Irish Red and White Setter characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | 32% of breeds |
| Energy level | Very High | — |
| Trainability | High | 30% of breeds |
| Friendliness | High | 35% of breeds |
| Good with children | High | — |
| Grooming needs | Very High | 18% of breeds |
| Shedding | High | 15% of breeds |
| Barking | Low | 32% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 13 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Irish Red and White Setter right for you?
The Irish Red and White Setter is a large dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. In terms of temperament, it is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog and is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors. Day to day, the Irish Red and White Setter is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Irish Red and White Setter is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. With very high energy and very high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Irish Red and White Setter to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Irish Red and White Setter demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Irish Red and White Setter takes to training fast and works willingly and is generally quiet, barking only occasionally. It handles a normal workday on its own with gradual preparation, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Irish Red and White Setter
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Irish Red and White Setter genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Shedding: High — the Irish Red and White Setter sheds more than most breeds, year-round rather than just seasonally. Only 15% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Grooming needs: Very high — the Irish Red and White Setter needs more coat work than almost any breed here — this is a standing weekly commitment. Only 18% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Irish Red and White Setter actually costs you
| Exercise | Two or more hours of real exercise a day, most days, plus something that occupies its mind. This is the single commitment that decides whether the match works. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Daily brushing plus regular professional grooming. Skipping it does not just look bad — coats in this class mat, and matting hurts. |
| Time alone | Manages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do. |
| Noise | Quieter than most breeds. |
Where the Irish Red and White Setter fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Size alone rules out small flats, though the temperament can suit one. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | High child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Depends | Manageable for a committed beginner who takes training seriously from week one. |
| Homes with cats | Depends | High prey drive. Introductions need managing, and a bolting cat triggers exactly the instinct this breed was selected for. |
| Long working days | Depends | Medium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Poor fit | High shedding and no low-allergen coat recorded. |
Perfect for
- Serious bird hunters
- Show enthusiasts
- Active families
- Rare breed lovers
Things to consider
- Very rare breed
- High grooming needs
- High exercise requirements
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Irish Red and White Setter good with children?
- Yes — the Irish Red and White Setter is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Irish Red and White Setter shed a lot?
- The Irish Red and White Setter has high shedding.
- How much exercise does the Irish Red and White Setter need?
- With very high energy, the Irish Red and White Setter needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation — long walks, runs or active play.
- How long does the Irish Red and White Setter live?
- The Irish Red and White Setter typically lives around 13 years.
- Can the Irish Red and White Setter live in an apartment?
- The Irish Red and White Setter is a larger breed and does better in a home with more space, though it can adapt with enough daily exercise.
- Is the Irish Red and White Setter easy to train?
- The Irish Red and White Setter takes to training fast and works willingly. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Irish Red and White Setter be left alone during the day?
- The Irish Red and White Setter handles a normal workday on its own with gradual preparation. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.