Dogs with red coats are quite rare, but some breeds are known for their reddish fur. The Irish Setter is perhaps the quintessential red dog breed. With its rich mahogany or chestnut red coat, strong hunting instincts, and fun-loving temperament, the Irish Setter embodies many qualities commonly associated with Ireland.
Breed Overview
The Irish Setter is a large, lean dog that typically stands 25-27 inches tall and weighs 50-70 pounds. They have a noble appearance with a long head, lean face, oval eyes, and long floppy ears. Their coat is moderately long, flat, and silky with feathering on the legs, tail, ears, chest, and belly. While mahogany red is the ideal color, a small amount of white on the chest, throat, or toes is permitted.
Energetic and playful, the Irish Setter has an outgoing personality and gets along well with people and other dogs. They need daily exercise and interaction to stay happy and well-behaved. The breed was developed for hunting upland game birds and still retains a strong prey drive. With proper training they can make excellent family companions, but may not be well-suited for homes with small pets.
History of the Breed
The Irish Setter likely originated from spaniel stock in Ireland, but the exact origins are unclear. By the 1800s, the breed had become popular among Ireland’s aristocracy for use in hunting birds like grouse, woodcock, snipe, and pheasant. Their superb scenting ability and boundless energy made them ideal hunters. Their striking red coats also helped them stand out against the landscapes.
The first Irish Setters were brought to the United States in the early 1800s by Irish immigrants. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1878. While still used by some for hunting today, most Irish Setters are now kept as family companions and show dogs.
| Time Period | Major Developments |
|---|---|
| 1800s | Irish Setter established as a distinctive breed in Ireland; imported to the U.S. |
| 1878 | AKC recognizes the Irish Setter breed |
| 1900s-present | Breed grows in popularity as a family pet and show dog |
Unique Traits
The Irish Setter has several distinctive traits that set it apart from other dog breeds:
- Stunning red coat – No other breed has such a rich mahogany red coat. It gives them their iconic appearance.
- High energy – Bred for endurance, they need lots of daily exercise and mental stimulation.
- Strong hunting drive – They excel at finding and pointing upland game birds.
- Outgoing nature – Irish Setters are very friendly, lively, and affectionate.
- Requires grooming – The silky coat needs regular brushing to control shedding and prevent mats.
Their striking looks and big personalities make them stand out from other sporting breeds. The Irish Setter combines beauty, brains, and ability like no other dog.
Coat Colors
While called red dogs, Irish Setters actually exhibit some variations in coat shade:
- Mahogany – Rich, reddish-brown is the ideal color according to the breed standard.
- Chestnut – Somewhat lighter red-brown shade.
- Golden red – Paler variation with more gold tones.
- Dark red – Very deep, saturated red approaching auburn.
Puppies are often born with black or very dark coats that lighten to red as they mature. A small patch of white on the chest, throat, or feet is allowed but not desired.
| Coat Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Mahogany | Rich reddish-brown, ideal shade |
| Chestnut | Lighter red-brown |
| Golden red | Pale red with gold tones |
| Dark red | Very deep, saturated red |
Grooming Needs
The silky Irish Setter coat requires regular grooming to maintain its beauty:
- Brushing – Daily brushing removes dead hairs and prevents mats.
- Bathing – Bathe every 1-2 months or as needed.
- Nails – Trim nails monthly.
- Ears – Check and clean ears weekly.
- Teeth – Daily tooth brushing is ideal.
During heavy shedding seasons, more frequent brushing may be needed. Some owners opt to clip the longer feathering on feet, legs, and ears for easier maintenance.
Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks can help keep the coat in top condition. Daily grooming rituals also help strengthen the bond between owner and dog.
Exercise Requirements
Irish Setters need lots of vigorous daily exercise to stay fit and well-behaved. Ideal activities include:
- Running – Excellent jogging or running companions.
- Fetch – Their retrieving instincts love chasing balls and toys.
- Hiking – Enjoys long walks on leash or off-leash hikes.
- Swimming – Many Irish Setters enjoy swimming.
- Agility – Their athleticism lends well to canine sports.
Puppies should not be over-exercised but adult dogs need 30-60 minutes of activity daily. Without enough exercise, Irish Setters may become hyperactive or destructive.
| Age | Recommended Daily Exercise |
|---|---|
| Puppies | 15-30 minutes |
| Adult Dogs | 30-60 minutes |
| Senior Dogs | 30-45 minutes |
Training Tips
Irish Setters are intelligent but can be a challenge to train. Early socialization and positive reinforcement methods work best. Useful tips include:
- Start training early and be consistent.
- Use praise, treats, and toys to motivate them.
- Practice the basics – sit, stay, come, heel.
- Curb jumping up and mouthing behaviors.
- Introduce crate and house training right away.
- Leash train and work on recall early.
- Socialize them well to curb shyness.
- Consider professional training if struggling.
Irish Setters respond best to upbeat, engaging training sessions that feel like fun games. Their training needs patience and persistence but builds a wonderful bond.
Health Issues
Irish Setters are generally healthy but can be prone to some conditions, including:
- Hip dysplasia – Malformation of hip joints.
- Bloat – Life-threatening stomach twisting.
- Cancer – Susceptible to certain cancers.
- Thyroid problems – Hypothyroidism, autoimmune thyroiditis.
- Progressive retinal atrophy – Gradual vision loss.
- Epilepsy – Seizure disorder in some lines.
Reputable breeders screen breeding dogs for health conditions present in the breed. With proper diet, exercise, vet care, and genetic testing, many Irish Setters live happily to 12-15 years old.
Finding an Irish Setter
There are several options for finding an Irish Setter puppy or adult dog:
- Reputable breeders – Screen for health, temperament, and breed standards.
- Irish Setter breed clubs – Help connect with quality breeders.
- Rescue organizations – Rehome adult dogs.
- Shelters or online ads – Do thorough vetting and health checks.
- Online breeder directories – Research breeder reputation carefully.
When contacting breeders, ask about health testing, meet parents, check facilities, and expect waiting lists. Plan for $1,500 to over $2,500+ for a puppy depending on lineage.
Adopting an adult or senior dog can also be very rewarding. Be sure to ask about health and temperament.
Conclusion
With its classic red coat, athletic build, and lively temperament, the Irish Setter is a uniquely Irish breed. First developed to hunt upland gamebirds, they excel at fieldwork but also thrive as family companions. Their good-natured confidence and boundless spirit bring life to any home. For an active owner, the charming and mischievous Irish Setter can be an ideal four-legged friend.