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If you’re looking for a dog with a beautiful red coat and a fun personality, the Irish setter might be perfect for you. This breed has been loved by families for over 200 years. These stunning red dogs are known for their grace, speed, and friendly nature. They make wonderful family companions and are great with children. Whether you want a hunting partner or a playful pet, the Irish setter can fill both roles beautifully. At EcoPetEssentials, we love sharing simple and helpful information about pets, and today we are going to share endearing details about the Irish setter. You will learn everything about this amazing dog, including size, colors, grooming, life, care needs, and more. If you love sweet family dogs that enjoy running, playing, and staying close to you, the Irish setter is the perfect choice for your home.
The Irish setter is a large hunting dog known for its stunning red coat. They were originally bred in Ireland to help hunters find birds, hence the name. The red setter, as some people call them, uses its nose to track game and then sets down (crouches) on its belly to show the hunter where the birds are hiding. Today, they work as gundogs alongside hunters with rifles. Irish hunters in the 1800s bred these fast red setters to cover lots of ground quickly in Ireland’s flat countryside. The breed became famous not just for hunting skills but also for winning many dog shows since the 1870s because of their beautiful looks and graceful movement. Therefore, many people say the Irish setter is the most beautiful of all dog breeds. With their long, lean bodies and graceful movement, these dogs catch everyone’s eye!
➺Fun fact: The most famous Irish setter was fictional, the title character of Jim Kjelgaard’s 1945 novel ‘Big Red.’
When you look at Irish setter pics or images of Irish setter dogs, you’ll notice their coat is mostly red. This rich color shines in the sunlight and adds an alluring grace to this breed. The AKC Irish setter breed standard lists these Irish setter colors:
Most red colored dogs in this breed have no black on them at all. A small white spot on the chest or toes is okay. However, the Irish Red and White Setter has white coat with red markings. The coat is short and fine on the head and front legs. On the body, it’s longer and flat. The ears, chest, belly, back legs, and tail have long, silky feathering irrespective if it’s a Irish setter black or red one.
Some people confuse the Irish setter with other dogs. The Gordon setter vs Irish setter comparison shows that Gordons are black and tan, while Irish are red. The Irish springer spaniel is smaller and has white with red patches. If you see an Irish setter English setter together, the English Setter will have spots and a different body shape.
The Irish red setter size is quite large. These dogs stand over two feet tall at the shoulder. Male dogs are about 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh around 70 pounds. Female dogs are about 25 inches tall and weigh around 60 pounds. There is no miniature Irish setter or mini Irish setter dog recognized by breed clubs, though some breeders may advertise smaller versions. These dogs have long legs and powerful back legs that help them run fast. They are among the quickest of all sporting dogs. Their body is slightly longer than it is tall, which gives them a balanced look.
Irish setters have wonderful personalities. They are sweet, friendly, and love being around people. These red breed of dog companions are great with children and make excellent family pets. They enjoy playing fetch, running, and being silly. Many owners say they act like big kids who never grow up even if you get the miniature Irish setter dog.
These dogs are outgoing and like making new friends. They are not shy or mean. The breed is known for being bold and having a fun-loving attitude. Moreover, they want to please their owners and respond well to kind, positive training methods. Because they love people so much, Irish setters can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone too long. They need to be with their family and don’t do well being isolated.
The red setter life expectancy is typically 12 to 15 years. With good care, proper food, and regular vet visits, your Irish setter can live a long, healthy life. Like all large dogs, they can have some health problems. Hip problems and eye disorders are the most common issues. Red setters can also experience bloat, which is a serious stomach problem. This happens when the stomach fills with gas and twists. It can be deadly, so owners need to know the signs and get help fast. You have to feed them smaller meals and avoid exercise right afterwards as it can help prevent bloat.
Irish setter grooming is moderate but important. You need to brush your dog at least twice a week with a pin brush or soft bristle brush. It is best to use a metal comb to work out tangles and mats. The long feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and tail needs extra attention. You also have to trim the nails once a month. Give your dog a bath occasionally with gentle dog shampoo. It is important to check the ears regularly for signs of infection, and brush the teeth often with dog toothpaste.
Unlike a short hair Irish setter (which doesn’t really exist), the standard breed has a longer coat that needs care. Some people confuse them with a short haired red setter, but that’s a different variety called the Ryman English setter. Another one that most people confuse is Irish bostetter. It is not a purebred dog, but a hybrid mix of a Boston Terrier and an Irish Setter. They are sweet, lovable, and just as easy to take care of like any other Irish Setter mix.
Irish setters need lots of daily exercise. These active dogs love long walks, running, and playing. They were bred for Irish setter hunting, so they have lots of energy and stamina. Playing fetch, hiking, and dog sports like agility are great activities.
Training should start early. Irish setters are smart but can be stubborn. You can use positive methods with treats and praise. Keep training sessions fun and interesting so your dog doesn’t get bored. They don’t respond well to harsh corrections. These dogs excel at many activities including hunting, agility, dock diving, rally, tracking, and flyball. Their gentle nature also makes them good therapy dogs. If you have a golden retriever already, then an Irish setter is a good choice as these two dog breeds get along well.
Dog food for Irish setters should be high-quality and appropriate for their age and activity level. Puppies need puppy food, adults need adult food, and older dogs need senior food. Because of the bloat risk, feed smaller meals throughout the day instead of one big meal. You have to avoid vigorous exercise right before or after meals. Moreover, you have to make sure that you always have fresh water available foryour dog. In case you don’t understand what to feed Irish setter, then talk to your vet about the best diet for your specific dog. It is absolutlely vital that you don’t offer your dog certain risky human foods and Dog Beer as it can be deterimental to their health.
When looking for red setter breeders, do your research carefully. Good breeding Irish setters requires health testing for hips, thyroid, and eyes. Ask to see health clearances for both parent dogs. Some people breed Irish setter and golden retriever puppies (sometimes called golden retriever Irish setter mixes) or an Irish setter poodle mix (called an Irish doodle dog breed). These mixed breeds can make good pets but aren’t purebred Irish setters.
The Irish setter cost from a reputable breeder is usually between $800 and $1,500. This price reflects health testing, good care, and quality breeding. If you are worried about welcoming home a Irish setter puppy and potty training it, then you follow these 10 Easy Tips for Potty Training a Puppy with Puppy Pads.
Choosing Irish setter names is fun! Many people pick Irish names or names that match the red coat. If you’re still looking for names for your setter irlandais puppies, then here a few picks that are perfect:
Someone pet owners like to accesorise their dogs with collars, bandanas, and even cute little Irish setter shoes (pun intended). In the Irish setter’s case, most people opt for a red bandana as a collar to match their haircolor. This is such a trendy thing to do that these dogs are known as the “dog with red bandana” on the internet. How cute is that?
The Irish setter is a wonderful breed for active families who can provide plenty of exercise, attention, and love. These beautiful red setter dogs are friendly, playful, and devoted companions. With proper Irish setter grooming, good nutrition, training, and veterinary care, your Irish setter will bring joy to your home for many years. Remember that owning any dog is a big responsibility. Before bringing home Irish setter puppies, make sure you can commit to daily exercise, regular grooming, training, and lots of quality time together. If you can meet these needs, an Irish setter might be the perfect addition to your family.
For more information about caring for your pets, check out other articles on EcoPetEssentials where we share tips on pet care, behavior, and product reviews to help you give your furry friends the best life possible.
➥Do Irish setters shed?
Yes, Irish setters do shed moderately throughout the year. Regular brushing twice weekly helps manage loose hair and keeps their beautiful red coat healthy and shiny.
➥What is the Irish setter cost from breeders?
The Irish setter cost typically ranges from $800 to $1,500 from reputable breeders. This price includes health testing, vaccinations, and proper early care for the puppies.
➥Is there a black Irish setter dog?
A true black Irish setter dog is extremely rare and not recognized by the AKC Irish setter breed standard. The breed should be mahogany or chestnut red.
➥What dog food for Irish setters is best?
Dog food for Irish setters should be high-quality and age-appropriate. Feed smaller meals throughout the day to prevent bloat, a serious concern for this large breed.
➥Are mini Irish setter dogs real?
No official mini Irish setter exists in the breed standard. Some breeders may advertise smaller dogs, but they aren’t recognized by official breed clubs worldwide.
Castiel Smith cares deeply about animals and the planet. He loves sharing tips that help people take better care of their pets while being kind to nature. Whether it’s about eco-friendly pet products or simple ways to take care of your fur babies, Cas loves sharing Behavior & Training Tips.
