Irish Red Setter

Other names : Red Setter, Irish Setter

Photo: adult dog of Irish Red Setter breed
© Olga Maksimava / Shutterstock
Photo: adult dog of Irish Red Setter breed
© anetapics / Shutterstock

Originating in Ireland, Irish Setters first appeared as gundogs. Their popularity soon spread, not only because of their enthusiasm as working bird dogs, but also because of their stunning, mahogany coats. This breed is very friendly and excel in many activities and canine sports. With a high energy drive, this dog is quite boisterous and bold too. He loves anything to do with sporting birds and has a strong hunting instinct.

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Life expectancy

The Irish Red Setter has a life expectancy of between 12 and 14 years

Temperament

Size

Medium

Adult size

Female Between 22 and 24 in
Male Between 23 and 26 in

Adult weight

Female Between 40 and 51 lb
Male Between 44 and 55 lb
Coat colour
Red White
Type of coat
Long
Eye colour
Brown

Purchase price

The Irish Red Setter costs between £810 and £860

Good to know

These good-looking, Irish Setter dogs are a very popular breed, not only in the UK, but worldwide too. This means that puppies from established breeders can be sold to a high price. As with all types of dogs, when choosing a new puppy:

  • Beware of scams online selling and advertising puppies. These false sellers might show you fake images of gorgeous Irish Setter pups they are selling, at budget prices. Always visit the breeders home before you commit to buying a puppy, or you hand over any money. 
  • Be aware also, that some amateur breeders choose to breed from a female dog too many times, which is not only very cruel but also means that the resulting pups may not be in the best of health. 
  • When deciding to buy an Irish Setter puppy, always ask to see details of the dog’s lineage, proof of their vaccinations and microchipping.

More details about the Irish Red Setter

Irish Red Setter: Origins and history

The Irish Setter, as his name suggests, comes from Ireland. The breed was developed there during the 18th century, when Gordon Setters, Pointers, Spaniels and English Setters were likely combined. Some of the first of the breed were known as Red Spaniels, or the Gaelic version of red dog, “Modder Rhu”. Many setters with either solid red coats or red sprinkled with tiny white dots were bred during this time.

The first Irish Setter imported from Ireland to the United States in 1875 was named Elcho. This famous dog was a star, not only in the hunting field but also in the show ring. Likewise, in 1878, Admiral was the first of the breed to be registered by the American KC.  During the 60’s and 70’s, popularity rose for this breed of dogs, notably due to Big Red, a famous Irish Setter who had a movie and books named after him. The dog’s popularity remains stable in present times.

FCI classification of the Irish Red Setter

  • Group 7 - Pointing Dogs

  • Section 2 : British and Irish Pointers and Setters

Irish Red Setter: Varieties

  • Irish Red Setter
  • Irish Red and White Setter

Training a Irish Red Setter

Certainly, Irish Setters are very responsive to training, however, often quite mischievous. As he loves to spend time around people, he will enjoy the extra time you spend on training sessions. Very capable of learning many skills including complex and advanced ones, especially if you begin these routines from puppyhood.

Irish Red Setter: Purchase price

The average price of an Irish Setter dog in the UK, is £860 for a dog registered at the Kennel Club and £810 for a dog that isn’t.

As a rough guide, the cost to feed, insure and care for an Irish Setter, including annual veterinary check-ups, will be around £80 to £100 each month. This however, does not include the initial buying cost of your pet.

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