A flame-red bird dog brimming with joyful energy.
Origin
Ireland
Height
25–27 in (64–69 cm)
Weight
60–70 lb (27–32 kg)
Lifespan
12–15 years
Coat
Silky, feathered, mahogany-red
Energy
High
Overview
The Irish Setter is a striking sporting breed famous for its rich mahogany-red coat and exuberant, joyful personality. Bred to locate and point game birds, it is a fast, elegant field dog with tremendous stamina and enthusiasm.
Outgoing, affectionate, and playful, the Irish Setter bonds closely with its family and stays youthful and high-spirited for years. It needs abundant exercise and companionship, rewarding active owners with warmth and lively devotion.
History
Developed in Ireland from setter and spaniel ancestors, the Irish Setter was refined in the 19th century into its distinctive solid-red form. Prized as a bird dog and show star, it became one of the most recognizable sporting breeds.
Where it comes from
Ireland
Highlighted in the Irish Setter's lineage color on the map.
Temperament
The Irish Setter is exuberant, loving, and sociable, generally good with children and other dogs. It matures slowly and stays lively, needing daily exercise and engagement, and it responds best to positive, upbeat training.
Health to watch
Joint malformation occurs in the breed; screening and lean weight help protect the hips over time.
The deep chest raises the risk of gastric torsion; avoid heavy activity right around meals.
This hereditary eye disease can cause vision loss; genetic screening of breeding dogs helps prevent it.
General breed tendencies, not a diagnosis. Every dog is an individual — pair this with regular veterinary care.
Care essentials
This high-energy bird dog needs vigorous daily activity; under-exercised, it becomes restless.
Brush the feathered coat several times weekly and clean the drop ears routinely.
The sociable Irish Setter thrives on family involvement and dislikes being alone.
XPET builds each pet a digital twin — modeling their real biology instead of breed averages, so care stays personal.