Is an Irish Setter the Right Dog for You?
Life with an Irish Setter is rarely quiet and never dull. Known for their striking red coat and boundless enthusiasm, these dogs combine athletic energy with an almost constant desire to engage with their people. They’re typically friendly, outgoing, and deeply social — the kind of dog that assumes everyone is a potential friend. That same exuberance, however, comes with a need for exercise, stimulation, and patience during training. Irish Setters thrive in active households where their energy and playful spirit are seen as part of the charm rather than a challenge.
Irish Setter At a Glance
Temperament: Outgoing, affectionate, exuberant
Breed Type: Sporting / gun dog
Height: 25–27 inches
Weight: 60–70 pounds
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Shedding: Moderate
Exercise Needs: High
Good for Families: Yes — thrives on interaction
Best for Owners: Active / engaged households
Origin: Ireland
Size: Large
Irish Setter Origin
The Irish Setter originated in the 18th century when hunters sought faster bird dogs to match the advancements in flintlock firearms. These new guns demanded dogs capable of covering large areas swiftly and efficiently. To meet this need, breeders crossed Spaniels with native Irish dogs, ultimately developing the Irish Setter. Renowned for its speed, agility, and endurance, the breed became well-suited for hunting across the rugged Irish countryside.
Original Irish Setter Coat Colors
The original Irish Setter was easily recognized by its striking red and white coat. Over time, three distinct color variations developed: solid red, red and white, and red with white flecks. In 1885, the first Irish Red Setter Club was founded in Dublin, establishing an official breed standard. As the breed continued to evolve, the Irish Setter and the Irish Red and White Setter eventually became recognized as two separate breeds.
Madra Rua or Irish Setter?
In Gaelic, the Irish Setter is known as Madra Rua, meaning “red dog”-a fitting name for this striking breed. Often called “Red Setters,” they are celebrated for their lustrous coats, which shimmer in shades ranging from deep mahogany to rich chestnut.
Irish Setter’s Closest DNA Relatives
In Landmark Research on Modern Dog Breed development, the Irish Setter has been shown to share the most DNA with an ancestor of the following breeds:
Gordon Setter
English Setter
Brittany
The “Setter Stride”
The Irish Setter has a unique gait, often referred to as the “setter’s stride.” This distinctive movement involves the dog raising its front leg high and swinging it forward in a graceful motion. This gait not only adds to the breed’s elegance but also serves a functional purpose. The setter’s stride allows the dog to cover ground efficiently, with long strides that enable them to move quickly and gracefully across various terrains. It is powerful combination of style, agility, and efficiency.
Irish Setter Size and Coat Colors
Size & Appearance:
As defined by the FCI Breed Standard, the Irish Setter is a substantial yet elegant dog, standing up to 27 inches (68.5 cm) at the shoulder and weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kg).
Coat Color Requirements:
The ideal coat is a rich chestnut with no black shading whatsoever. Limited white markings are permitted but restricted to:
The chest, throat, or toes
A small star on the forehead
A narrow streak or blaze on the nose/face
Note: These minor white markings do not constitute a fault.
Irish Setter AKC Recognization
The Irish Setter was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878. It was one of the first breeds to be recognized along with the:
1878 – Pointer
1878 – Retriever (Chesapeake Bay)
1878 – Spaniel (Clumber)
1878 – Spaniel (Cocker)
1878 – Setter (English)
1878 – Setter (Gordon)
1878 – Setter (Irish)
1878 – Spaniel (Irish Water)
1878 – Spaniel (Sussex)
Growing Up Irish Setter
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How Fast Can an Irish Setter Run?
The AKC Conducts Dog Racing Trials each December in Orlando, FL. called the Fast CAT Invitational. This is a 100 yard race where dogs run individually chasing a lure. The average running speed by Irish Setter’s is about 23 mph. The fastest recorded speed by a Irish Setter was by a dog named Mcauley My Cup Runneth Over at 27.26 mph!
The Irish Setter & Thyroid Problems
The Irish Setter has a notable predisposition to hypothyroidism, ranking 23rd among all dog breeds for autoimmune thyroiditis. This condition occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient hormones, potentially triggering a range of symptoms:
Hair loss (especially on the flanks and tail)
Lethargy or sluggish behavior
Reduced appetite and weight fluctuations
Muscle weakness or loss of tone
Early diagnosis and thyroid hormone supplementation can effectively manage this condition, ensuring a good quality of life.
Irish Setter Temperament and Personality
The CBARQ Dog Temperament Research study, conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, is a giant study of over 300 dog breeds and 60,000 individual dogs. In this study, the Irish Setter ranks 31 out of 124 breeds in prey drive. If a squirrel, cat, rabbit or other small animal crosses their field of vision, there is a very good chance they will give chase.
Are Irish Setters Aggressive?
In this Same Research, the Irish Setter ranks VERY low (118 out of 124 breeds) in displaying aggression towards their owners. They also rank very low in showing aggression towards other unfamiliar dogs. Aggression is defined as a dog’s reaction when another person or canine enters their personal space/territory. It can be trough barking, growling, bearing teeth or, in extreme cases, lunging or biting.
Irish Setter Humor!
Irish Setter Intelligence
In the Landmark Book entitled, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, professor Stanley Coren researched and documented the intelligence of over 130 different dog breeds. In his book, the Irish Setter ranks 35th out of 138 breeds in working/obedience intelligence. Essentially this means they will learn new commands in 15 to 25 repetitions and obey first commands more than 70% of the time. This puts them in the “above average working and obedience intelligence” category. In contrast, the most intelligent breeds will learn the same command in 5 repetitions or less!
Irish Setter Health and Lifespan
The Irish Setter typically enjoys a long lifespan of 12–15 years, with many living beyond 15 years with proper care. Known for their slow maturation, they often retain their playful, “awkward adolescent” energy for 2–3 years before fully settling into adulthood.
Common Health Concerns
While generally robust, the breed is predisposed to certain conditions:
Hip Dysplasia (malformation of the hip joint)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) (degenerative eye disease leading to blindness)
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid, as previously detailed)
Proactive health screenings and responsible breeding practices can help mitigate these risks.
Irish Setters as Therapy Dogs
Irish Setters are natural-born therapy dogs—their affectionate, outgoing nature makes them a joy to everyone they meet. Renowned for their good humor, intelligence, and eagerness to please, they excel in training and thrive on human interaction.
However, their sweet temperament comes with trade-offs:
Poor guard dogs – Their friendliness extends even to strangers!
Separation anxiety risk – Their deep bond with owners means they dislike being alone for long periods.
For active families or individuals who can match their energy and provide companionship, they’re ideal partners.
Check Your Irish Setter Facts Take a Fun Irish Setter Quiz!
Quick Facts About Irish Setters Infographic
Facts About Irish Setters-Final Thoughts
Irish Setters are not only intelligent dogs but also make ideal companions for pet owners who are looking for an active and energetic breed. With their stunning red coat and friendly temperament, they are sure to turn heads wherever they go. They are known for having a calm demeanor and make great therapy dogs, in fact, they do a great job of sensing an owner’s emotions in difficult times. These dogs thrive when provided with sufficient exercise and mental stimulation, making them well-suited for various dog sports. Regular grooming is essential to maintain their beautiful coat, but it is a small price to pay for this great breed. If you are willing to invest time and effort into providing them with a lot of exercise and consistent training, Irish Setters can be a good fit for people of all ages looking for a healthy, active, and loving companion.
