The Irish Setter is a beautiful dog breed with a glossy, red coat. Irish Setters are also one of the breeds with the highest level of popularity worldwide. If you’re thinking about getting an Irish Setter or already have one, you may be wondering how to groom them.
Luckily, grooming an Irish Setter is relatively easy. This ultimate guide will discuss how to groom your Irish Setter in the most effective way possible. We will cover everything from brushing their hair to cleaning their ears! You’ll be a pro at keeping your Irish Setter looking and feeling their best by the end. Let’s get started!
Irish Setter Physical Appearance
Before we dive into the grooming process, let’s look at the physical appearance of an Irish Setter.
- Ears: Irish Setters have long, drooping ears covered in feathers. These feathers need regular brushing to avoid becoming matted.
- Eyes: Irish Setters have large, expressive eyes that are usually a deep brown color and are slightly almond-shaped.
- Nose: Irish Setters have a long, tapered nose that is typically black or brown in color.
- Teeth: Irish Setters have 42 teeth, just like all other dog breeds.
- Tail: Irish Setters have a long, feathery tail that they frequently wear on their back.
- Coat: Irish Setters have a long, silky coat, usually in red or chestnut color. The coat is two layers thick, with a dense undercoat and a lighter outercoat.
- Coat Length: Irish Setters have a coat that is medium to long length. Their hair is longest on their tail, ears, and legs.
- Height: Male Irish Setters typically stand between 24-27 inches tall at the shoulder, while females usually stand between 22-25 inches.
- Weight: Male Irish Setters usually weigh between 65-75 pounds, while females typically weigh 55-65 pounds.
The Importance of Grooming an Irish Setter
The striking red coat of the Irish Setter is one of the breed’s most recognizable features. However, many people are unaware that this breed requires extensive maintenance to maintain its coat at its best and avoid coat problems.
The benefits of having your Irish Setter groomed are:
- A well-groomed coat is less likely to develop mats and tangles – which can be painful for your Irish Setter if left untreated.
- Regular grooming helps remove dead hair from the coat, which can otherwise lead to skin irritation.
- Grooming also lets you check for any lumps, bumps, or other abnormalities on your Irish Setter’s skin.
- Grooming provides an opportunity for bonding with your Irish Setter. Who doesn’t love a good cuddle with their furry friend?
How to Groom an Irish Setter
Now that we’ve covered how an Irish Setter appears externally let’s talk about the most effective grooming technique.
Grooming an Irish Setter is not a difficult task, but it does require some time and patience. The most important thing to remember is to be gentle with your Irish Setter – no one likes having their hair pulled!
🐾Bathing the Irish Setter
Bathing an Irish Setter is an essential aspect of grooming. You should bathe your Irish Setter at least once a month, but more often if they tend to get dirty.
When bathing your Irish Setter, use a dog-specific shampoo that won’t irritate their skin. You should also steer clear of getting water into their ears because it can lead to an infection.
After you’ve finished bathing your Irish Setter, dry them off completely. You can use a towel or a hairdryer, but if you use the hairdryer, be careful not to turn it up to its highest level since doing so might damage their fur. Once your Irish Setter is completely dry, you can start brushing them.
🐾Brushing the Irish Setter’s Coat
Brushing the coat of an Irish Setter is one of the essential parts of the grooming process. It is essential to give the coat of an Irish Setter a frequent brushing to avoid mats and tangles. At the very least, you should brush their coat once every week, but you should do it more frequently if necessary.
When brushing your Irish Setter’s coat, use a soft-bristled brush. Begin at the top of the body and work your way down. Be careful not to pull on their hair – just let the brush glide through their coat.
If you find any mats or tangles, use a wide-toothed comb to remove them gently. If the mat is particularly tight, you may need scissors to cut it out. Be sure only to cut the mat – not the hair!
Once you have brushed their entire coat, use a soft cloth to wipe down their feathers. It will clean out any dirt or debris lodged in their feathers.
🐾Cleaning the Irish Setter’s Ears
Cleaning the ears of an Irish Setter is an important part of the grooming process. If not cleaned regularly, their long, drooping ears can become infected.
To clean your Irish Setter’s ears, you need a cotton ball and a gentle ear cleanser. Wet the cotton ball with the ear cleanser, and then gently wipe it around the inside of your Irish Setter’s ears. Be sure not to go too deep – clean the outer part of their ear.
After cleaning their ears, use a dry cotton ball to remove excess moisture. Once their ears are dry, you can apply a small amount of ear powder to help keep their ears clean and dry.
🐾Cleaning the Irish Setter’s Eyes
Cleaning the Irish Setter’s eyes is relatively simple. It is important to do this regularly to prevent infection and keep your Irish Setter’s vision healthy.
The easiest way to clean your Irish Setter’s eyes is to use a damp cloth. Gently wipe the fabric around the entire eye, careful not to get any water or soap in their eyes. A cotton ball bathed in warm water is another option for doing this procedure.
If you notice any discharge or crustiness around your Irish Setter’s eyes, you can clean this away with a cotton swab bathed in warm water. Be sure to dry the area afterward to prevent further irritation. If the problem persists, consult your veterinarian.
🐾Trimming the Irish Setter’s Nails
Trimming the nails of an Irish Setter is not as difficult as it may seem. The essential thing to do is proceed with caution and take your time. If you do not trim your Irish Setters’ nails regularly, they can become overgrown and uncomfortable.
To trim your Irish Setter’s nails, you will need a pair of dog nail clippers. These are available at most pet stores. Start by clipping the tip of each nail. Be careful not to clip too close to the quick – this is the blood vessel in the nail that can be painful if cut.
If you don’t feel comfortable clipping your Irish Setter’s nails, you may always take them to a groomer or vet.
🐾Brushing the Irish Setter’s Teeth
Another important part of grooming an Irish Setter is brushing their teeth. Like humans, Irish Setters need to have their teeth brushed regularly to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
You need a dog toothbrush and toothpaste to brush your Irish Setter’s teeth. Both of these are available at most pet stores.
Brush your Irish Setter’s teeth gently with a small quantity of toothpaste on the toothbrush. Be sure to get all of their teeth – front, back, and between!
Once you have brushed their teeth, give them the treat to reward them for being such a good dog.
Hair Clipping the Irish Setter
Hair clipping is often the most dreaded part of grooming an Irish Setter. However, it can be a relatively straightforward process with a little bit of patience and the right tools.
Step 1: To Begin, Gather All the Necessary Supplies:
- A good quality pair of clippers
- A set of attachment combs
- Scissors
- A slicker brush
- A comb
- Dog shampoo
- Towels
Step 2: The Neck
Start by clipping the hair on the back of the neck. Be sure to go slowly and avoid clipping too close to the skin. Next, move down to the chest and clip in a downward motion.
Step 3: The Head
Use scissors to trim around the Irish Setter’s eyes and ears. Be very careful not to cut into its skin. Then, use the clippers to clip the top of the head. Start at the back of the head and move forward.Â
Step 4: The Body
Start by clipping along the Irish Setter’s back. Move from the shoulders down to the tail. Be sure to go slowly and avoid clipping too close to the skin. Next, clip the sides of the body. Start at the back and move towards the front. Finally, cut the hair on the Irish Setter’s legs.
Step 5: The Feet
Trim the hair on the Irish Setter’s feet with the scissors. Be sure to pay special attention to the area between the toes.
Step 6: Shampoo and Conditioner
Finally, shampoo and condition the coat. Use a dog-suitable shampoo and conditioner to avoid irritating the skin. Wet the coat thoroughly and then apply a generous amount of shampoo. Make a lather with the shampoo and then thoroughly rinse.
Apply a sufficient amount of conditioner to the coat and comb it through to achieve even distribution. Allow the conditioner to linger for a few minutes before thoroughly rinsing. Towel dry your Irish Setter and comb out any tangles.
Grooming Tools for Irish Setter
When it comes to grooming your Irish Setter, you’ll need the right tools to get the job done. The proper grooming tools will make grooming your Irish Setter much easier and more enjoyable for both of you. With the valuable tools, you’ll be able to keep your Irish Setter’s coat healthy and looking its best.
The best grooming tools for Irish Setter are:
- Brush: A good quality brush is a must-have for any Irish Setter owner. A slicker brush is an excellent option as it can help to remove tangles and mats from the coat.
- Comb: Use a comb to untangle the coat and remove stray hair. It can also aid in the uniform distribution of shampoo and conditioner throughout the coat. Choose a comb with wide teeth for the best results.
- Scissors: Scissors are necessary for trimming the hair around the eyes and ears. Use scissors specifically designed for cutting Irish Setter’s hair to avoid damaging the coat.
- Clippers: Clippers are a must-have if you plan on doing any clipping of the coat. Electric clippers are the best option as they are more powerful and can make the clipping process much faster.
- Shedding Blade: A shedding blade can be an excellent tool for removing loose hair from the coat. It can also help to reduce shedding.
- Pet Nail Clippers: Pet nail clippers are necessary for trimming the nails. Be sure to choose an appropriate size for your Irish Setter’s nails.
- Dog Shampoo and Conditioner: Be sure to use a dog-specific shampoo and conditioner to avoid irritating the skin. Good quality shampoo and conditioner will help to keep the coat healthy and looking its best.
- Toothbrush/Toothpaste: Regular brushing of the teeth is essential for maintaining oral health. Choose a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for your Irish Setter.
- Towels: Towels are necessary for drying off your Irish Setter after a bath. It helps remove excess water from the coat before brushing.
Choosing the Right Brush for an Irish Setter
When it pertains to brushes, there are a few things to consider. The length and texture of the coat of your Irish Setter will determine the kind of brush you should use to groom it.
- Size: The size of the brush should be relative to the size of your Irish Setter. A smaller brush will be easier to maneuver on a smaller Irish Setter, while a larger brush will be better suited for a larger Irish Setter.
- Bristles: The type of bristles on the brush is also important. For an Irish Setter, we recommend choosing a brush with soft bristles. It will help to avoid damaging the coat and irritating the skin.
- Spacing: The spacing of the bristles is also something to keep in mind. For an Irish Setter, we recommend choosing a brush with wide-spaced bristles. It will help to avoid tangles and mats in the coat.
- Length: The length of the bristles is also something to consider. For an Irish Setter, we recommend choosing a brush with medium-length bristles. It will help to reach the undercoat without damaging the topcoat.
- Handle: The brush handle should be comfortable to hold and easy to grip. It will help make the brushing process more enjoyable for you and your Irish Setter.
Frequency of Grooming an Irish Setter
The frequency of grooming will vary depending on the length of the coat. Short-coated Irish Setters require less grooming than long-coated ones.
As a general rule of thumb, it would help if you made it a point to bathe your Irish Setter and do thorough grooming at least once a week. It will assist in maintaining the health of the coat and ensuring that it always looks its best. If you cannot groom your Irish Setter weekly, every two weeks should suffice.
If you are showing your Irish Setter, you will need to increase the frequency of grooming. Daily grooming is required for show Irish Setters to maintain a healthy coat and prevent mats and tangles from growing.
Tips in Grooming an Irish Setter
The following are some guidelines that will make the process of grooming your Irish Setter easier to manage and more enjoyable for both you and your Irish Setter:
- Be sure to have all of the necessary grooming tools on hand before starting. It will save you time and frustration.
- If your Irish Setter is resistant to being groomed, then take things slowly at first. Start with just a few minutes of brushing and work up to longer sessions. Never force your Irish Setter to endure something that it doesn’t want to do.
- Be sure to use dog-specific products to avoid irritating the skin.
- Be gentle and patient when grooming your Irish Setter. It will help to make the experience more enjoyable for both of you.
- Give your Irish Setter a treat after each grooming session to let them know that they did a good job. It will help to make grooming a positive experience for them.-If you are having difficulty grooming your Irish Setter, consider hiring a professional groomer. They have the experience and the knowledge necessary to do the task successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are Irish Setters hypoallergenic?
No, Irish Setters are not hypoallergenic. Besides, there are no such dog breeds that are truly hypoallergenic. There is no guarantee that its hair may not trigger an allergic reaction in some people.
The Irish Setter has a double coat that sheds moderately throughout the year. Its coat may cause some people to have allergic reactions.
Q. Are Irish Setters good around children?
Yes, Irish Setters are good around children. They are patient, loving, and gentle by nature. They do well with kids of all ages and make great family pets. However, if you have quite young children, you will require supervision while your Irish Setter is present in the same room as them. It is because Irish Setters are large dogs and can accidentally knock over a small child.
Q. Can you strip an Irish setter by hand?
Yes, you can strip an Irish Setter by hand. It is the process of removing the dead and loose hair from the coat with your fingers. It is a gentle and effective way to groom your Irish Setter.
To strip your Irish Setter by hand:
- Start by dividing the coat into sections with your fingers.
- Remove the unwanted dead and loose hair from the coat by gently brushing back and forth across the coat’s surface.
- Be extremely cautious when working near delicate areas, such as the face, the feet, and the ears.
- Once finished, brush the coat to eliminate any remaining hair.
Q. Do Irish Setters have a smell?
No, Irish Setters do not have a smell. They do not produce as much oil as other breeds of dogs. However, without regular grooming, they may develop an odor. It is because the oil and dirt can build up in the coat and cause an unpleasant smell. Furthermore, they are prone to ear infections that may cause them to stink if not appropriately treated.
Q. Do Irish Setters smell when they shed?
It is a common question that dog owners have about their pets. The answer is no; Irish Setters do not typically smell when they shed. On the other hand, if you smell something strange coming from your Irish Setter, it could be a symptom of an undiagnosed health concern, and you should take them to the veterinarian for a check-up as soon as possible.
Q. Are Irish Setters easy to train?
Yes, Irish Setters are relatively easy to train. They are intelligent dog breeds that can learn quickly. However, they can be stubborn and require patience and consistency when training them. Like all dog breeds, Irish Setters need socialization from a young age. It will help them become well-rounded and comfortable in various situations.
Q. Do Irish Setters malt?
Yes, Irish Setters do malt. It is a normal process that all Irish Setters go through where they shed their old coat and grow a new one. It typically occurs twice a year, in the spring and fall. During this time, you may notice an increase in shedding. However, if you brush your Irish Setter regularly, this will help to reduce the amount of hair shed.
Final Thoughts
Irish Setters are beautiful dogs that make great pets. They are loving, gentle, and good around children. However, they require regular grooming to maintain their coat and keep them smelling fresh. If you consider adding an Irish Setter to your family, then be sure to take the time to learn how to groom them properly. With a little bit of effort, you will have a healthy and happy Irish Setter that is a joy to be around.
Did you find this guide helpful? Let us know in the comments below! And for additional information on caring for your Irish Setter, see our other guides.
