Irish Red And White Setter
Summary
The Irish Red and White Setter is the original version of the Irish setter, predating the all-red setter that stole its popularity in the 19th century. More compact and robust than its red relative, it nearly disappeared until dedicated breeders recovered it from the 1920s onward. It is currently considered a vulnerable breed with a limited number of specimens, but recognized as an excellent working dog and a loyal, well-balanced family companion.
Physical Characteristics
- Size
- Medium to large
- Height (male)
- 62–66 cm
- Height (female)
- 57–61 cm
- Weight (male)
- 19–27 kg
- Weight (female)
- 16–23 kg
- Life Expectancy
- 11–15 years
- Coat
- Fine and silky, flat with slight wave permitted; feathering on the legs, ears, and chest
- Common Colors
- Pearly white base with solid deep cherry-red patches; flecking permitted only on the muzzle and paws
Temperament & Personality
The Irish Red and White Setter shares the friendly and enthusiastic temperament of the red setter but is generally considered slightly calmer and easier to train. It is a courageous, determined, and very intelligent dog that forms deep bonds with its family. It thrives best in active families that can offer space and daily exercise. It is generally gentle with children and sociable with other dogs.
Activity & Exercise
- Energy Level
- High
- Recommended Daily Exercise
- 60–90 minutes
- Suitable for Apartment
- Not recommended
Grooming & Care
- Grooming Needs
- Moderate to high
- Shedding
- Moderate
- Bathing Frequency
- Every 3–4 weeks
Health
- Common Health Issues
- Canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD)
- Hip dysplasia
- Posterior polar cataract (PPC)
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Von Willebrand disease
- Recommended Health Tests
- Mandatory genetic tests for CLAD and von Willebrand
- Ophthalmologic evaluation
- Orthopedic hip examination
Compatibility
- With Children
- Excellent
- With Other Dogs
- Excellent
- With Cats
- Good
- For First-Time Owners
- Recommended
Is an Irish Red and White Setter right for you?
An Irish Red and White Setter may suit you if:
- You enjoy daily adventures that include at least 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous exercise and engaging mental challenges.
- You thrive in an active family setting, offering space for a medium-to-large dog to roam and play.
- You appreciate a friendly, enthusiastic, and intelligent companion who forms deep, loyal bonds with their family.
- You are prepared to commit to consistent, positive training to channel their intelligence and determination effectively.
- You are willing to provide moderate to high grooming care, including regular brushing of their fine, feathered coat.
- You are ready to embrace and manage the natural instincts of a pointing dog, including their keen focus and determination.
Think twice if:
- You expect immediate and unquestioning obedience, as their intelligent and determined nature requires consistent motivation.
- You have a household routine that leaves a dog alone for long periods, as they thrive on family interaction.
- You are unwilling to manage the enthusiastic energy of a medium-to-large dog around very young children or small, delicate pets.
- You are unwilling to commit to the daily 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous exercise and consistent grooming their coat requires.
- You live in an apartment or do not have a securely fenced outdoor space for a medium-to-large, active dog.
- You are unprepared for the physical demands of managing a strong, energetic, and determined adolescent dog during walks and training.
The Irish Red and White Setter is a truly loyal and intelligent companion, bringing immense joy to the right home. While their enthusiasm and determination are part of their charm, they require a dedicated family prepared for an active lifestyle and consistent guidance. Embrace their spirited nature, and you'll discover a deeply bonded, well-balanced friend for many years.
Training an Irish Red and White Setter
The intelligent and enthusiastic Irish Red and White Setter thrives on positive reinforcement, responding beautifully to praise, treats, and engaging play. Keep training sessions short, fun, and consistent to maintain their focus and enthusiasm. This breed forms deep bonds and is eager to please, but they are also sensitive. Harsh corrections or inconsistent methods can quickly lead to a loss of trust, making them resistant or withdrawn. A patient, gentle, and clear approach will build a strong, cooperative relationship, allowing their naturally friendly temperament to shine.
Begin with:
- Attention and name response around distractions
- Recall on a long line
- Loose-leash walking
- Leave it and drop it
- Calm greetings without jumping
- Settling on a mat or bed
- Cooperative handling for grooming, ears, feet and teeth
- Waiting at doors and gates
Prey Drive and Recall
As a pointing dog, the Irish Red and White Setter possesses a strong natural instinct for scenting and chasing. This powerful prey drive means that an off-leash Setter can easily become distracted by a scent or movement and ignore your calls. Building a rock-solid recall is paramount for their safety and your peace of mind.
Practice recall in low-distraction environments first, gradually increasing the challenge. Always use a long line in unfenced areas until their recall is absolutely reliable, and consider engaging them in scent work or tracking games to provide a healthy outlet for their natural drives. For more in-depth guidance, check out our guide on teaching a dog to come when called.
Leash Pulling
With their high energy and medium to large size, an Irish Red and White Setter can be quite strong, with males weighing up to 27 kg. If not taught proper leash manners from a young age, they can become powerful pullers, making walks less enjoyable for both of you. Consistency is key to teaching them to walk politely by your side.
Start loose-leash training early, using positive reinforcement to reward them for walking without tension on the leash. Avoid letting them practice pulling, as this only reinforces the behavior. Consider using a front-clip harness if needed, and for a comprehensive plan to tackle this, read our article on stopping puppy leash pulling.
Boredom Behaviors
Irish Red and White Setters have a high energy level and require substantial daily exercise, typically 60-90 minutes. They thrive in active families with space, and are not recommended for apartment living. Without adequate physical activity and mental stimulation, these intelligent dogs can quickly become bored, leading to undesirable behaviors.
Ensure your Setter receives plenty of varied exercise, including walks, runs, and active play. Incorporate regular training sessions and puzzle toys to challenge their minds. If they are left alone for too long or are under-stimulated, they might resort to destructive chewing, excessive barking, or other signs of stress. Learning to recognize these signs can help you address their needs promptly.
Irish Red And White Setter — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Irish Red and White Setter?
The Irish Red and White Setter is a truly special breed, hailing from Ireland and belonging to the FCI Group 7 (Setter) family. It's actually considered the original version of the Irish Setter, predating its all-red relative that became so popular later on! These beautiful dogs are medium to large in size, known for being more compact and robust than the all-red setter. Though once nearly lost, dedicated breeders brought them back, and today they are recognized as excellent working dogs and loyal, well-balanced family companions, albeit still a vulnerable breed with limited numbers.
What was the Irish Red and White Setter originally bred for?
Historically, the Irish Red and White Setter was developed in Ireland as a superb working dog, primarily for hunting and pointing game birds. They were highly valued for their keen senses and tireless energy in the field, making them indispensable companions for hunters. This breed predates the solid red Irish Setter, which later gained more widespread popularity. Despite nearly disappearing in the 19th and early 20th centuries, dedicated efforts from the 1920s onward ensured their survival, preserving their legacy as an exceptional and traditional gundog.
How much exercise does an Irish Red and White Setter need?
These wonderful dogs have a high energy level, so they definitely need plenty of activity to stay happy and healthy! An Irish Red and White Setter thrives on regular exercise, ideally requiring about 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous activity each day. This isn't just a casual stroll; they love to run, play, and explore. Active families who can provide ample space and daily opportunities for them to burn off energy will find this breed to be a joyful and well-behaved companion. They truly blossom when they have a job to do or an adventure to share!
Is the Irish Red and White Setter a good family dog?
Absolutely! The Irish Red and White Setter makes a fantastic family dog, especially for active households that can provide them with space and daily exercise. They are known for forming deep bonds with their families and possess a friendly and enthusiastic temperament. You'll find they are generally gentle with children and quite sociable with other dogs, making them a harmonious addition to a multi-pet home. Their courageous, determined, and intelligent nature, combined with their loving disposition, ensures they become cherished members of the family.
Is the Irish Red and White Setter easy to train?
Yes, the Irish Red and White Setter is generally considered quite intelligent and eager to please, making them a joy to train! They are known for being slightly calmer and often easier to train than their all-red setter relatives. While they are courageous and determined, their intelligence means they pick up commands quickly with consistent, positive reinforcement. Early socialization and training are key to harnessing their natural abilities and ensuring they grow into well-behaved companions. Their desire to bond with their family makes them very responsive to guidance.
What health issues are common in the Irish Red and White Setter?
Like all breeds, Irish Red and White Setters can be prone to certain health conditions, and responsible breeding helps to minimize these risks. Some documented health concerns for the breed include Canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD), Hip dysplasia, Posterior polar cataract (PPC), Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and Von Willebrand disease. Regular veterinary check-ups, a healthy diet, and a good exercise routine are crucial for keeping your furry friend in top condition. Always choose a reputable breeder who screens their dogs for these genetic conditions to ensure the healthiest start for your puppy.
What is the Irish Red and White Setter's coat like and how much grooming does it need?
The Irish Red and White Setter boasts a beautiful coat, true to its name, with striking red patches on a crisp white background. While not overly demanding, their medium-length coat with feathering on the legs, chest, and tail does require regular attention to keep it looking its best. Weekly brushing is generally recommended to prevent tangles and mats, especially in the feathered areas, and to remove loose hair. Occasional trimming might be needed, particularly around the feet and ears. Regular grooming also provides a wonderful opportunity for bonding with your beloved companion!
What is the typical lifespan of an Irish Red and White Setter?
The Irish Red and White Setter is a robust and generally healthy breed, and with proper care, they can be wonderful companions for many years. You can typically expect your beloved Irish Red and White Setter to share their life with you for approximately 11 to 15 years. Providing them with a balanced diet, consistent exercise, regular veterinary check-ups, and plenty of love will help ensure they live a full, happy, and healthy life by your side, bringing joy to your family for over a decade.
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