Pros And Cons Of Having An Irish Setter

Are you having a second thought about getting an Irish Setter to be your buddy at home? We all know that every dog has positive and destructive sides depending on its breed. But with our featured breed for this blog, what are the pros and cons of having an Irish Setter?

Without further ado, let’s start digging this mysterious but adorable breed. Don’t forget to share your stories at the end of this blog!

🐶ADVANTAGE OF HAVING AN IRISH SETTER🐶

pros and cons of having an irish setter
Photo credits: Ryan Stone

As we all know, dogs are deemed to be the man’s best friend. They love their owners unconditionally and will do anything to make them happy. Irish Setters are one of the finest breeds you could have in your home. They are friendly and playful, but they also know when to be calm and gentle. Aside from these traits, what else do you think can benefit you? Keep reading this section!

🟤 Breed with a positive aura

Irish Setters are one of the friendliest breeds you can find. They are always happy to see you, and they will give you their full attention when you pet them or talk to them. They are also delighted to see other people and animals, as well as other dogs. This makes them great for families with young children or other pets!

🟤 Family pet

Irish Setters love to spend time with their families and always want to be around them. They are very reliable and affectionate towards their owners. Also, Irish Setters are playful, so they like to play with their owners as well as other dogs and people that they meet along the way. They are not typically fierce guard dogs, but they do have a knack for being very protective of those whom they love, especially when it comes to children!

🟤 Easy to train and patient

Irish Setters are intelligent and easy to train because they always want to please their owners. They are loyal, eager to please, and keen to learn. Irish Setters are known for their willingness to obey commands from their owners.

Another advantage is that the Irish Setters are easy-going and patient. You can trust them with children, other people, and animals. They do not have aggressive tendencies, nor are they territorial or defensive in nature. Irish Setters are friendly, playful dogs that enjoy the company of their families. It is a common misconception that Irish Setters are too energetic for apartment living, but this is not true!

They can live merrily in an apartment as long as they get enough exercise outside each day (even if it’s just a short walk).

🟤 Adaptability

Irish Setters are a delightful breed of dog. As mentioned above, they are friendly and affectionate, which makes them great family pets. But they also have a very gentle and adaptable temperament, so they will be patient with your children as they grow up and learn to be responsible pet owners.

Irish Setters are very intelligent dogs who love spending time with their families. They can also be conditioned easily and quickly because they have an excellent memory and won’t forget what you teach them! This ability makes them famous for being versatile in any situation. Irish Setters have the patience that most people do not possess; this allows them to get along very well with other animals or people without any problems whatsoever!

🐶DISADVANTAGE OF HAVING AN IRISH SETTER🐶

Now that you know the pros of having an Irish Setter, don’t expect that they are the “perfect” ones. Irish Setters also have their downside, and we will talk about them in this section. Let’s start with their shedding.

🟢 Shedding a lot.

An Irish Setter will shed. A lot! They shed year-round, and they shed hair, not fur. If you’re looking for an outdoorsy dog with a thick coat that requires minimal grooming, this is not the breed for you. In fact, any Irish Setter owner will tell you that their dogs shed more than other breeds and require more brushing to control the shedding.

🟢 They require a lot of exercises.

Irish Setters are very active dogs, and they need a lot of exercise. They require daily walks, and if you have an Irish Setter that is not getting the proper amount of activity, it could lead to some behavioral problems. They also love to sprint around in open areas like parks or beaches, where they can roam freely without having to worry about fences or gates. The more exercise your Irish Setter gets, the happier it will be!

🟢 They can be expensive to own.

Because of their size and energy level, Irish Setters are not a good choice for someone looking to keep a low profile. They will require a lot of exercise and attention, which means that you’ll need to plan your days around exercise periods.

They also require exceptional food, grooming supplies (such as brushes and combs), toys, and training equipment such as leashes or collars. They’re not cheap dogs!

🟢 They DON’T ALWAYS get along with some pets.

Your Irish Setter will not always get along with other dogs, and he is likely to be aggressive towards them. If you have other pets in your house, like a cat or a rabbit, it’s vital that you don’t let your dog near them at all. They can also be aggressive towards people if they do not know them well enough. If someone new comes over to visit, it is best to keep him away from them until they have had time to sniff each other out and become familiar with each other’s smells.

🟢 They’re not for everyone.

Irish Setters are lovely dogs, but they’re not for everyone. If you’re looking for a dog that requires lots of exercises and can shed a bit, the Irish Setter may be right for you. However, if you don’t have time to take your dog on daily walks or have the patience to groom it regularly, this breed might not be suitable for your lifestyle. 

Suppose cost is an issue and typically aren’t able to afford the expenses associated with owning a large breed dog. In that case, an Irish Setter may also not be ideal because they can end up costing more than other breeds over time. This is due to their high grooming needs and needs for regular trips to the vet and additional training classes/lessons due to their strong personalities.

🐶IRISH SETTER BEHAVIOR🐶

Irish Setters are a beautiful, loving breed. They’re known for their amiable and playful nature, but they also require a lot of exercise and attention. If you’re considering an Irish Setter as a pet, make sure you have time for them! Here are the expected behaviors of an Irish Setter that are vital for you to know as an owner.

🔴 Loving, playful, and friendly

Irish Setters are friendly and loving. They are playful and energetic, making them perfect for owners who enjoy being active with their pets. Irish Setters love to be near people and do well in families with children. They also enjoy the company of other pets, including cats, dogs, and horses, if they socialize early. They generally get along well with strangers as long as they don’t try to pick up or pet your dog without permission. This can make an Irish Setter nervous or uncomfortable!

🔴 Sensitive and anxious

Irish Setters are sensitive and can become anxious or depressed.

If you notice that your dog is:

  • Not eating as much as usual, or not eating at all: they may be feeling sick, but it could also be due to stress. If this persists for more than a few days and worsens over time, talk with a vet.
  • Eating more than usual: this could be from stress as well. However, if it continues for several days without any other symptoms, it’s likely just the dog’s way of dealing with something like closing a door. In this case, removing food bowls during certain times of day might help alleviate some of the extra eating behavior!
  • Becoming clingy: this happens when dogs feel insecure in their surroundings or relationships with humans because they don’t understand what’s happening around them. Like being left alone at home while everyone else goes on vacation! They’ll want constant reassurance that everything will be all right once again once they’re back together again after being separated from everyone else who matters most to them.

🔴 Needs a lot of space

While it’s true that Irish Setters are known to be energetic, they can also be prone to weight gain if they aren’t given enough exercise. This is why it’s essential to limit the amount of food you give them and ensure they get plenty of activities.

If your Irish Setter is overweight, there are several things you can do. First, consider switching diets. If your Setter has been eating grain-free or raw food for a while but still has some extra pounds on them, try an alternative diet that contains more protein and less fat. You could also add in some strenuous exercise such as running or swimming; this will help burn off any excess calories from the foods that it eats at meal time!

🔴 Medium-to-heavy shedder

Irish Setters are a medium to heavy shedder, which means you’ll find hair everywhere if you have one. This is normal for dogs, but it’s essential to keep up with your Irish Setter’s grooming needs so that they don’t mat down too much and require professional grooming services.

The shedding process is an essential part of being a Setter. It allows them to get rid of old hair that no longer serves their purposes, as well as new growth and excess dead cells. It also helps regulate their body temperature and remove parasites from their skin.

🐶TAKING CARE OF AN IRISH SETTER🐶

One thing that you must know before getting an Irish Setter is how to take care of it properly. This will determine if you think you can add this breed to your family and can share time with you. Knowing this part will ensure the health of your Setter for years.

🟠 Feeding

Feeding your Irish Setter a diet high in quality protein is vital for maintaining a healthy, shiny coat. The amount of edibles and frequency of feedings vary depending on the age and size of your Setter. But as a general rule, puppy Setters should be fed twice daily with 1/2 cup per meal. Then, adults should be fed once or twice daily with 1 1/2 to 2 cups per meal. Lastly, seniors can have meals reduced to every other day or even every third day if needed.

If you’re feeding dry kibble, divide it into two portions; one for breakfast and one for dinner. Then, provide plenty of fresh water at all times. Keep in mind that it is not advisable that you leave dry food out for long periods during hot weather because it could spoil. However, if this does happen, make sure that your Setter’s dish has plenty of water so he can drink and eat until you return home.

Another good option is canned food. These are especially useful when traveling since they do not require refrigeration until opening. Simply mix the wet part with some warm water until it becomes soft enough to serve to your pet.

🟠 Grooming

Brushing is one of the essential parts of keeping your Setter healthy, happy, and clean. It helps to keep their skin and coat clean and shiny. The frequency depends on how fast the coat grows, but every few days should be enough to keep it looking great! 

If you have a thick-haired breed like an Irish Setter, brush them once or twice a day to keep tangles at bay. You can use a regular brush or pin brush depending on your preference and what works best with your Setter’s fur type. Some Setters have very fine hair that requires more frequent brushing (weekly), while others may not need it as often (every other week).

🟠 Exercise

When it comes to exercise, Irish Setters are a blast! They’re energetic and athletic, so they need plenty of physical activity in order to stay healthy. Your pet will thrive when you take the time to play with her every day. Here are some great ways to get your dog moving:

  • Go for walks (or runs) together.
  • Play fetch with a plaything or ball in the yard or park (or anywhere else).
  • Tug of war with toys is another great way to get your pup moving around and having fun. She’ll love it as much as you do!

If you have another dog at home who would like some company during playtime, throw a ball back and forth between two sets of paws for added fun! Dogs love playing with other dogs just as much as people do. Getting together regularly can help prevent loneliness from setting in too quickly after work hours end each night.

🟠 Training

Training is essential for all dogs, but it is crucial for Irish Setters. They are very active and need regular exercise and discipline to keep them from getting into trouble. Training will help you control your dog, teach him what you want him to do, and prevent unwanted behaviors.

This is also important for the health of your Setter. It helps build better relationships with you, which reduces stress for both of you. A well-trained Irish Setter will be less likely to cause damage around your home by chewing on furniture or barking excessively at an intruder than one who has not been appropriately trained.

Lastly, a well-trained Irish Setter can be a good companion animal. This is because he knows how to behave appropriately in public places such as stores, restaurants, and parks where there may be many people nearby or even other animals that could get frightened by his presence if he did not know what was expected of him when meeting new (or familiar) faces.

🐶HOW MUCH IS AN IRISH SETTER?🐶

If you are inquisitive about getting an Irish Setter, there are a lot of things that you need to know about this type of dog. One last thing to consider is their price and if it is worth the price.

The cost of possessing an Irish Setter is a question that many prospective owners ask. The price of an Irish Setter can vary quite a bit depending on the breed and where you live in the world. You’ll also want to think whether or not you’re buying from a breeder or adopting from a shelter, as there are often additional fees for either option. Because of these variables, it’s difficult to answer this question without more information about your specific situation. The following table provides some basic averages based on typical costs across different countries.

🔵 Average cost

The average cost of owning an Irish Setter ranges from $1,100 to $1,500. This is the overall price you need to pay if you want to get one, including all the things necessary for taking care of your puppy.

This price is exceptionally high if you are looking for specific qualities like a show-quality dog or one with papers. The more pricey ones can go up to $2,000 or more depending on their quality and rarity as well as their background pedigree.

🔵 Price inclusions

The price you need to pay for an Irish Setter includes everything you need to take care of your puppy, like food and medications, but not the dog itself. Suppose you want to adopt an Irish Setter from a shelter or a rescue center. In that case, it can cost anywhere between $0 and $1050 for the dog itself (depending on its age) and then about $350-$400 annually for upkeep, along with any other expenses that come up during its lifetimes, such as grooming services or health care costs.

🐶FINAL DECISION-MAKING🐶

If you’re looking to purchase an Irish Setter puppy, there are several things you should do before making that final decision.

First and foremost, make sure you thoroughly research the breed. A reputable breeder or animal shelter will be able to provide information on the temperament of their dogs and any genetic conditions they may have been born with. If you already have children and want to adopt a Setter from a shelter or rescue organization, consider bringing them along for their opinion as well. A friendly dog might seem like an excellent fit for your family until your kid comes home from school one day with a bloody face after being bitten by his new best friend!

🐶BOTTOM LINE🐶

So here are the pros and cons of having an Irish Setter at your home. Irish Setters are great dogs and make excellent pets. They are sensitive, loving, and playful, but they also need a lot of exercise. If you’re looking for a dog that will provide companionship as well as affection, an Irish Setter may be the ideal choice for you!

But with all the positive notes mentioned above, there are also lots of things you need to consider. These include the price of the Setter itself, maintenance, and health conditions. It is essential to keep these in mind because Irish Setters are not cheap, especially their lifelong care, such as grooming and food. So, if you have decided to get one, I hope that you’ll have a great time playing with this fluffy and adorable breed!

If you still want to know more about the personality traits of an Irish Setter, click this link to know more!