Dog Breed

Irish Setter

Primary image of Irish Setter dog breed
Full Name
Irish Setter
Your PupScore
Take the best dog breed quiz to get your Pup Scores!
Life Span
10 - 11 years years
Weight
35 - 70 pounds
Description

Affectionate, Energetic, Lively, Independent, Playful, Companionable

Origin
Ireland
Bred For
Bird setting, retrieving
Attachments
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the Irish Setter good with children?

    Yes! The Irish Setter is naturally friendly with children. As always, socialization is always important, but the Irish Setter is an excellent dog for anyone with small children.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the Irish Setter friendly with strangers?

    Yes! The Irish Setter is naturally friendly with everyone. As always, socialization is always important, but the Irish Setter typically loves everyone they meet
    Dog Friendly

    Is the Irish Setter friendly with other dogs?

    Yes! The Irish Setter naturally loves other dogs. As always, socialization is always important, but the Irish Setter typically gets along with every dog it meets
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the Irish Setter like to cuddle?

    The Irish Setter loves physical affection and cuddles. If you're looking for a cuddle partner you may have found the one!
    Playfulness

    Does the Irish Setter like to play?

    The Irish Setter is always ready for play! It's important to keep in mind, as they need to be stimulated with games and affection throughout the day.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the Irish Setter make a good service dog?

    The Irish Setter is not typically used as a service dog. There are always exceptions to the rule, but a service dog has to have many natural traits in addition to the proper training- smart, patient, and obsessed with pleasing their owner.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the Irish Setter good for first-time owners?

    The Irish Setter is an excellent breed for first-time owners. They love pleasing their owner, and rarely are aggressive or over-dominant.
    Training Potential

    How well can the Irish Setter be trained?

    The Irish Setter can be trained to the highest level and is oftentimes seen in various competitions. The Irish Setter is not only intelligent, but it wants to please its owner and is motivated with competition, especially if it feels like it has a job assigned to it.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the Irish Setter shed a lot?

    The Irish Setter sheds a lot! They may still shed less than a few other breeds, but be prepared for dog hair throughout the home and on your clothes.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the Irish Setter easy to groom?

    The Irish Setter requires a good amount of grooming work. It is possible to do it yourself, but you need to plan on dedicating weekly grooming sessions at the minimum.
    Exercise Need

    Does the Irish Setter need a lot of exercise?

    The Irish Setter has a lot of energy and getting daily exercise is very important, both for their well-being and for their focus, which is important when you train them.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the Irish Setter?

    The Irish Setter has average intelligence. They are smart and witty, but do not need to be constantly challenged mentally, as some other breeds.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the Irish Setter bark? Does the Irish Setter bark too much?

    The Irish Setter barks a lot. This is important to consider with your living situation- will it be ok when you leave them at home alone or will they disrupt the neighbors? The Irish Setter will oftentimes bark just to express their thoughts... even just to be heard!
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the Irish Setter a good guard dog?

    The Irish Setter is not typically used as a guard dog, although they can be alert and oftentimes notify you if there is a stranger at the door or otherwise something to be concerned over.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the Irish Setter good at staying alone? Is the Irish Setter independent?

    The Irish Setter is not very independent and does not do great when left behind for longer than a couple of hours. This is one of the most important things to consider when getting a new dog.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the Irish Setter a good apartment dog?

    The Irish Setter is not a good dog for apartment living for several reasons. It is still possible to make it work if the owner is dedicated to plenty of training and daily exercise, but it may be challenging.
    Size

    How big is the Irish Setter?

    The Irish Setter is a medium sized dog breed. They can range in size depending on genetics, and males are larger on average than females.
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the Irish Setter tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Irish Setter?

    The Irish Setter can tolerate some heat, but should not be over-exposed to hot weather. In general, they can live in hot weather climates, but would do best with air conditioning or at least a fan in their home, especially where they sleep.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the Irish Setter tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Irish Setter?

    The Irish Setter can tolerate cold weather well. Play time in the snow or on particularly cold evenings may need to be limited, but overall they can do well in cold climates.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the Irish Setter try to run away?

    It is natural for the Irish Setter to run away. They are easily distracted and excited, so the urge to run away should be expected and prepared for- a fenced yard is important.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the Irish Setter a healthy dog? The health of a Irish Setter should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The Irish Setter is healthy, but has an average number of health risks that should be taken into consideration.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the Irish Setter?

    The Irish Setter has a lot of energy and this needs to be considered before bringing the Irish Setter into your home. Can you give your Irish Setter enough exercise? They will need several small daily walks, or a large dog park trip to get all of the energy out.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the Irish Setter drool?

    The Irish Setter drools very little, typically to where it's never a concern.
    Prey Drive

    Does the Irish Setter have a large prey drive? Does the Irish Setter like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The Irish Setter has a high prey drive and has a natural tendency to chase after any small animal. Every case is unique, but the Irish Setter may not be the best dog for living with other cats or small animals.
    Athleticism

    Is the Irish Setter atheltic?

    The Irish Setter is very athletic and would be well suited for a family that frequently works out or goes on adventures.
  • Secondary image of Irish Setter dog breed

1 of 2

  • Thumbnail image 0 of Irish Setter dog breed
  • Thumbnail image 1 of Irish Setter dog breed
  1. Sporting
  2. Setter
  3. Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is a purebred dog that belongs to the Setter sub group, which falls under the larger Sporting dog breed group.
Sporting group: Sporting dogs are the natural athletes of the dog world. They have high energy, and always look to be stimulated with some activity or challenge. These dogs thrive in the outdoors- particularly the woods and the water. Sporting dogs include the best swimming dogs, retrieving dogs, and other field activities. They have traditionally been bred to assist hunters find and retrieve birds and other smaller hunting game. Sporting dogs are not known as guard dogs, but because of their alertness and loyalty to their family, with proper training they can be good home protectors as well. Over the years they have become extremely well-rounded, so with plenty of exercise can make excellent home companions. They are willing to please their owners, so if you put the time into training and exercise you will be rewarded with an amazing dog.
Setter sub-group: Setters are incredibly friendly dogs that are also elegant and charming. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, but all have a unique "setter" look, mostly characterized by their large and fluffy ears. They have a soft expression, which goes perfect with their personality: happy and playful. But don't be fooled- they are bred as a hunting dog, so they are athletic and love being outdoors. They are eager to please, so can be a good dog for a first time owner. As long as you can give them love and exercise, there is a tremendous chance that your setter will be an excellent dog that rewards you a million times over.

Irish Setters for adoption

Similar Breeds