How Much Are Irish Setter Dogs? See Here!

Are you considering adopting or buying an Irish setter for your next pet? Then you’re likely curious about how much are Irish setter dogs. When purchasing a purebred gundog from a reliable breeder, expect to pay between $700 and $3,500. Meanwhile, adopting a setter, young or old, can cost you up to $300 and below.

Here’s all you need to know about Irish setter prices, factors that affect its rates, and the costs of raising this breed:

How Much Are Irish Setter Dogs?

Skimming through different ads provided by the American Kennel Club (AKC), PuppyFind, and other prestigious dog organizations, I’ve discovered that a purebred Irish setter dog can cost from $700 to over $3,500. So, on average, this breed sells for $1,500, with a few registered purebreds being even more expensive.

Meanwhile, adopting a setter will be more affordable regardless of whether it’s purebred. And the actual adoption process can cost you as low as $250, including rehoming fees.

Here are quick breakdowns of each option to see which would suit your budget best:

Buying Irish Setter Puppies from a Breeder ($700 – $3,500)

Buying a purebred Irish dog from a reputable breeder will cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars. And many components cause the price to go up and down.

For instance, mixed setters will always be more affordable than purebred dogs. Aside from that, their bloodlines can also affect the price.

Meanwhile, you can expect the highest prices from purebred and show-quality Irish setters from a reputable breeder. And this is especially the case if they’re part of a kennel club offering registered pups — adding more to the price. After all, they often invest more money and care into these red-haired hunting dogs.

Meanwhile, dedicated breeders often include health screening fees in the final amount. So, that’s why Irish/red setter dogs have become one of the most expensive breeds. Besides their gorgeous coat and sweet temperament, they require much care and love.

But buying from the best breeders isn’t always necessary, though it guarantees the setter’s health. Therefore, splurging on a purebred Irish pup is your best bet if you want a healthy pet that’ll genuinely love you and stick to your side.

Adopting an Irish Setter ($250 – $300)

If you don’t have the budget to buy a purebred Irish dog, that doesn’t mean you can get one! After all, you can always try adopting one from shelters and rescue groups. Adopting will always be the better alternative as you’ll be able to save money and an animal in need.

But note that rehoming fees for this larger-than-average breed will be pricier. Hence, expect to pay between $250 and $300 when adopting Irish setter dogs. After all, many shelters and rescue organizations strive to keep their pups in pristine health.

Moreover, they’re always caught up on vaccines, so there’s no need for additional expenses.

I recommend checking reviews or testimonies from past buyers/adopters to ensure you’re supporting the right people. Avoid purchasing an Irish hunting dog from a puppy mill, as not only will you be financing an illegal business, but it will also leave you with a sickly pet.

Getting an Irish Dog for Free

Finally, you may strike luck to find yourself in a place where someone’s giving away Irish dogs.

Although this can be an excellent opportunity to get a setter for free, always be wary. After all, many abandon their setters due to behavioral or health problems.

Before accepting your free Irish setter, always ask for the dog’s medical history and speak to the previous owner. Always ask them their reason for letting go of the pup first and see what issues they’ve faced.

What are the Factors Affecting the Price of an Irish Setter?

An Irish setter’s price, regardless you want to adopt or buy one, differs, often affected by several factors. And these include the following:

✔️ Age

Since many prefer getting younger pups, expect to pay a higher price for Irish puppies as young as four months and below. Prices tend to be lower for older setters, often plummeting once they reach the 6-month mark.

But regardless of how old the setter is, they all deserve unconditional love and care.

✔️ Purebred or Mixed

Mixed Irish setters will always be cheaper than their purebred counterparts. After all, many use the latter as show dogs, showcasing their gorgeous red coats and intelligence! But that doesn’t mean mixed setters don’t deserve love, either.

✔️ Health Screenings and Additional Medical Fees

Committed breeders will have their breeding setter dogs, or pups tested for various medical conditions. And some will bring them to the veterinary for regular exams, deworming, and vaccines. Moreover, some pay vets to implant microchips into the young setters for their safety and security.

Combined, you’ll need to pay a higher price while reducing the risk of getting an unhealthy Irish puppy.

✔️ AKC Registration Papers and Pedigree

Some of the most dedicated breeders are members of prestigious kennel clubs like the AKC. And many strive to follow the guidelines given by these organizations, registering their Irish dogs. These confirm the authenticity of its breed and pristine health, adding more to the fees.

Usually, the more organizations the breeder is in, the more expensive their Irish setters are. Whether they’re raising mixed breeds or purebred hunting dogs, expect to pay a hefty fee.

These aren’t necessary for casual ownership, but if you want to make your setter a show dog, these are necessary to back your red-haired companion’s pedigree.

✔️ Bloodline of the Irish Dog

If the young Irish pup’s parents are purebred, show quality dogs, expect to pay a higher price. After all, this guarantees the puppy’s health, reducing the risks of it having hereditary diseases that can affect its well-being over time.

✔️ Early Training and Socialization (Exposure)

Many reputable breeders sell their Irish setters only after they’ve been trained and socialized well. But because of this, it’ll increase the pup’s price, leaving you with a high upfront cost but saving you more over time.

After all, you don’t need to invest in the training, giving you a higher chance of getting a well-behaved pup from the get-go.

✔️ The Irish Setter’s Popularity in Your Area

Local supply and demand can impact the prices of an Irish pup. For instance, these large red-haired canines tend to be more popular in family-friendly areas, as they make for excellent pets for kids. And they can also be famous in parts where hunting is widespread. After all, they’re originally hunting dogs, assisting hunters in catching small prey — specifically birds.

Check the prices of setters in various locations and the dogs in real life. Buying a pup without seeing it in person, meeting its breeder, or visiting its kennel is risky.

✔️ Fur Color and Markings

Coat color trends among setters change fast. And like with other breeds, some fur colors are more popular than others. How much are Irish setter dogs with different coat colors? When the interest for a specific shade grows, the prices will increase due to increased demand.

But note that kennel clubs only accept specific colors and combinations for Irish setters. And lastly, expect pups with rare colors to be pricier than the regular mahogany and reddish-brown we’re used to on this breed.

✔️ The Breeder’s Reputation

The more trustworthy and backed a breeder is, the more expensive their setters will be. After all, they tend to invest more in their puppies, shaping them into the healthy red-haired furry companions we all adore.

The Costs of Raising an Irish Setter Dog

How much are Irish setter dogs maintenance? Caring for this red-haired beauty can cost you between $200 and $700 per month. Besides their steep upfront costs, taking care of this breed can also be expensive.

You have much to cover with health bills, medication, food costs, grooming fees, and pet insurance! And though these prices greatly vary, you can still find ways to save while ensuring your setter’s health and happiness.

Let’s take a deep dive into the costs of caring for an Irish setter and the best ways to save:

Irish Setter Medical Expenses

Before discussing the vet and medication expenses, it pays to know what you need to protect your Irish setter. Hence, here are potential health issues prevalent in Irish setters to watch out for:

Otitis Externa. Also known as canine ear infection, treatment can cost you $150 in one sitting. It includes examining your setter’s ears, swabbing them for lab testing, and medication.
Epilepsy. Although not fatal, this can be debilitating to Irish dogs, making medication a must. Costs depend on what vet prescribes your red-haired companion.
Allergies. Allergic flare-ups in setters happen once or twice a year, costing you up to $100 monthly for treatment.
Cancer. The cost depends on what kind of cancer your setter develops (often lymphoma for this breed). And the price also varies on what therapy you get for your setter. At most, this can cost you $1000 per month.

Vet Costs for Irish Setters

A young Irish pup will need at least to visit the vet three times in its first year, costing you up to $170 for each session. The first week is as early as eight weeks, including all essentials, like vaccinations and physical exams. Aside from that, it also includes a fecal examination to rule out heartworm.

Besides that, many vets advise buying heartworm and flea prevention medication for the whole year. And this will cost you $10 to $15 monthly.

The vet may also require additional vaccines depending on your setter’s condition. For instance, if you often go camping with your pup, the vet will recommend having it vaccinated for leptospirosis, which can cost between $15 and $25. This vaccination is crucial if your puppy is often exposed to wildlife and standing water.

Meanwhile, if you keep your Irish dog in a kennel for extended periods, the vet may recommend vaccinating it for Influenza. It can cost you between $70 and $90, including one booster shot for maximum effect.

Finally, if you often hike with your setter or live in a wooded area or a barn, it is at a higher risk for ticks. Hence, some vets may recommend giving your canine a Lyme shot that can cost up to $80 with a booster shot.

All these combined, you can expect to pay around $425 to $795 yearly for your Irish setter’s health care.

Medical Fees for the Following Years

Once your Irish setter surpasses one year, it’s best to bring it to the vet at least once a year. It’ll allow the vet to examine your dog for potential health issues, costing between $125 and $265.

Besides that, vets recommend regular application of heartworm and flea prevention medication on your Irish setter, costing between $100 and $250 annually. And note that lifestyle vaccines like the ones for Influenza and Lyme may also need a yearly booster shot.

Food Costs

Since setters are large and can grow up to 70 pounds, they’ll need a lot of food. So, how much are Irish setter dogs food cost? You can expect to pay between $155 and $310 annually for dry puppy food or $140 and $450 yearly for adult dog food. Young Irish pups are more expensive to feed since one can eat around 200 pounds of dry goods in its first year alone.

These costs are based on the prices of some of the most popular dog food brands, such as Pedigree and Blue Buffalo. You can save on dry dog food or kibble costs by buying them in bulk, as most stores give discounts.

Besides that, if you want to add wet food to your setter’s diet, you can expect to pay up to $3,200 per year. And considering wet dog food spoils faster than kibble, you can’t buy it in bulk, costing you more over time. You can save on this by only feeding your setter wet food every other day.

For instance, you can feed your Irish pup dry food daily and wet food every T, TH, S, or every M, W, F, Sat. It’ll save you a lot while keeping your setter well-fed and under a balanced diet.

If you plan on providing your red-haired hunting dog with treats daily, expect to pay up to $715 max per year.

That estimation follows the logic of the canine getting one huge treat daily. Giving your setter once every other day will cost you way less, amounting to $125 yearly.

Irish Dog Grooming Expenses

Irish setters have heavy grooming needs, requiring you to brush its coat every day! If you want to do it yourself, a grooming kit can cost between $25 and $290. But if you wish to give the best for your red-haired companion, you can have it groomed professionally at least six times yearly.

Each visit to the groomer can cost you between $50 and $70, with older Irish dogs being more expensive. They’ll bathe, shampoo, and trim your setter’s hair if necessary, and once done, they will brush and style its coat any way you want. Besides that, the groomers will also cover ear cleaning, brushing the teeth, nail trimming, and eye wiping.

Environment Maintenance Costs

These hunting dogs aren’t too needy when it comes to their environment. And all you need to do is keep your setter’s beds clean and buy one whenever they become worn, costing a measly $5 monthly. Meanwhile, a recurring cost you may need to cover includes poop bags, which can cost you up to $20 per month (including the scooper).

Expect to pay around $25 per month on environmental maintenance costs for Irish setters.

Pet Insurance

Finally, the last expense Irish setter owners must get pet insurance.

So, how much are Irish setter dogs pet insurance policies? The NAPHI’s newest report states that the average cost of accident and illness coverage plans for large dog breeds, like the Irish hunting dog, is $565.

But you can get a lower deal by only paying for the accident-only plan, costing around $190 per annum. Hence, you’ll still need to talk with the insurance companies and brokers to get a more accurate offer.

You can also pay for complete health coverage for your Irish dog, but you can expect steep costs.

But as expensive as pet insurance may seem, it can protect your finances whenever your setter gets into an accident or gets sick. Instead of paying the thousands, you can leave the bill to your insurance policy — as long as it’s covered!

Pet insurance is crucial, especially if you have a purebred Irish setter. After all, they have a higher incidence of developing hereditary conditions. But that doesn’t mean mixed setters don’t have their fair share of health issues, as many are prone to developing cancer and heart disorders.

So, always be ahead for your Irish dog’s health and give it the best medical care available by providing pet insurance early on.

But as significant as the price is when browsing through the different pet insurance policies, you must also consider the following:

The policy’s reimbursements percentage and limits.
Listed services (including but not limited to surgery, medication, cancer treatment, and emergency visits).
When will the coverage start?

Pet insurance can also have varying prices regarding your setter’s breed, age, location, and plan. And for the best deal, ask for quotes from different companies to see what fits your Irish pup and your budget best.

Additional Expenses to Consider When Caring for Irish Setters

Microchip Implantation

If your setter’s breeder hasn’t implanted a microchip on your dog, do it. After all, it’ll help identify your pup if it gets lost. And not only that, many states mandate all pets to get microchipped, so check with your area. Regardless, this will only cost you between $25 and $50 and is only a one-time thing.

Professional Walking

If you can’t keep up with your Irish setter’s energy, consider paying for a dog walker to have it walked. You can hire a dog walker to watch your pup during the day while ensuring it meets the daily activity levels it needs. An hour’s walk can cost you between $20 and $50, depending on your location and your dog’s size. A 30-minute walk can save you more, only costing between $15 and $25.

But note that these can add up fast, especially if you need the dog walker every weekday throughout the year. Remember that those rates refer to walks with other dogs. Hence, you may need to pay for a private walk if your setter is a recluse and has yet to socialize with others. And, of course, private walks will be more expensive.

Pet Services (Dog Boarding)

If you’ll be leaving for a while and need someone to look after your Irish setter and wish for the best care, consider paying for professional pet services. These include dog boarding or sitting, ensuring your setter gets fed, exercised, and entertained, even when you’re not around.

Rates differ in every location, time of the year, and quality of service. It can be challenging to secure a slot, especially during the holidays, so I suggest booking these services early. Not only will you be able to get a spot for your setter, but you will also likely get a better deal (lower rates).

With that, you can guarantee a safe and comfortable space for your Irish setter while you’re gone. But if you’re uncomfortable leaving your pup in a different place, you can opt for the more sensible alternative: asking acquaintances to host your dog.

If you wish to bring your setter with you, the better, and many airlines and trains have become more welcoming of canines in recent years. But you’ll need to prepare the adequate paperwork to let your red-haired companion travel with you without issues. I recommend doing it months ahead, as getting approval can be time-consuming, especially with large breeds!

License

How much are Irish setter dogs’ licenses? The license of an Irish setter in the United States costs from $10 to $20 if they’re fixed. But if you have yet to spay or neuter your red-haired furry friend, it can cost you more.

Many states prohibit having an unlicensed setter, so it’s crucial to have your pup licensed ASAP! If not, it can get you in legal trouble, forcing you to pay more and possibly lose your dog. Besides that, having your Irish pup licensed will make locating it more manageable if it gets lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is an Irish setter a good breed for families?

A: Irish setters are famous for being excellent family dogs, displaying sweet temperaments and boundless energy. They make fun companions for kids, acting as rollicking playmates for the young ones. But only get this breed if you can keep up with its energy levels, as it needs at least an hour of exercise daily.

Q: Are Irish/red setters a rare dog breed?

A: Irish setters aren’t rare, but they’re less common than other similar breeds like the Labrador. Hence, it’s no surprise the purebred dog comes at a high price, costing up to $3,500! Regardless of the setter’s rarity, it’s become one of the most popular picks as family pets.

Q: Will an Irish setter dog be loyal?

A: Irish pups are among the most loyal breeds, explaining why many have become family pets. They make an excellent, faithful companion for adults while being playful yet gentle for kids. Although your setter might protect you, it doesn’t make for a good guard dog, as they’re still a friendly breed.

Q: Do Irish setters behave well?

A: These hunting dogs have become some of the most well-behaved breeds due to their sweet temperament and intelligence. With this, training an Irish dog should be straightforward, and anyone with or without experience should be able to handle it.

Q: How much are Irish setter dogs from the breeder?

A: Purebred Irish pups from reputable breeders can cost between $700 and $3,500. Meanwhile, adopting one from a shelter or rescue group can cost you as low as $250. But generally, setters are some of the most expensive dogs around.

Final Words

How much are Irish setter dogs? Purebred setters can cost between $700 and $3,500, making them one of the most expensive breeds today. But you can adopt one from a shelter for as low as $250, giving you the same loving canine. Regardless of your budget, getting an Irish pup is the best way to earn a loyal life companion!

Igor Rubina