Irish Setter
Irish Setters are athletic sporting dogs known for a striking red coat and a friendly, outgoing personality. They do best in active households that enjoy long walks, running, and training games. Many Irish Setters are affectionate and playful, but they are exuberant, especially when young. Their feathered coat needs regular brushing to avoid tangles. Consistent training, daily exercise, and social interaction, Irish Setters can be joyful companions and capable sporting partners.
The Irish Setter is a large dog in the Sporting group, known for Outgoing, Energetic, Affectionate. Adults typically weigh 60-70 lbs and stand 25-27 in, with a lifespan around 12-15 years.
Quick facts
- Group: Sporting
- Size: large
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Weight: 60-70 lbs
- Height: 25-27 in
- Temperament: Outgoing, Energetic, Affectionate, Playful
Temperament & day-to-day life
Temperament helps you predict what daily life with this breed may feel like. The Irish Setter is often described as Outgoing, Energetic, Affectionate, Playful. Individual dogs vary, but these traits are a solid starting point when you’re planning training, enrichment, and routines.
If you’re researching this breed because you’re trying to identify your own dog, use temperament as supporting evidence—not the final verdict. Compare size, proportions, and behavior patterns, then confirm with a photo using the AI dog breed identifier.
Training & exercise
Sporting breeds were developed to work closely with people in the field—retrieving, flushing, and staying responsive to direction.
They often do best with positive reinforcement, clear routines, and training that feels like a job (retrieving games, obedience, nose work).
Plan for consistent daily exercise plus mental stimulation; many sporting dogs thrive when they have a purpose, not just a short walk.
History
Irish Setters were developed in Ireland as bird dogs, refined for speed, style, and stamina in the field. The breed became popular both for hunting ability and distinctive appearance.
Care tips
Good care is less about perfection and more about consistency. Start with simple routines you can keep up—daily movement, a predictable feeding plan, and regular check-ins for ears, nails, and skin.
- Provide daily aerobic exercise; this breed has plenty of energy.
- Brush the coat several times per week to prevent mats and burrs.
- Teach leash manners and impulse control—youthful exuberance is common.
- Offer training and scent games to satisfy sporting instincts.
- Start socialization early to build confident, friendly behavior.
Similar breeds to compare
Many breeds share similar silhouettes and features. If you’re comparing AI results or deciding between breeds, it helps to read a few profiles side by side. Common look-alikes and close cousins to the Irish Setter include Golden Retriever, English Setter, Gordon Setter, English Springer Spaniel.
When you compare, focus on structure (muzzle length, ear set, body proportions) as much as coat color. Then confirm by looking at temperament and daily care needs.
FAQ
How big do Irish Setters get?
Most adult Irish Setters fall around 60-70 lbs and stand 25-27 in. Genetics, diet, and activity level all influence where an individual dog lands within that range.
How long do Irish Setters live?
The typical lifespan is 12-15 years. Preventive vet care, healthy weight, and consistent daily exercise are some of the biggest factors that support longevity.
What is the Irish Setter temperament like?
Many owners describe this breed as Outgoing, Energetic, Affectionate, Playful. Early socialization and reward-based training help those traits show up as calm confidence at home and on walks.
How can I identify a Irish Setter from a photo?
Upload a clear photo (ideally with the full body visible) to our dog breed identifier. Use the results as a starting point, then compare likely matches in the breed directory.