgeous, affectionate, fun
- Challenging Trait: Recall, high exercise needs, prone to bloat