Breed History:

The Irish Red and White Setter is one of Ireland's oldest native gun dog breeds and is considered the ancestor of the modern Irish Setter. Developed during the 17th century, the breed was bred to locate and "set" game birds such as grouse, pheasants, and partridge by crouching low upon detecting their scent, allowing hunters to approach and flush or net the birds. Its excellent nose, stamina, and ability to work across rough terrain made it highly valued by Irish sportsmen.

During the 19th century, the solid red Irish Setter became increasingly fashionable in dog shows, causing the red and white variety to decline sharply. By the mid-20th century, the Irish Red and White Setter was close to extinction. Dedicated breeders in Ireland, particularly Reverend Noble Huston and later the Irish Red and White Setter Society, worked to revive and preserve the breed through careful breeding programmes. Their efforts were successful, leading to renewed recognition by major kennel clubs around the world.

Today, the Irish Red and White Setter is valued as a devoted family companion, accomplished sporting dog, and versatile gun dog known for its intelligence, endurance, friendly temperament, and distinctive red-and-white coat.

If you want to learn more about the origins and functions of setter dogs, then check out our article "Understanding Dog Breed Categories" covering all categories, including their origins, functions, temperament, and care.

Size – Medium-Large

Life Expectancy: 11–13 years

Breed Appearance:

The Irish Red and White Setter is a strong, athletic, and well-balanced sporting dog with an elegant yet powerful build.

The breed commonly features:

• Broad, well-proportioned head
• Strong, square muzzle
• Dark hazel or brown, almond-shaped eyes
• Medium-length, low-set drop ears with silky feathering
• Deep chest
• Long, muscular neck
• Straight, well-developed limbs
• Long, feathered tail carried level with the back

Its silky, medium-length coat is straight or slightly wavy with feathering on the ears, chest, legs, belly, and tail.

The hallmark coat colour is:

• Pearly white with solid red patches

The coat should display a clear distinction between the white base and rich red markings, without heavy ticking.

The breed's elegant outline, flowing feathering, and striking red-and-white coat make it instantly recognisable.

Breed Type – Sporting / Gun Dog:

The Irish Red and White Setter is an intelligent, energetic, and affectionate sporting breed.

It is known for being:

• Friendly
• Loyal
• Intelligent
• Energetic
• Affectionate
• Eager to please

The breed forms close bonds with its family and is generally excellent with children and other dogs. Its outgoing temperament makes it more suited as a companion than a guard dog.

Training:

The Irish Red and White Setter is intelligent and eager to learn.

Training should focus on:

• Early socialisation
• Positive reinforcement methods
• Basic obedience training
• Recall training
• Field and retrieving exercises
• Mental enrichment activities

The breed excels in:

• Field trials
• Hunting
• Obedience
• Agility
• Rally
• Tracking

Consistent, reward-based training helps channel its enthusiasm and natural hunting instincts.

Health & Care:

The Irish Red and White Setter is generally healthy but may be prone to certain health concerns, including:

• Hip dysplasia
• Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Cataracts
• Canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD)

Routine veterinary care, responsible breeding, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight help support long-term health.

Living Conditions:

The Irish Red and White Setter thrives in active homes where it has plenty of space to exercise.

Ideal environments include:

• Houses with large, securely fenced yards
• Active families
• Rural or suburban homes
• Homes near parks or open countryside

The breed prefers living indoors with its family but requires significant outdoor activity. It is generally not suited to apartment living unless its exercise needs are consistently met.

Exercise:

The Irish Red and White Setter has high exercise requirements.

Recommended activities include:

• Long daily walks
• Running
• Hiking
• Field work
• Fetch
• Agility
• Interactive games

Around 1.5 to 2 hours of daily exercise helps keep the breed physically fit and mentally stimulated.

Grooming:

The silky coat requires regular maintenance.

• Brushing three to four times per week
• Occasional bathing
• Trimming around the feet and ears when necessary
• Nail trimming
• Regular ear cleaning
• Routine dental care

The breed sheds moderately throughout the year, with increased shedding during seasonal coat changes.

Advantages:

• Loyal and affectionate family companion
• Excellent hunting and field dog
• Intelligent and highly trainable
• Friendly with children and other dogs
• Athletic and well suited to active lifestyles
• Beautiful, distinctive red-and-white coat

Disadvantages:

• Requires substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation
• Needs regular grooming to maintain its feathered coat
• Strong hunting instincts may lead to chasing wildlife
• Can become bored or destructive if under-exercised
• Prone to bloat and certain inherited health conditions
• Not well suited to inactive households or prolonged isolation