Irish Setter: History, Temperament, Exercise

Group: Sporting Dogs

AKC Ranking: 68

About Irish Setter

Irish Setters are very high-energy dogs with a lot of spirit and stamina. They are intelligent, affectionate, and independent. These dogs are used for all types of hunting since they have a wonderful sense of scent and love to run and to swim. They can be a good family dog as they love children and can get along with other pets, but you must have a very well secured fenced yard and be willing to get them lots of exercise.

Because of their independent spirit, they can be difficult to train and need a loving but firm trainer starting at an early age. They easily fall into bad habits, so start teaching them good manners immediately and insist on their being well-mannered at all times.

Both Field and Show lines make good pets, but if you want a smaller dog with a shorter coat, choose a field line (which also tend to be higher energy).

This is definitely not an apartment dweller.

This breed is especially likely to bloat, so feed 2-3 meals a day in raised bowls. They are also especially prone to epilepsy and severe skin allergies. The very long soft coat sheds constantly with the entire coat shedding twice yearly. Daily brushing is needed.

Health Issues

They suffer from eye problems, elbow and hip dysplasia, auto-immune disease, hypothyroidism, and ear inflammation.

Height

Males are 26-28" and
Females 24-26"

Weight

Males weigh 65-75 lbs and
Females weigh 55-65 lbs.

Life Expectancy: 11-15 years.

Breed Club: www.irishsetterclub.org

Rescue Link: www.irishsetterclub.org/contents/rescue/rescue.html