Irish Setter
The Good
- Friendly and cheerful temperament
- Absolutely adores children
- Completely non-aggressive nature
- Intelligent and trainable
- Suitable for first-time dog owners
The Real
- Requires extensive daily exercise
- Needs plenty of space to roam
- Provides no guarding instincts
- Cannot tolerate being left alone
- Demands regular coat maintenance
Gallery
Breed Overview
The Irish Setter is Australia's answer to the perfect family companion - if you're ready for their boundless energy! These stunning redheads with their flowing mahogany coats are like that mate who's always up for an adventure and greets everyone like a long-lost friend.
Originally bred as hunting companions in Ireland, these athletic beauties have captured Australian hearts with their sweet temperament and striking appearance. Standing tall at 55-70cm and weighing 25-32kg, they're substantial dogs with elegant, sporty builds that turn heads at dog parks from Bondi to Perth.
What makes Irish Setters special is their combination of intelligence, playfulness, and genuine love for people. They're the kind of dog that thinks every stranger is just a friend they haven't met yet - which makes them brilliant family pets but hopeless guard dogs! Their enthusiasm is infectious, though it can be overwhelming for small children who might get knocked over by their exuberant greetings.
These dogs thrive in active Australian households where they can join in family adventures. Whether it's beach walks along the Gold Coast, hiking in the Blue Mountains, or camping trips to national parks, Irish Setters are game for anything. Their high energy levels mean they're not suited to apartment living or sedentary lifestyles - they need space to run and families who can match their zest for life.
History
History
The Irish Setter's story begins in 18th century Ireland, where they were developed as exceptional hunting dogs with a fascinating genetic journey. Originally, these setters weren't the solid red beauties we know today - they were actually red and white dogs that gradually evolved through selective breeding.
The breed's development involved crossing various hunting dogs, including English Setters, spaniels, pointers, and Gordon Setters. Irish families took great pride in their breeding programs, with some even keeping detailed records of their bloodlines. The name "setter" comes from their unique hunting style - they would "set" or crouch down when they found game birds, alerting hunters to their location.
By the mid-1800s, the solid red coat had become the preferred trait, and these stunning dogs were gaining recognition beyond Ireland's borders. The Irish Red Setter Club was established in 1882, and just four years later, the first breed standard was written. This standard was so comprehensive it even included detailed descriptions of the dog's working style and physical requirements for true hunting ability.
The breed's popularity spread globally, reaching Australia where they adapted well to our climate and outdoor lifestyle. Interestingly, two distinct lines developed - show dogs with longer, more luxurious coats, and working dogs that remained leaner and more athletic. While early breeding programs sometimes crossed these lines, modern breeding tends to keep them separate.
Today's Irish Setters maintain their ancestors' hunting instincts while serving primarily as beloved family companions, though many still excel in field trials and dog sports across Australia.
Traits & Characteristics
Irish Setter characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Irish Setters are generally robust dogs with a lifespan of 12-15 years, but like all large breeds, they have some health considerations every Australian owner should know about. The good news is that responsible breeders screen for most inherited conditions, so choosing your pup carefully makes a huge difference.
The biggest concern for Irish Setters is gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), commonly called bloat. This life-threatening condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood supply. Large, deep-chested breeds like Irish Setters are particularly susceptible. Watch for signs like restlessness, drooling, retching without vomiting, and a swollen abdomen. If you suspect bloat, get to your vet immediately - it's a true emergency. Prevention includes feeding smaller, frequent meals and avoiding vigorous exercise around mealtimes.
Hip dysplasia is another concern, where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to arthritis and mobility issues. This can be hereditary or caused by rapid growth, overfeeding, or excessive exercise during puppyhood. Keep young Irish Setters lean and avoid intense exercise until their growth plates close around 18 months.
Eye problems, particularly progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), can affect the breed. This degenerative condition eventually causes blindness, though DNA testing can predict it years before symptoms appear. Hypothyroidism is also seen in Irish Setters, causing weight gain, lethargy, and coat problems, but it's easily managed with daily medication.
Regular vet checkups, maintaining a healthy weight, and choosing a reputable breeder who health tests their breeding stock are your best defences against these conditions.
Feeding an Irish Setter properly is crucial for preventing bloat and maintaining their athletic build throughout Australia's varied seasons. These active dogs typically need more food than you'd expect for their size due to their high metabolism, but portion control remains important to prevent weight gain.
Choose a high-quality commercial dog food appropriate for your setter's life stage - puppy, adult, or senior. Look for foods designed for large, active breeds that provide balanced nutrition without unnecessary fillers. The key to preventing bloat is feeding two or three smaller meals daily rather than one large meal. This approach also helps maintain steady energy levels for their active lifestyle.
Australian owners should consider the climate when feeding - dogs may eat less during hot Brisbane summers and more during cooler Melbourne winters. Always provide fresh water, especially important during our warmer months when these energetic dogs can quickly become dehydrated.
Avoid feeding immediately before or after vigorous exercise. A good rule is waiting at least an hour after meals before heading out for that beach run or bushwalk. Elevated feeding bowls can help reduce the amount of air your setter swallows while eating, potentially reducing bloat risk.
Because Irish Setters are prone to joint issues, discuss joint supplements with your vet, especially as they age. Omega-3 fatty acids can help maintain that gorgeous red coat while supporting overall health.
Be cautious with treats and table scraps - these dogs are notorious for their charming begging faces! Stick to healthy dog treats and remember that chocolate, onions, grapes, and other human foods can be toxic to dogs.
That stunning red coat that makes Irish Setters so eye-catching comes with serious grooming commitments - think of it as the price of beauty! These dogs need daily brushing to prevent matting and keep their silky coat looking its best, especially during Australian shedding seasons.
Invest in quality grooming tools: a pin brush, slicker brush, metal comb, and de-matting tool. Start at the feathered areas - legs, chest, ears, and tail - where mats form most easily. Work systematically through the coat, paying special attention to areas that rub against collars or harnesses. During walks through Australian bush or beaches, seeds, burrs, and sand can tangle in their coat, so post-adventure brushing sessions are essential.
Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks helps maintain coat health and keeps nails trimmed. Many Australian groomers are familiar with setter coats and can provide breed-appropriate trims that enhance their natural beauty while keeping them comfortable in our climate.
Ear care is particularly important for Irish Setters. Their floppy ears trap moisture and debris, creating perfect conditions for infections - especially problematic in humid areas like Darwin or Brisbane. Clean ears weekly with a vet-approved solution and dry thoroughly after swimming or bathing. During meals, consider using a snood or tying ears back to keep them out of food bowls.
Bathe only when necessary using gentle dog shampoo, as over-bathing strips natural oils from their coat. After beach visits, rinse off salt water and sand to prevent skin irritation. Regular nail trims, teeth brushing, and eye cleaning complete the grooming routine for these gorgeous redheads.
Irish Setters are intelligent, eager-to-please dogs, but their independent hunting heritage and boundless enthusiasm require patient, consistent training approaches. Think of them as that brilliant mate who gets easily distracted by every interesting thing happening around them!
These dogs need substantial daily exercise - we're talking 1-2 hours minimum of vigorous activity. Perfect for active Australian families, they excel at jogging, hiking, swimming, and playing fetch. Beach runs along the Gold Coast, bush walks in national parks, or agility training at local dog clubs all suit their athletic nature. Without adequate exercise, expect destructive behaviour and an unhappy dog.
Training works best with positive reinforcement methods. Keep sessions short (10-15 minutes) and engaging, as their attention can wander. They respond beautifully to praise, treats, and play rewards but shut down with harsh corrections. Early socialisation is crucial - expose them to various people, dogs, sounds, and environments while they're young.
Their hunting instincts mean recall training is essential. Practice in secure areas first, gradually increasing distractions. Many Irish Setters excel in dog sports like agility, tracking, and dock diving - perfect outlets for their energy and intelligence.
House training requires consistency, especially with puppies who might get over-excited. Crate training helps, but remember these social dogs don't cope well with long periods alone. If you work full-time, consider doggy daycare or dog walkers.
Australian dog training clubs often run setter-specific classes where you can learn alongside other sporting dog owners who understand the unique joys and challenges of these energetic, loving companions.
Who is an ideal owner?
Irish Setters are perfect for active Australian families who want a dog that's genuinely part of the gang. If you love weekend adventures, beach trips, and having a four-legged shadow following you around, an Irish Setter could be your ideal match.
These dogs thrive with owners who lead active lifestyles - think morning jogs, weekend hiking, camping trips to places like the Grampians, or regular beach visits. They're fantastic with older children who can handle their enthusiastic play style, though toddlers might get knocked over by their exuberant greetings. Families with teenagers often find Irish Setters perfect companions for bike rides, running, and outdoor sports.
You'll need a house with a secure yard - apartment living just doesn't suit these large, energetic dogs. They're also escape artists when bored, so good fencing is essential. Time commitment is significant: daily grooming, extensive exercise, and training all require dedication.
First-time dog owners can succeed with Irish Setters if they're prepared for the energy levels and grooming needs. These dogs are forgiving of mistakes and genuinely want to please, making them more suitable for beginners than many sporting breeds.
However, they're not ideal for everyone. If you work long hours, prefer quiet evenings, or want a guard dog, look elsewhere. Irish Setters need constant companionship and will develop separation anxiety if left alone too much. They're also hopeless guard dogs - more likely to show burglars where you keep the good treats than protect your property!
Retirees with active lifestyles often make excellent Irish Setter owners, having time for training, grooming, and the companionship these social dogs crave.
Interesting facts about the Irish Setter
Interesting Fact
Irish Setters were originally red and white dogs, not the solid red colour we see today - the solid red coat was selectively bred over generations
Interesting Fact
The breed got its name from their hunting technique of "setting" or crouching down when they found game birds, alerting hunters to the location
Interesting Fact
Despite popular belief, the three setter breeds (Irish, English, and Gordon) are completely separate breeds, not just colour variations of one type
Interesting Fact
Any black in an Irish Setter's coat is considered a serious fault in dog shows, despite the breed having no official disqualifications
FAQ
Absolutely! Irish Setters are sweet-tempered, affectionate dogs that love being part of family activities. They're particularly great with older children who can handle their enthusiastic play style, though they might accidentally knock over toddlers in their excitement.
Yes, they're intelligent and eager to please, making them quite trainable. However, their independent nature and high energy mean you'll need to keep training sessions short, fun, and interesting to hold their attention. They respond best to positive reinforcement methods.
No, Irish Setters are not typically nuisance barkers. They'll alert you when something's happening but generally only bark when necessary. Their friendly nature means they're more likely to greet visitors with enthusiasm than excessive barking.
Not really. These large, energetic dogs need plenty of space to move around and a secure yard to burn off energy. Apartment living would be quite restrictive for a breed that requires 1-2 hours of vigorous exercise daily.
Irish Setters need substantial daily exercise - about 1-2 hours of vigorous activity. In hot Australian summers, exercise early morning or evening to avoid heat stress. They love swimming, which is perfect for our beach culture and helps them stay cool while getting great exercise.
Daily brushing is essential to prevent matting, especially during Australian shedding seasons. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks helps maintain their coat. After beach or bush walks, extra brushing removes sand, seeds, and debris that can tangle in their feathered coat.
Generally yes, especially if socialised early. Their friendly nature extends to other dogs, and they can live peacefully with cats if introduced properly. However, their hunting instincts mean they might chase smaller pets or wildlife during walks.