Irish Red and White Setter
Description
The Irish Red and White Setter is a striking breed with a history stretching back to 17th-century Ireland. This dog was originally bred for hunting and retrieving game birds, combining stamina with a keen nose. Their coat is medium-length, silky, and double-layered, featuring a distinctive red patched pattern on a white background that stands out in any setting. They’re affectionate and social, thriving on interaction with family and other pets. While they’re friendly, their hunting instincts mean they’re always alert and ready to chase a scent or game. These dogs need consistent training from an early age to channel their energy and natural drive into positive behaviors. Their size varies from 35 to 60 pounds, making them sturdy but agile companions. Expect a dog that’s lively and vocal, often expressing themselves with enthusiastic barking during play or alertness. They’re not just beautiful; they’re built for action and companionship in equal measure.
Grooming
Maintaining the Irish Red and White Setter’s coat requires regular attention to keep it healthy and shiny. Their medium-length, double silky coat sheds heavily during seasonal changes, so brushing three times a week is essential, increasing frequency during spring and fall. Use an undercoat rake to remove dead hair and prevent matting beneath the topcoat. Bathing every 4 to 6 weeks keeps their coat clean, but always follow with a thorough blow-dry to help shed loose fur and maintain the coat’s water-resistant qualities. Pay special attention to the red patches, as they can sometimes show dirt more easily against the white. Feathered areas behind the ears, on the chest, and legs need gentle detangling to avoid knots. - Brush 3× weekly; daily during heavy shedding - Use undercoat rake for dead hair - Bathe every 4–6 weeks - Blow-dry thoroughly after baths - Check feathered areas for tangles Pro tip: A slicker brush combined with a metal comb works best to reach through the silky layers without damaging the coat.
Learn the Double routine:
→ Complete Double Grooming Guide
Walking
Irish Red and White Setters require about 85 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions to keep them balanced and happy. Morning walks can be brisk and stimulating, incorporating some scent games or light fetch to engage their hunting instincts. Evening walks should be a bit more relaxed but still provide enough exercise to burn off their natural energy. These dogs love variety, so changing routes and adding some off-leash time in safe areas can help satisfy their curiosity and drive. Without enough physical and mental stimulation, they might become restless or vocal at home. Example routine: - Morning: 40 minutes brisk walk with scent tracking - Evening: 45 minutes relaxed stroll with play breaks This schedule helps manage their enthusiasm and keeps them content between activities.
Boarding
When boarding an Irish Red and White Setter, a crate size of 42 to 48 inches is ideal to allow comfortable movement and resting space. These dogs are playful and social, so they benefit from two active play sessions daily, combined with scent and brain games to keep their minds sharp. Staff should be aware of their vocal nature and provide plenty of interaction to prevent boredom. Enrichment activities like puzzle feeders or scent trails help reduce stress and channel their natural hunting drive. They respond well to consistent routines and gentle handling, which helps them settle quickly in a new environment. Because of their medium size and energetic temperament, supervised play with compatible dogs is recommended to avoid overexcitement. Keeping their coat brushed and clean during boarding ensures they stay comfortable and looking their best.