A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Irish Red and White Setter
The Irish Red and White Setter is an athletic bird dog with a distinct two-color coat and an energetic, playful reputation. Their field-working background calls for a dependable activity plan alongside regular coat care.
An everyday routine
Make space for substantial daily activity and short learning sessions. A busy weekend cannot replace a dependable weekday routine.
Coat care to plan for
Set aside time each week for coat care, checking through the hair rather than only brushing the surface. Shedding periods or longer furnishings may need extra attention.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Irish Red and White Setter questions
What is the difference between an Irish Red and White Setter and an Irish Setter?
They are two separate breeds. The Irish Red and White is a bit shorter and stockier than its all-red cousin, with a white coat marked by solid red patches. A male Red and White stands 24.5 to 26 inches, against about 27 inches for a male Irish Setter. The Red and White has been recognized as its own breed in the United States since 2009.
Which came first, the Irish Red and White Setter or the Irish Setter?
The Red and White. These dogs have worked Ireland's hills and bogs since at least the 1600s, before the all-red setter existed. The red dogs took over in the 1800s and the red and white nearly disappeared around the First World War, until a small group of Irish breeders rebuilt its numbers.
How big does a full-grown Irish Red and White Setter get?
Males stand 24.5 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh 42 to 60 pounds, and females stand 22.5 to 24 inches and weigh 35 to 50 pounds. They are powerful, medium-to-large bird dogs.
Do Irish Red and White Setters shed?
Some, but not heavily. Shedding is light, and grooming is fairly simple, with a thorough brush and comb once a week to clear tangles from the feathering and a bath every month or so. The coat is meant to look natural, so trimming is limited to tidying.
How long do Irish Red and White Setters live?
Life expectancy is 11 to 15 years, and the breed is generally healthy. Hip dysplasia and inherited eye conditions are among the things breeders screen for, and the gene pool is small, so health testing matters. Ask a breeder what has been tested, and take questions about your own dog to your vet.
Are Irish Red and White Setters good family dogs?
They are known for it. The breed is very affectionate with family and friendly with young children, other dogs and strangers, a fun-loving dog by nature. The catch is energy, because a bored, under-exercised Red and White can be a handful.
How much exercise does an Irish Red and White Setter need?
A great deal. The breed has top-level energy, and an adult is a natural walking, hiking and biking companion. Keep things lower impact until about 18 months, with long walks and free play in a fenced area while the joints are still forming.
Are Irish Red and White Setters easy to train?
They are willing, though lively. The breed is highly trainable and eager to please, but high spirits can make training a challenge. Short, upbeat sessions with plenty of praise work best.
