Irish Red and White Setter
Dog breed
Medium to large athletic gundog with distinctive red and white coat pattern and aristocratic appearance. This versatile sporting breed combines a powerful, athletic build with a kind expression and was bred specifically for pointing and retrieving game birds.
More about the Irish Red and White Setter
The Irish Red and White Setter is a breed of dog. As with all setters, it is classified as a gundog in the UK and is included in the sporting group in America and Canada. It is virtually identical in use and temperament to the related Irish Setter, as well as the Gordon and English setters, but is more often found as a working gun dog.
Living with a Irish Red and White Setter
An athletic, cheerful gundog with a striking red-and-white coat and a heart set on running, retrieving, and being near its people.
Personality & fit
Friendly, gentle, and eager to please, this setter thrives on companionship and does best woven into daily family life rather than left on the sidelines. They're intelligent and courageous but rarely pushy, making them a good fit for active families who want an affectionate dog with real working instincts.
Exercise & energy
This is a high-energy sporting breed bred to run fields all day, so plan on well over an hour of vigorous activity daily, running, fetching, hiking, or scent work. Without enough outlet, that intelligence and energy can turn into restlessness or destructive habits.
Grooming & coat
The silky, flowing coat needs brushing two to three times a week to prevent mats, with extra attention to the ears, feathering, and behind the legs. Occasional trimming and regular ear checks help keep things tidy and healthy.
Training
Smart and eager to please, they respond well to positive, reward-based training and pick up cues quickly. Their bird-hunting instincts mean a strong recall takes real practice, and early socialization helps channel their enthusiasm into good manners.
Health to watch
Generally a robust breed, but it's worth watching for hip dysplasia, hereditary eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and canine hereditary neuropathy, a nerve condition some lines carry. Choosing a breeder who screens for these issues and keeping up with vet checkups goes a long way toward a healthy life.
Good to know
This is a rare breed and a true athlete at heart, best suited to active owners with space to run and time to include them in daily adventures, not a dog for long hours alone.
General guidance to help you get to know the breed, not veterinary advice. Always consult your vet for your own pet.
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Personality
At a glance
Breed traits from The Dog API · summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA). General guidance only, every individual pet is unique.