Irish Setter | Dog Breed

Last updated May 29, 2024

Size

Varies

Popularity

One of the Most Popular

Typical Lifespan

About 12 years

Exercise

Irish Setters thrive with daily vigorous exercise, including long walks, runs, and plenty of playtime.

Grooming Needs

Irish Setters require regular grooming, including brushing several times a week to prevent matting and tangles, and occasional trimming to maintain their coat's length and shape. Regular ear cleaning and nail trimming are also essential.

Country of Origin

Ireland

Adaptability

The Irish Setter thrives in both rural and suburban settings, requiring ample space for exercise but can adapt to smaller living spaces with sufficient activity.

Shedding Level

Irish Setters shed a moderate amount year-round, with more noticeable shedding during seasonal changes. Regular grooming helps manage their shedding.

Energiness

Irish Setters are very energetic and need plenty of physical activity to stay happy and healthy.

Vocality

Irish Setters are generally moderate barkers, using their voice to alert or communicate but not excessively.

Trainability

Irish Setters are intelligent and eager to please, making them responsive to consistent, positive training methods.

Dietary Needs

Irish Setters need a balanced diet rich in high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins to support their active lifestyle and maintain optimal health.

Weight Range

27-32 kg

Child Friendliness

Child-Friendly

Social Needs

For Whom?

The Irish Setter, a bundle of energy and a sociable soul, is a perfect fit for a home that values an active lifestyle and closeness to nature. This dog is definitely not a couch potato, so its future home should offer plenty of space and opportunities to move around - both indoors and outdoors. Large yards and nearby walking trails or parks are ideal places for an Irish Setter, where it can run and frolic to its heart's content.

Since the Irish Setter loves company and is very family-oriented, it is best suited for a home where it won't be left alone for long periods. Families with children or multiple adults who can share the responsibility of caring for the dog are ideal. The Setter enjoys human company so much that it can feel lonely and even depressed if it is not given enough attention.

By nature, the Irish Setter is also very friendly and social, so it gets along well with other pets as long as they are introduced early and calmly. This dog loves being part of a pack, whether it's a human family or a group of other household pets.

For an active, nature-loving, and social person or family, the Irish Setter can be the perfect addition. It brings joy and energy, but also requires time, love, and care. This is a commitment-demanding dog, but in the right environment, it is also an immensely rewarding family member.

Character

Affectionate

Energetic

Playful

Friendly

The Irish Setter is like a heartfelt ambassador from its vibrant green island – full of energy and joy for life. This beautiful and sleek dog is above all a passionate and friendly companion, whose reddish coat glows like the last rays of a setting sun.

In the nature of the Irish Setter, refinement and playfulness combine. It's social and loves the company of people, always ready to embark on an adventure or just spend time with its family. Its open and cheerful nature makes it an ideal family dog, eager to be part of everyday family activities and rituals.

The Setter is born a hunter, and its passion for hunting games has remained strong through generations. It loves exercise and thrives when free in nature, where it can be seen running at full speed and searching for trails with great concentration. This activity requires time and commitment from its owner, as the Irish Setter needs plenty of stimulation and exercise to stay balanced.

Although the Irish Setter is energetic and playful, it is also extremely gentle and patient, making it an excellent choice for families with children. It is compassionate and senses the moods of its family, offering comfort and company when most needed. Its warm nature and desire to please make it a trainable dog that enjoys learning new things.

The Setter values rest time as much as active moments. It knows how to settle down and enjoys spending quality time with the family, always ready to curl up at your feet or seek out some petting. Its loyalty and heartfelt nature make it a beloved family member, bringing joy and color to every day.

The Irish Setter is not only beautiful in appearance, but its zest for life and sociability make it a true source of joy and friendship. It is a breed whose brilliant personality and lovable nature leave no one cold.

History

The roots of the Irish Setter trace back to 18th century Ireland, where it was specifically developed as a red gun dog. Originally, these dogs were primarily used to hunt pheasants and deer in the green, misty isles. These beautiful, red dogs were favored by the nobility for their excellent hunting abilities and stylish appearance. The Irish Setter was not only known for its beauty but also for its ability to work independently, finding and pointing out game to hunters.

In the 19th century, Irish Setters began to gain recognition outside of Ireland, and exporting them to other parts of Europe and North America expanded their popularity. Breeders started to focus on refining the breed, developing the Irish Setter into an even more skilled hunting dog suitable for various terrains and hunting styles.

By the 20th century, the Irish Setter had established itself as one of the most esteemed hunting dog breeds. Its ability to cooperate with hunters and its boundless energy made it an ideal companion for long hunting trips. Setters were not only effective working dogs but also beloved family pets, valued for their friendly and joyful nature.

Today, the Irish Setter is known not only as a beauty but also as an extremely social and friendly dog that enjoys being around people. It has retained its hunting instincts and loves being outdoors in nature, but it also adapts well to city life, provided it has enough space to move around and plenty of activities. The breed's history reflects its versatility and ability to adapt to different tasks and environments, but above all, the Irish Setter has remained a loyal and loving companion to the people around it.