Dog breed · Sporting / Gundog
Irish Setter
A flamboyant red gundog that keeps a puppyish outlook for years and needs serious daily exercise.
Large12–15 yearsIrelandNeeds more space
Breed characteristics
- Group
- Sporting / Gundog
- Origin
- Ireland
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 24–32 kg (53–70 lb)
- Height
- 58–67 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Silky mahogany coat with long feathering
- Temperament
- ExuberantOutgoingPlayfulSlow-maturing
History
Developed in Ireland in the eighteenth century as a bird dog, later bred for its striking solid red coat.
Appearance
Tall, racy and elegant, in rich chestnut red with heavy feathering.
Exercise and activity
Two hours daily of running and field work.
Care and grooming
Brush three times weekly to prevent feathering mats, and check ears after wet work.
Health considerations
- Bloat
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency
- Epilepsy