Irish Setter dog
Large breed active energy Silky coat Sporting Group

Irish Setter

Active, Outgoing, Sweet-Natured

The Irish Setter has been described by its partisans as the most beautiful of dog breeds. Standing more than two feet at the shoulder, with a substantial yet elegant build, the Irish is famed for a brilliant coat of mahogany or chestnut. Long, sinewy legs and powerful rear drive โ€ฆ

โš–๏ธ 60โ€“70 lbs (27.22โ€“31.75 kg) ๐Ÿ“ 25โ€“27" ๐ŸŽ‚ 12โ€“15 yr lifespan ๐Ÿง  Intelligence #35 (Above average)

Irish Setter Characteristics

Energy

100%

Shedding

60%

Trainability

60%

Grooming

60%

Friendliness

100%

Coat Type

Silky coat

2-3 Times a Week Brushing

Breed Data

๐Ÿง 
#35
Intelligence
๐ŸŽ‚
11.6yr
Avg lifespan
๐Ÿ’ฐ
$20K
Lifetime cost
๐Ÿ–
$466/yr
Annual food
๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ง
Great
With kids
๐Ÿฉบ
2
Known conditions

Known genetic concerns: hip, eye problems

Expert Picks for Irish Setters

โญ Top Pick Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult

dog food

Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.8

Best overall large breed food โ€” consistent quality at a fair priceโ€ฆ

KONG Extreme Dog Toy

toys

KONG Extreme Dog Toy

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.7

The #1 chew toy for heavy chewers โ€” nothing else comes closeโ€ฆ

K&H Pet Products Elevated Dog Bed

beds

K&H Pet Products Elevated Dog Bed

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.5

Best cooling bed โ€” essential for flat-faced breeds and dogs in warm clโ€ฆ

Embark Dog DNA Test Kit

health

Embark Dog DNA Test Kit

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.5

Best DNA test overall โ€” unmatched health screening depthโ€ฆ

Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar

training

Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.4

Best GPS collar for active owners โ€” 3-month battery is class-leadingโ€ฆ

Skout's Honor Probiotic Dog Grooming Spray

grooming

Skout's Honor Probiotic Dog Grooming Spray

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.5

Best probiotic coat spray โ€” supports skin microbiome health between baโ€ฆ

Irish Setter Care Tips

โœ“

Requires 90+ minutes vigorous exercise daily โ€” fetch, agility, or long hikes.

โœ“

Seasonal shedder โ€” daily brushing during spring and fall coat blows is essential.

โœ“

Brush 2-3ร— weekly to maintain coat condition and reduce shedding around the home.

โœ“

Very sociable and people-oriented โ€” early socialization keeps friendliness well-directed.

All Irish Setter Guides

FCI Classification

FCI Group

Group 7 โ€” Pointing Dogs

Section

Britse en Ierse pointers en setters

Status

recognized