Irish Setter
Sporting Group
Breed Disposition
Irish Setters have a care-free personality. They are great around children and are best for active families. They pick up on training quickly, however, they are hard to train for long periods of time. They are considered to be high energy dogs.
Breed Size
Male
- Height - 27 inches
- Weight - 70 lbs.
- Height - 25 inches
- Weight - 60 lbs.
Breed Purposes
Irish Setters were originally bred as hunting dogs in Ireland. The Setter will sniff out birds, track their location and then silently freeze in place, indicating they found the prey.
Color/Coat Options
Mahogany is the standard color of Irish Setters. They have a straight, glossy coat, that appears longer on the ears, chest, tail and the back of the legs.
Activity Requirements
As puppies, Irish Setters need regular exercise and long walks. As the dog matures they can participate in activities such as walking, hiking, and biking. They should be able to exercise for at least an hour a day. They should have a large fenced in yard to run around in.
Breed Maintenance
Irish Setters should be groomed weekly. Their nails should be trimmed regularly to avoid overgrowth, splitting and cracking. Their teeth need to be brushed to avoid buildup. This breed can be prone to ear infections, therefore, their ear needs to be checked routinely to avoid a buildup of wax and debris.
Health Concerns & Life Expectancy
Issues like hip dysplasia and eye disease are evident in Irish Setters. They can also suffer from epilepsy, which will cause them to have seizures. The majority of this breed are healthy dogs. Flea and tick preventatives are important because of their long coat. They have a lifespan of 12-14 years.