Irish Setter
Temperament
Good with
Energy & exercise
As a large dog, a Irish Setter does best with daily walks plus time to sniff, explore, and stretch their legs. Dogs are working animals at heart — a mix of physical exercise and light mental work (training games, food puzzles, new routes) keeps them settled at home. Match the intensity to the individual dog and your vet's guidance.
Temperament & playdates
Dogs are social by nature and most enjoy meeting other dogs when introductions are calm and on neutral ground. Good play tends to be loose, bouncy, and mutual, with plenty of breaks. A Irish Setter's manners come far more from socialization and training than from breed alone, so early, positive exposure to other pets and people pays off for life.
Everyday care
Plan for fresh water, a complete diet portioned to keep a healthy weight, routine grooming, and regular veterinary checkups including core vaccinations. Coat care varies with the individual coat rather than a single rule. This is general orientation, not medical advice — your vet knows your Irish Setter best.
Health — what owners watch for
Well-documented conditions the Irish Setter can be predisposed to. Responsible breeders screen for many of these, and plenty of Irish Setters never develop them — but they are worth knowing before you commit.
- Bloat
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Epilepsy
General information, not veterinary advice — always talk to your vet.
Did you know? The glamorous mahogany coat made them a fashion favourite; three US presidents kept Irish Setters.
General, species-level orientation — not veterinary advice. Every animal is an individual; your vet knows yours best.
Irish Setter FAQ
How long do Irish Setters live?
A Irish Setter typically lives 12–15 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, dental care, and routine veterinary checkups — good day-to-day care genuinely moves the number.
How big does a Irish Setter get?
Most adult Irish Setters weigh around 24–32 kg. Individuals vary with sex, build, and diet, so treat this as a typical range rather than a guarantee.
Is a Irish Setter easy to train?
Irish Setters are generally trainable with consistency and patience. As with any dog, reward-based training and early, positive socialization matter far more than breed reputation alone.
What health issues affect Irish Setters?
Irish Setters can be predisposed to bloat, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and epilepsy. General information, not veterinary advice — always talk to your vet.
Is a Irish Setter good for playdates?
Dogs are social by nature and most enjoy meeting other dogs when introductions are calm and on neutral ground. Good play tends to be loose, bouncy, and mutual, with plenty of breaks. A Irish Setter's manners come far more from socialization and training than from breed alone, so early, positive exposure to other pets and people pays off for life.
How much space and activity does a Irish Setter need?
As a large dog, a Irish Setter does best with daily walks plus time to sniff, explore, and stretch their legs. Dogs are working animals at heart — a mix of physical exercise and light mental work (training games, food puzzles, new routes) keeps them settled at home. Match the intensity to the individual dog and your vet's guidance.
What does everyday Irish Setter care look like?
Plan for fresh water, a complete diet portioned to keep a healthy weight, routine grooming, and regular veterinary checkups including core vaccinations. Coat care varies with the individual coat rather than a single rule. This is general orientation, not medical advice — your vet knows your Irish Setter best.
Can I meet Irish Setters near me on Petpair?
Yes — Petpair matches dogs for playdates and pedigree matches, and discovery is location-aware from the first swipe. Build a free profile for your large dog and start meeting Irish Setters and other dogs in your area.
Breeds similar to the Irish Setter
Same species, matched on size, energy, and temperament — a natural next read if the Irish Setter caught your eye.
