Irish Setter characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | 32% of breeds |
| Energy level | Very High | — |
| Trainability | Medium | 48% of breeds |
| Friendliness | Very High | 22% of breeds |
| Good with children | Very High | — |
| Grooming needs | Very High | 18% of breeds |
| Shedding | High | 15% of breeds |
| Barking | Low | 32% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Very Low | 2% of breeds |
| Adaptability | High | 31% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 12 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 Setter right for you?
The Irish Setter is a large dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. In terms of temperament, it is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children and has little guarding instinct and greets strangers as friends. Day to day, the Irish Setter requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Irish Setter requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. 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 Setter to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Irish Setter demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Irish Setter picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice and keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally. It would rather have company and manages only brief spells alone, 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 Setter
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Irish Setter genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Protectiveness: Very low — the Irish Setter is unusually unguarded — friendly to strangers, and no kind of watchdog. Only 2% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Shedding: High — the Irish 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 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.
- Friendliness: Very high — the Irish Setter is among the most sociable breeds we score. Only 22% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Irish 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 | Wants company. Long days alone are where the problems start. |
| Noise | Quieter than most breeds. |
Where the Irish 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 | Very 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 | Low independence — this breed wants company and shows it when it does not get any. |
| Allergy households | Poor fit | High shedding and no low-allergen coat recorded. |
Guides the Irish Setter is ranked in
The Irish Setter earns a place on 4 of our lifestyle shortlists:
Perfect for
- Active families
- Jogging partners
- Show enthusiasts
- Patient owners
Things to consider
- Very high energy when young
- Extensive grooming needs
- Can be slow to mature
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Irish Setter good with children?
- Yes — the Irish Setter is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Irish Setter shed a lot?
- The Irish Setter has high shedding.
- How much exercise does the Irish Setter need?
- With very high energy, the Irish Setter needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation — long walks, runs or active play.
- How long does the Irish Setter live?
- The Irish Setter typically lives around 12 years.
- Can the Irish Setter live in an apartment?
- The Irish 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 Setter easy to train?
- The Irish Setter picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Irish Setter be left alone during the day?
- The Irish Setter would rather have company and manages only brief spells alone. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.