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Large breed

Irish Setter Puppies

Adventurous companion for active families everywhere

  • Great with kids
  • Active breed
  • Alert watchdog

We do not have Irish Setter puppies on the floor today. Tell us what you are looking for and we will let you know the moment one arrives, or help you find a breed that suits your home just as well.

  • Adult weight 55–75 lbs
  • Height 24–28 in
  • Lifespan 10–15 years
  • Exercise 120 min a day
Shiny, red coat with long ears, standing elegantly in a grassy field

About the Irish Setter

The Irish Setter brings a spirited charm into any home, showcasing a rich history that traces back to 18th-century Ireland as a hunter’s companion. These large, beautiful dogs possess a striking coat of luscious red, which truly turns heads and captures hearts. With their joyful nature and affectionate demeanor, Irish Setters flourish as part of a family. Their gentle temperament makes them especially great companions for young children, fostering playfulness and an endless supply of love.

Read more about the Irish Setter Show less

Known for their exuberant energy, Irish Setters thrive in active households where they can engage in daily adventures. They require regular exercise to keep their bodies fit and their minds stimulated. A daily walk or a run in the yard is ideal for these lively pups, and they revel in the opportunity to participate in family activities. While they may not be the best fit for apartment living due to their size and energy level, those who have the space and time can expect an energetic friend by their side for years to come.

Grooming an Irish Setter is a labor of love, requiring weekly attention to maintain the health and beauty of their long, flowing coat. While they do shed moderately, maintaining their grooming routine can help minimize the mess. Along with their grooming needs, training can be a rewarding experience, as Irish Setters are intelligent and eager to please, responding well to positive reinforcement techniques. Whether you are looking for a furry companion to brighten your days or a loyal friend to share your life’s adventures, the Irish Setter has an abundance of love and enthusiasm to offer. If you’re searching for an Irish Setter in Furrylicious®, prepare for endless cuddles and wagging tails as this delightful breed quickly settles into your family.

Irish Setter breed profile

Every score below is set by our team for this breed. Higher is simply more of that trait, not better or worse.

Temperament

  • Affection Devoted
  • Playfulness Always game
  • With strangers Friendly
  • Territorial Relaxed
  • Prey drive High

Family & other pets

  • Young children Excellent
  • Older children Excellent
  • Other dogs Sociable
  • Cats Needs care

Energy & exercise

  • Energy Very high
  • Mental stimulation High

Training

  • Trainability Quick to learn
  • Intelligence Very bright
  • Stubbornness A stubborn streak

Care & upkeep

  • Shedding Heavy
  • Drooling Minimal
  • Barking Moderate

Home life

  • Apartment living Needs real space
  • Time alone Short periods
  • Cold weather Needs a coat
  • Warm weather Comfortable

A good match for

  • First-time owners Good first dog
  • Senior owners Suitable
  • Running partner Excellent
  • Hiking Excellent
  • Therapy work Good
  • Guarding Low

Living with a Irish Setter

Temperament & Family Fit

Irish Setters are known for their exuberant personalities and affectionate nature, making them wonderful family companions. They thrive in environments where they can interact with children and other pets, displaying a playful and gentle demeanor. If you have young kids at home, this breed is an excellent choice since they are exceptionally good with them.

Energy & Exercise

With a high energy level, Irish Setters require plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Daily walks, runs, and playtime are essential to channel their playful spirit effectively. Without enough physical activity, they can become restless and may exhibit unwanted behaviors, so be prepared to engage them regularly.

Care & Grooming

Grooming an Irish Setter is a weekly commitment due to their beautiful, flowing coats. Regular brushing helps manage shedding and keeps their fur looking its best, while occasional baths can keep them fresh and clean. While they do need care, the effort is well worth it for their stunning appearance and lovable temperament.

Training Notes

Training an Irish Setter is a rewarding experience, as they are generally eager to please and quite receptive to learning. Positive reinforcement methods work best with this breed, so be sure to mix in plenty of praise and treats. Their intelligence combined with their friendly nature makes them relatively easy to train, ensuring a well-behaved furry friend.

Caring for a Irish Setter

Grooming
Weekly brushing
Grooming cost
Average
Monthly food
Average
Outdoor space
A yard is recommended
Allergy friendly
Not considered hypoallergenic

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the general temperament of an Irish Setter?

Irish Setters are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are great companions and typically get along very well with young kids and other dogs, making them a wonderful addition to a family environment.

How much exercise do Irish Setters need?

Irish Setters are energetic dogs that require a good amount of exercise each day. They thrive on activities such as running, playing fetch, or long walks, so it's essential to provide them with regular physical and mental stimulation.

Are Irish Setters suitable for apartment living?

Irish Setters are not the best choice for apartment living due to their large size and high energy levels. They need ample space to roam and play, so a home with a fenced yard where they can run freely is ideal.

How often do I need to groom my Irish Setter?

You should groom your Irish Setter on a weekly basis to keep their beautiful coat in good condition. Regular grooming helps manage shedding and keeps them looking tidy and healthy.

How do Irish Setters get along with cats?

While Irish Setters can be playful and curious, they may not always get along well with cats. It's important to socialize them from a young age if you have a cat at home, but be prepared for the possibility that they might not interact well.

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