HISTORY

ORIGIN IRELAND

GROUP SPORTING GROUP


The Irish setter was bred in Ireland in the 18th century, and was used for hunting, pointing and retrieving.

APPEARANCE(S)

Irish Setters are large bodied dogs with long heads and a long neck. The ears are long and droopy, and the tail is long and skinny. All of these features work together when pointing at game.

COLOR(S)


This breed is most commonly seen in deep chestnut red, or mahogany. There can be a small patch of white seen on the chest, neck and toes.

COAT


The coat is flat, silky, long and soft. They have feathering on the chest, belly, legs, tail and ears.

PERSONALITY

ACTIVITY LEVEL

High

POSITIVES


Irish Setters love to play and run. They are loving and loyal to the family. This breed makes a wonderful running mate. They are great with kids and do better with active families. They are good with other animals.

THINGS TO CONSIDER


This breed needs a lot of exercise and needs to be groomed regularly. Irish Setters need to be given a lot of attention and need space to run off the leash. This is breed will wander and if left unattended they will run away, they are very curious about their surroundings.

IDEAL LIVING SITUATION

This breed would do best in the suburbs or country.

HELPFUL INFORMATION/SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

The Irish setter needs to be exercised daily, and groomed on a regular basis.

BREED RELATED HEALTH CONCERNS

The following conditions are known to be seen in this breed, please look at our A to Z listing to find out detailed information.

  • Hypothyroidism

NATIONAL CLUBS AND/OR ORGANIZATIONS

Irish Setter Club of America
20 Maple Shade Lane
Fleetwood, PA 19522

FUN FACT(S)

Irish Setters feathers are long, and hand straight down, which is different than most setter feathering.
Written by: PetsMD Veterinary Editorial Staff