Are you looking for a loyal and active dog who’s always ready to go, whether to hunt or play? The Irish setter is the dog breed for you. But with its rising popularity, you might wonder — what type of dog is an Irish setter?
Initially bred to hunt birds and fowl, the Irish setter is a medium-sized breed of gundog. And though some still get the Irish setter to help with hunting today, most have become house pets. Either way, this dog guarantees a strong bond that’ll stand the test of time.
Read on if you’re eager to learn more about the Irish setter.
What is the History of the Irish Setter?
In the 1800s, Irish hunters bred spaniels and English and Gordon setters to make the Irish setter.
Irish bird hunters developed this breed to help them hunt before firearms. Irish setters take advantage of their keen sense of smell to find birds and “set” to catch them.
Once the Irish setter flushed the birds from their hiding spots, the hunter made the shot. And there, the dogs retrieve the fallen fowl.
This breed had red and white spotted coats but turned into one solid color over time. Nowadays, traces of black or other hues are a fault in the Irish setter’s appearance.
With this, it’s easy to distinguish an Irish setter from other setter dogs. After all, which other breeds have bright red coats? With their gorgeous looks and fun temperament, it’s unsurprising to see Irish setters rise in popularity. The breed spread across Britain and eventually to North America, specifically the USA.
Although the Irish setter only started appearing on the scene between the ’90s, it’s one of the earliest breeds to gain AKC recognition in the late 1870s.
What Type of Dog is an Irish Setter?Â
We all know that the Irish setter is a popular and loving companion, but what type of dog is an Irish setter? An Irish setter is a gundog bred to hunt small birds and fowl. And they come in two sub-types, field and show:
- Field Irish setters. These are internationally-bred Irish setters intended to keep their working skills. And they have the same red or mahogany coat but with less feathering. Aside from that, Irish field setters have a shorter stature and fickle bones.
- Show-type Irish setters. They’re the most common, representing most people’s image of the breed. That said, this sub-type has a thicker and bright red coat. And they have a taller stature and more durable bones.
Although these gundogs differ, all Irish setters have similarities, no matter the sub-type. For instance, both dogs strongly desire to work and please their human owners. And not to mention, they have the unyielding energy unique to Irish setters.
Moreover, both sub-types have the sweet and goofy attitudes common in Irish setters. So, as picturesque as this breed may seem, they’re pretty rowdy. But as chaotic as they are, these dogs are quite intelligent, regardless of the sub-type.
So, if you’re looking for a family dog or a companion that can keep up with your active lifestyle, go for an Irish setter. But remember, this gundog needs ample space, so if you live in an apartment, think twice.
But as lovable as Irish setters are, they’re not for everyone. As mentioned, if you live in a cramped space or can’t commit to exercising with the dog, don’t get an Irish setter. After all, this gundog needs an owner as energetic as it is!Â
For a better understanding of what type of dog is an Irish setter, here are the traits to watch out for:
✅ Health and Wellness
Despite its chaotic mix of setters, the Irish setter is a long-lived breed. This strawberry-coated companion can live up to 15 years when well cared for by its owner. The most challenging part of caring for its health is ensuring it meets its exercise needs. After all, when deprived, Irish setters can become rowdy and develop health issues.
But the Irish setter is a generally healthy dog with health concerns found in most breeds, like:
- Canine Hip (Joint) Dysplasia. This hereditary condition is common among Irish setters, affecting their mobility. You can have your dog screened for CHD early for fast remedies.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy. PRA has no cure and can lead to blindness in most Irish setters.Â
- Gastric Torsion. GT or bloating can be fatal when untreated in Irish setters. The swelling forces your dog’s stomach to twist, leading to pain and eventual death.
- Hypothyroidism. Most dog breeds, including the Irish setter, are susceptible to this medical condition. Luckily, it’s curable with prescribed thyroid medication.
- Autoimmune Thyroiditis. This autoimmune disease occurs when the Irish setter’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland. When untreated, this can be fatal. But when addressed ASAP, a regular oral administration of thyroid replacement hormone can save an Irish setter’s life.Â
- Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy. As long as you address HOD early, it shouldn’t have lasting effects on your dog.
- Epilepsy. This medical condition is prominent in Irish setter dogs and is treatable with medication.
- Osteosarcoma. This medical condition is cancerous and doesn’t happen to all Irish setters. But it can occur in this breed, and luckily, it’s treatable.Â
- Osteochondritis Dissecans. OD happens when your Irish setter’s shoulder joint doesn’t develop correctly. And treatment varies from simple medication to complex surgeries.
Keeping an eye on these health issues can help you be one step forward whenever your Irish setter gets sick. And with this, you’ll be able to help your dog recover ASAP.Â
But as mentioned, Irish setters rarely develop illnesses when well-cared for by their owners. So, you don’t need to worry continually about your dog getting sick. Just ensure you’re feeding your Irish setter a healthy diet and help it meet its exercise needs.
✅ Appearance
Irish setters are medium-sized dogs standing from 22 to 27 inches at the shoulder. But when it comes to weight, female Irish setters tend to be lighter, weighing 60 pounds. Meanwhile, their male counterparts can weigh 5 to 10 pounds heavier.
Initially bred as gundogs, a typical Irish setter has an athletic build. They often have a deep chest, a tiny waist, and slender legs. All these keep the medium-sized dog nimble on its feet, allowing it to hunt birds well.
But Irish setters’ most recognizable feature is their luscious and bright red coat. They can come in many shades of red, including deep chestnut and mahogany. Accompanying the bright hues is long and fine fur, feathering at the ends. And although not noticeable, Irish setters have undercoats too.
Their thick undercoat helps them warm during the colder season. But that means you must brush your Irish setter often to keep its fur and undercoat clean and tangle-free. And since Irish setters are moderate shedders, you must keep your vacuum ready!
✅ Temperament
As innocent as Irish setters look, they can be pretty meticulous. After all, they’re an intelligent breed with an independent mindset. And with cleverness often comes mischief — especially when this breed’s bored. Thus, many associate Irish setters with their unique “rollicking” temperament.Â
So, prepare yourself to have fun and run, as Irish setters have boundless energy!
Unyielding energy aside, note that Irish setters mature slower than other dogs. They develop their physical traits faster than they do mentally. Thus, you can see why an Irish setter’s temperament resembles young pups.Â
Because the typical Irish setter matures so slowly, you may find one 2 to 4 years old and still has a young pup’s curiosity and energy. With this, they make excellent companions for older kids or active adults. But as friendly and loving as this breed is, Irish setters can be dangerous to small children.
Overall, Irish setters have excellent temperaments and are naturally outgoing and friendly. And they often form unbreakable bonds with their human owners.Â
✅ Living Needs of an Irish Setter
Irish setters are notorious for their active way of living. And as the owner, you must ensure the dog gets the daily exercise, lasting 3 to 4 hours. But since that’s too much for both sides, it’s best to limit it to 60 to 90 minutes daily.
Although bred for rigorous activities, walking or jogging with your Irish setter should be enough to meet its daily exercise needs. Aside from that, it’s best to assign a job or task to your Irish setter to keep its mind engaged. After all, this breed loves challenges!Â
So, let your Irish setter carry items in a vest when out for a run. If not, play fetch with your Irish setter to keep it occupied and happy.
Another unique need Irish setters have is to roam free to keep their prey drive low. After all, when that reaches sky-high, expect a disgruntled dog running around and destroying everything to catch that imaginary squirrel most dogs seem to see. So, before adopting an Irish setter, ensure you can provide it with ample space.Â
At most, your home should have a fenced-in outdoor space where the Irish setter can run and roam around. But as stimulating as this activity can be, be careful of living with this breed alone for too long. After all, Irish setters are prone to wandering off.
How to Care for an Irish Setter Dog?
Bringing an Irish setter into your home requires commitment and much love. Between grooming and training, Irish setters will keep you busy no matter what! So, to streamline care for the breed, here’s all you must know:
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✂️ Grooming
The Irish setter has naturally long strawberry locks and a thick undercoat. And though it keeps the dog warm, it adds more responsibility for Irish setter owners. You’ll need to brush this breed every 2 to 3 days to keep their coat and fur tangle- and matt-free.Â
A pin or soft bristle brush works best for the Irish setter’s undercoat. Meanwhile, a fine-toothed comb is ideal for the breed’s luscious tail.Â
Shedding is an issue you’ll often face with an Irish setter. After all, this breed is a moderate shedder, constantly shedding the most in spring and fall. At these times, the Irish setter sheds its undercoat for a thicker one for the colder season.
Besides the fur, you must check your Irish setter’s ears daily to ensure it’s free from gunk. If you leave dirt or other debris inside this breed’s ears, it can lead to infection. Irish setters are prone to this, considering they have huge, floppy ears.Â
I recommend cleaning your Irish setter’s ears with a cotton ball soaked in a safe-formula ear-cleaning solution. Doing this prevents the dog’s ear canals from getting infected.Â
It would help if you also worked on your Irish setter’s nails when done with the fur and ears. This breed’s nails grow fast and can get caught in many things. It’s best to trim their long nails once every few weeks. And you can determine when it’s time to cut an Irish setter’s nails by checking if they’re touching the floor.Â
Finally, never forget to brush your Irish setter’s teeth, as they’re prone to tooth decay and gum disease. I recommend brushing your dog’s teeth daily and having its vet clean them annually.
🦮 Training
When answering what type of dog is an Irish setter, we all conclude that they’re naturally intelligent dogs, making them easy to train. But as clever as they are, this breed can be meticulous and stubborn. And it doesn’t help that they get bored and distracted fast. So, it’s challenging to keep an Irish setter focused during training.Â
Also, note that an Irish setter is sensitive, so yelling or scolding the dog will worsen the situation. And you’ll only end up hurting this loving dog’s heart. So, as frustrating as it may be, be patient and gentle when working with an Irish setter.Â
You can encourage your Irish setter to focus during training with positive reinforcement. Whenever it does something you say right, give it treats or pets. Doing this helps your Irish setter associate good behavior with rewards.Â
Finally, since Irish setters often develop separation anxiety and leaving them alone is something you can’t avoid, practice it. Practicing separation is crucial in training your Irish setter to help it get used to being home alone for a while.Â
🦴 Diet and Nutrition
It’s best to feed Irish setters top-quality commercial kibble formulated for their age. But there are better options than an exclusive kibble diet for this breed’s health, so it’s best to mix up natural foods now and then.Â
Ask your vet how much and how often you need to feed your Irish setter. But generally, providing this breed with 2 to 3 cups of kibble daily should suffice. I recommend splitting this into two servings (one in the morning and one night) to avoid bloating.
But not all Irish setters will have the same diet. For instance, an active Irish setter will need a high-protein diet tailored for sporting dogs. Food aside, ensure your canine has access to fresh and clean water, especially when you’re away!
Finally, as tempting as it is to give your Irish setter food scraps, please don’t do it. Many foods meant for humans can harm dogs, so avoid doing them. If you want to give your Irish setter extra treats, dog treats will suffice.Â
🐕 Exercise
As mentioned, Irish setters need daily exercise to keep them fit and happy. Realistically, this breed needs 1 to 2 hours of training every day, and it doesn’t need to be intense. Despite being made for rigorous activities, an Irish setter should do well with daily walks or jogs. It’s a fun activity you and your canine can do, helping you two stay fit and active.
Also, allow your Irish setter to run around without a leash now and then. It keeps the breed’s prey drive low, helping it stay calm. But only do this in a fenced-in outdoor space, as Irish setters are prone to wandering off.Â
If hour-long jogs and walks aren’t possible, you can keep your Irish setter active by playing frisbee or fetch. Either way, these activities keep the breed entertained and mentally stimulated.
Remember to give your Irish setter ample exercise to help it stay fit and healthy. If not, expect rowdy and destructive behavior from the loving dog. And not only will this be problematic for your belongings, but it can also mess with the dog’s mind.Â
So, if you can’t commit time to help an Irish setter stay active, don’t get one in the first place.
But if you’re eager to have an Irish setter, remember to work on the dog’s mental health as well. You can keep this breed mentally stimulated by playing fun games like obedience competitions or tracking. Or, if you don’t have time, buy dog toys that require dogs to think like a puzzle bowl.
🏠 Ideal Environment
Finally, the last care tip for Irish setters is setting up the ideal environment. When discussing what type of dog is an Irish setter, we often say they’re emotional dogs despite their gundog roots. These rowdy dogs are vulnerable to separation anxiety as they love their owners.Â
As sad as it may seem, it’s even more miserable for your belongings as Irish setters tend to be destructive when nervous.
So, in the first place, only adopt an Irish setter if you or other family members will be home for most of the time. This breed can’t thrive in an environment where everyone’s gone most of the day, 24/7. As much as possible, have someone stay behind at home, like a dog sitter, to look after your Irish setter.Â
Company aside, ensure that person can help your Irish setter meets its daily exercise needs. Again, if they don’t get stimulated well, Irish setters will resort to bad behavior. And this can lead to the breed chewing, digging, and slobbering around your belongings.
Also, since Irish setters are active dogs, it’s natural to guarantee ample space for them. If not, they will eventually destroy your home and your belongings.Â
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What dog breeds make an Irish setter?
A: Irish setters hail from many breeds, including the English, spaniel, pointer, and Gordon setter. They’ve been around for centuries, with the AKC recognizing Irish setters in the 1870s. But Irish setters only rose in popularity globally between the 1960s and 1970s.
Q: What type of dog is an Irish setter?
A: Irish setters are gundogs bred to hunt birds and small animals, like fowl. Although these dogs no longer chase after wildlife, they still have their energy.Â
Q: What dog breeds are similar to Irish setters?
A: Irish setters resemble English, Gordon, and Irish red and white setters. All dogs thrive in the field or at home, displaying unyielding energy and playfulness. Each setter has a passion for hunting and a family-first mindset.
Q: Is the Irish setter good at protecting its owner?
A: Although Irish setters make for a good watchdog, they aren’t the best at guarding. So, even though this breed adores its family, it won’t be able to protect them well. After all, this gundog specializes in hunting small animals, not protecting humans.
Q: Can an Irish setter get off its leash?
A: Irish setters can quickly snatch their leash off their collar unless trained well. After all, they’re naturally curious about their surrounding wildlife, igniting their inner hunters. But it’s ideal for this breed to roam around leash-free for a while to keep its prey drive low. However, never take your eyes off this breed, as they wander off easily.
Final Words
What type of dog is an Irish setter? Irish setters are a breed of gundog made to hunt birds and fowl. And despite most being house pets today, they remain active and playful due to their hunting roots. So, if you’re ready to match this breed’s radiant energy, whether to accompany you when hunting or become the family dog, adopt an Irish setter today!
