The Irish Setter is one of the most breathtaking dogs in the world — a sweeping mahogany coat, elegant long-limbed build, and an expression of aristocratic joy that is unique to the breed. Developed in Ireland for bird-setting and flushing, the modern Irish Setter retains enormous energy, enthusiasm, and athleticism alongside a warm, sociable temperament that makes them magnificent family dogs for active households. They come with a small but important set of breed-specific health considerations every prospective owner must understand.
Quick Facts
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Size | Large (males: 67–68 cm / 27–32 kg; females slightly smaller) |
| Coat | Rich mahogany or chestnut red, silky and flat — requires regular grooming |
| Exercise | 2+ hours per day — high-energy gundog in a beautiful coat |
| Lifespan | 12–14 years |
| Good for families? | Excellent — genuinely warm, sociable, and good with children |
| Puppy cost (UK 2026) | £1,000–£1,800 |
| KC group | Gundog |
Health — Key Conditions
CLAD — Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency
CLAD is a fatal inherited immunodeficiency disease almost exclusive to Irish Setters and Irish Red and White Setters. Affected puppies are unable to mount an effective immune response to bacterial infection:
- Symptoms begin in puppyhood: severe, recurring bacterial infections; poor wound healing; failure to thrive; often death within weeks to months
- Inheritance: autosomal recessive — both parents must carry the gene for a puppy to be affected. Carriers show no symptoms
- DNA test available and mandatory: From January 2025, the Kennel Club requires all Irish Setter litters using overseas sires to be tested clear or carrier for CLAD (and PRA rcd1) for KC registration. Reputable UK breeders should test all breeding dogs
- Before purchasing an Irish Setter puppy, insist on seeing DNA test certificates for both parents showing clear or carrier (never affected × carrier)
GDV — Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus
Irish Setters are deep-chested and at meaningful GDV risk. Research estimates approximately 24% of Irish Setters will develop GDV in their lifetime, with ~7% dying from it:
- Signs: distended abdomen, unproductive retching, restlessness, excessive salivation, rapid breathing → collapse
- If you suspect GDV: emergency vet immediately
- Prevention: 2–3 smaller meals per day; no vigorous exercise 1 hour either side of meals; slow-feeder bowls; avoid drinking large volumes rapidly after exercise. Discuss prophylactic gastropexy with your vet
Epilepsy
Idiopathic epilepsy (no identifiable underlying cause — believed genetic) is documented in Irish Setters. Seizures typically begin between 6 months and 3 years of age. Management with anti-epileptic medication (phenobarbitone, potassium bromide) is usually effective and long-term prognosis with well-managed epilepsy is good. Ask breeders about epilepsy history in their lines.
Temperament
- Enthusiastic and sociable — Irish Setters are famously exuberant. They greet the world (and everyone in it) with infectious joy. Prolonged reserve or wariness is atypical of the breed
- Slow to mature — Irish Setters remain puppy-like in behaviour well into their third year. This is delightful and occasionally exhausting
- Separation-sensitive — they thrive on company and can develop anxiety when left alone. Gradual independence training from early in puppyhood is important
- Trainable but distractible — highly responsive to positive reinforcement; recall and focus around distractions require consistent work given their gundog nose
FAQs
How different are Irish Setters from English Setters?
Both are elegant bird-setting spaniels developed in the British Isles, but they differ in key ways: the Irish Setter is solid rich mahogany/chestnut with higher energy and a slightly more exuberant temperament; the English Setter has a distinctive “belton” spotted and flecked white coat with colour, and tends to be slightly calmer and more independent. The English Setter has its own health profile (particularly hip and elbow dysplasia and deafness in some colour combinations). Both require significant exercise and grooming commitment.