Are you looking to adopt or buy an Irish setter puppy? Since Irish setters aren’t a popular breed, it can be tricky to determine the costs when getting one. So, how much is an Irish setter puppy?Â
Generally, purebred Irish setter pups from breeders can cost between $700 and $2500. So, on average, a purebred Irish setter puppy can cost you $1200. Meanwhile, adopting one can cost you as low as $250!Â
To help you learn more about how much Irish setters are and the costs of taking care of one, I’ve made this detailed guide to help you prepare yourself financially when getting this fluffy dog!
How Much is an Irish Setter Puppy? Adoption vs. Breeder Costs
A purebred Irish setter puppy can cost between $700 and $2500, selling for an average of $1200. Meanwhile, adopting one costs between $250 and $300. For a more in-depth insight, read on to see how much is an Irish setter puppy from adoption vs. breeding:
Adopting an Irish Setter Puppy ($250 to $300)
Adopting an Irish setter puppy is the more affordable way of getting your hands on this rare dog. And best of all, you’re saving a homeless pup, so it’s a win-win situation! Still, rehoming fees for this breed can be more expensive than for mixed breeds. But at the same time, you’re still saving hundreds of dollars if you adopt instead of buying an Irish setter pup.Â
Adoption expenses for Irish setter puppies can go between $250 and $300. And though it’s still a bit pricey for adoption, most shelters keep their dogs in optimal health. That means most Irish setter pups for adoption should have updated vaccines. So, you don’t have to worry about those expenses anymore.Â
But before adopting an Irish setter puppy, I recommend finding reputable shelters first! Doing so ensures you’re getting the actual breed, and they’ve been well taken care of.Â
Buying an Irish Setter Puppy from a Breeder ($700 to $2,500)
Buying an Irish setter puppy from reputable breeders will cost you more. And the costs vary from breeder to breeder, but the general costs should be around $700 to $2500. So, you can expect a hefty price tag of $1,200 per Irish setter pup!Â
Several components affect these prices. For instance, mixed breeds will always cost less than purebred Irish setter puppies. On the other hand, bloodline may also affect the price of the Irish setter puppy from breeders. So, expect purebred and show-quality Irish setter puppies to be on the higher end. After all, these breeders invest more money and care in these dogs.Â
If the breeders are members of a kennel club, like the AKC, and have their pups registered, again, expect a higher price! Also, competitive breeders include the cost of health checkups, screenings, vaccinations, or medications to the price as well.Â
Overall, buying from the best breeders isn’t always needed. Still, reputable breeders often guarantee healthier Irish setter dogs in the future.Â
What are the Factors that Affect the Prices for an Irish Setter Puppy?
Many factors affect the price of an Irish setter puppy, whether from an adoption center or a breeder. From their bloodline to their registration papers, here are the different factors affecting an Irish setter puppy’s price:
✔️ Age
As most buyers want their Irish setter pups as young as possible, younger puppies tend to be more expensive than their older counterparts. For instance, a half-a-year-old Irish setter will be sold for much less even if they’re purebred compared to an 8-week-old pup.Â
✔️ Purebred or Mixed
Purebred Irish setter puppies are more expensive than mixed breeds. Still, you can get a purebred Irish setter at an adoption center for cheap. But this isn’t always advisable. After all, breeders guarantee healthy Irish setter pups free from genetic diseases!
✔️ The Irish Setter Puppy’s Bloodline and Pedigree
If the Irish setter puppy came from show-quality dogs and a trusted breeder, expect to pay a hefty fee. The reason is that breeders tend to spend more money on these types of Irish setters. After all, these Irish setters are on top of the chain!Â
Aside from that, if the breeder is part of a kennel club, like the AKC, you’ll need to pay top dollar for their Irish setter pups.
✔️ Medical ExpensesÂ
Committed breeders will often have their dogs evaluated and screened for various medical conditions. And most take their Irish setter pups vaccinated, dewormed, and microchipped. These make it convenient for the potential buyers, so expect to pay a higher price. Although the upfront costs can be expensive, they can save you money in the long run.Â
✔️ Training Fees
Some Irish setter breeders sell their pups only when they’ve undergone training. If so, expect to pay higher fees for these puppies as they’re easier to take care of now and don’t need further training as they age. So, that means it can generate savings long term.
How much Does it Cost to Take Care of an Irish Setter Puppy?
It pays to know the costs of caring for an Irish setter puppy to grasp your budget better. I’ve listed everything you must consider when caring for an Irish setter. From initial costs to pet insurances, here’s how much it’ll cost you to take care of an Irish setter:
(Note: a higher end of the price range is possible for those who go for higher-end products and services and vice-versa)
💲Initial Costs ($400 to $550)
From setting up your home and getting the necessary supplies to welcome your new Irish setter pup, you’ll have to spend a lot initially. Among your priorities should be spaying or neutering the dog with a microchip. Doing so frees you from the costly and time-consuming expenses later on.Â
Aside from that, it would be best if you also considered the initial supplies your Irish setter pup needs. Generally, it’s best to have your house stocked with a dog bed or a cage. It gives your pup a safe space to go, calming them down indefinitely. Also, you must get the necessities for all puppies like training pads, dog food, food and water bowls, a collar, and toys!Â
Generally, the initial costs of bringing home an Irish setter puppy can cost between $400 and $550.Â
💲Food Costs ($45 to $55 monthly)
As tempting as it is to pay cheap for lower-quality dog food for your Irish setter pup, don’t. After all, even if it can fill up your dog, it’ll only cause health issues later. So, be diligent when choosing dog food for your Irish setter. I recommend reading the labels and avoiding advertised “grain-free” dog food. These can cause canine dilated cardiomyopathy, affecting your Irish setter’s health over time.Â
It’s best to ask your dog’s vet which dog food brands they recommend to get a better idea. And though some of them might be costly, it’s worth knowing your Irish setter is only eating the best.
💲Health Care Costs ($150 to $600 monthly)
Keeping your Irish setter pup in optimal health keeps your monthly costs low. In short, the better you take care of your dog, the less likely you’ll need to spend on costly medicines or vet visits. From top-quality food to grooming—these are the things you need to be on top of to keep your Irish setter healthy.Â
Generally, health care costs can amount to $150 if you’re keeping your Irish setter healthy. But if not, expect a monthly healthcare bill of $600 or above.Â
💲Medication and Vet Visit Costs ($35 to $500 monthly)
The medication and vet fees vary depending on your Irish setter’s health or conditions. Generally, all dogs need to get heartworm, flea, and tick medication, which is cheap. These would only cost about $35 per month. Meanwhile, if your Irish setter puppy has a genetic disease, expect medication and vet fees up to $500 monthly!Â
To avoid the latter, I recommend adopting and buying an Irish setter puppy from reputable people or agencies.Â
💲Grooming Costs ($40 to $60 monthly)
Grooming is crucial for Irish setter puppies due to their long, luscious strawberry locks. Brushing their tail, ears, and belly at least twice a week would be best. And as easy as it sounds, this can be a tedious and time-consuming task due to the Irish setter’s long fur. So, most owners opt to leave their Irish setters in the hands of trained groomers.Â
So, to keep your Irish setter’s coat in its best condition and prevent matting, expect to pay $40 to $60 per month! Besides trimming and brushing their fur, most groomers also include nail cutting and tooth or ear cleanings.Â
💲 Environmental or Outdoor Maintenance Costs ($20 to $25 monthly)
Irish setter puppies aren’t too needy for a clean and healthy environment. The only costs you need to worry about are plastic bags and a poop scooper for a mess-free backyard! Or whenever you take your Irish setter for a walk, having these two can keep you from trouble.Â
Aside from that, I recommend changing their dog beds whenever they begin to get worn. But if it’s still usable, try to clean it every month. Regardless, Irish setters’ environmental or outdoor maintenance costs should only cost between $20 and $25.Â
💲 Pet Insurance Costs ($40 to $50 monthly)
Pet insurance is optional. Many Irish setter owners find it unnecessary to pay a monthly fee if they don’t need to take their dog to the vet much. Still, it’s safer to have pet insurance in case of an accident. After all, it’s best to have a backup plan instead of having none. Generally, pet insurance can cost between $40 and $50 per month.Â
💲Overall Monthly Costs ($200 to $700)
Irish setter puppies aren’t cheap to take care of, just like any other dog. With food, vet fees, medications, grooming, and insurance, owners have plenty to consider! And though the prices for each of these vary, expect to pay hundreds of dollars every month. Still, it’s best to plan so you’ll have a better idea of the expenses you need to cover for your pup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much is an Irish setter puppy from a breeder?
A: Buying a full-bred Irish setter puppy from a certified breeder can cost you up to $700. Meanwhile, adopting an Irish setter can cost you up to $250—either way, compared to other breeds, these aren’t much. But taking care of setter dogs as they grow is where you need to spend a lot! Generally, monthly costs for their food, vet visits, and medicine can cost between $200 and $700.Â
Q: Are Irish setters good family dogs?
A: Irish setters are among the best dogs for families, especially those with children! These dogs are friendly, loving, and incredibly outgoing—meaning an Irish setter can keep up with even the most energetic kids. Besides that, their rollicking enthusiasm makes them great to have around. With an Irish setter at home, things will never be dull!Â
Q: How much does an adult Irish setter dog cost?
A: Older Irish setters are often cheaper than their younger counterparts. So, if you can get Irish setter pups for around $700 from a breeder, you can get an adult one for less, about $300 to $500. Still, the monthly costs after buying or adopting the dog remain the same. That means you can expect a monthly bill of $200 to $700!
Q: How long does an Irish setter dog live?
A: Generally, Irish setter dogs live between 12 and 15 years. They experience fewer health issues than other breeds, so you don’t need to worry about them as much. Still, you should be aware of the minor health problems common to this breed. And these include hypothyroidism, osteosarcoma, panosteitis, and more.Â
Q: How much will an AKC Irish setter pup cost?
A: Initially, AKC Irish setter puppies can cost between $500 and $800. But sometimes, they can go above $800 if the pup is purebred and comes with an outstanding pedigree. Generally, these are the kinds of Irish setters you’d want if you’re looking to have them compete in dog shows.
Q: Are Irish setter dogs a rare breed?
A: AKC registrations showed that registrations for Irish setter dogs dropped by 95%! And this amounts to over 3,000 puppies, making the breed fall in popularity from 1986 till now. Nowadays, Irish setter dogs rank 77th.Â
Final Words
How much is an Irish setter puppy? Generally, Irish setter pups can cost between $700 and $2500 from reputable breeders. Meanwhile, adopting one can cost you only about $250. Either way, getting one comes with many expenses you’d want to budget! From vet fees to dog food—these are the costs you must plan for. Luckily, this guide can help you make more educated estimates and help you save money while ensuring your dog’s taken care of in the long run!
